Few stories capture childhood and aging anxiety quite like Peter Pan. Jim Gaffigan, who sported a white beard to play Mr. Smee, the longtime companion of Jude Law’s Captain Hook in the new movie “Peter Pan and Wendy,” says the story is far more important to adults than children. Even people like him make their living telling strangers how much they enjoy eating at McDonald’s.
“Wendy doesn’t want to grow up. I understand that and I’m very close to people who really identify with the whole Peter Pan complex,” the stand-up comedian said in a phone interview earlier this month. “Most comedians don’t want to grow up.”
Directed by David Lowery, “Peter Pan & Wendy” opens April 28 on Disney+. Gaffigan, who lives in New York, spoke with his wife, writer and producer Jeannie, about the material he got from the offspring, along with his Gaffigan and his five children. , how he keeps them off pizza and why gardening feels like writing.
1
write in
Having consistent access to creative fulfillment is very important to me. As a stand-up comedian, you can come up with new lines and entirely new topics. Or maybe you’re writing commentary for CBS “Sunday Morning.” It’s nice to be accepted, but I did it for myself. That creative fulfillment is essential to my life. It’s much more important than accolades or financial gain.
2
gardening
Oddly enough, gardening is similar to writing and acting in that you know what your job is every day, but the results can be different. But what you do to facilitate it, or what you do to help it, can vary from day to day. is not. The trial and error of gardening and the meditative time spent doing it is really calming and reminds me of writing a standup or building a character for a movie.
3
nap
Napping isn’t all that uncommon among comedians, as it has to peak at a certain time. When I was in my late 20s and early 30s, I used to wake up early to audition for commercials, stand and watch at night, and feel guilty about napping. I remember hearing about Ronald Reagan’s naps. I have evolved to understand its value. This is a good way of saying it. Stopped in at this time of day.
Four
my child
The amount of material my five children have given me is not the reason I have five children. Lessons and preferably materials.
Five
deep dish pizza
I am in a long distance relationship with Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago. It must be a sausage deep dish. They are all good, but Lou Malnati’s offerings have been many times. What confuses deep-dish pizza in Chicago is the quantity. You don’t have to eat more than one slice, but he ends up eating more than one. And I’m ridiculously selfish. I’m not going to waste it for the kids, so I’ll make sure there are other pizzas given to the kids so they can eat the deep dish.
6
blue pen
I like Staples OptiFlow pens. The great thing about this pen is that it works well and eventually explodes in your hand. I use it for editing. I don’t know how people can write with a black pen. If you print something and put black notes on it, you miss them. must be blue.
7
Saint Agour blue cheese
Before we had kids, my wife and I would get a bottle of red wine and try different cheeses such as Saint Agur Blue because we thought we were fancy. A surprisingly creamy blue cheese.
8
Malcolm Gladwell
I’m reading “Talking to Strangers” right now. In all his books, I like how he presents information and presents theories, but the conclusion to it is that he is not one. And then there’s the efficiency of getting to the facts. He doesn’t give long introductions. I’m not a podcast person, but I think his book provides the intellectual stimulation that many people get from podcasts.
9
steak house
After the show, I often treat myself to a trip to the steakhouse. I’ve been to different places – The Palm, Ruth’s Chris, Denver’s Elway. I like steakhouses to be stiff, but not overdone. It’s so nice that you want it. It’s dark, private, and good for conversation. I love the overall atmosphere of the steakhouse.
Ten
fear
I was asked if I was nervous before going on stage. I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, but without a little fear, there’s no reward. I cherish the fear of acting. I think it’s exciting. With comedians, there’s always the chance that people won’t laugh. Or if you’re part of an acting project, people might say it’s the worst thing they’ve ever done.
