Critics have said when you experience great art, your soul is moved and your heart cracks open. Last night was one of those nights. Witnessing a show giving us all hope in troubled times, Jimmy Tingle, Humor and Hope for Humanity made me laugh, made me think, made me remember and gave me hope. Even when negativity, anger and lies seem to dominate our airwaves, I walked away from this show with a smile, some encouragement and a new awareness of the courage and capabilities of human beings. We walked through four decades of Jimmy’s life.
Starting with his working-class beginnings with his dad driving a cab in Cambridge, Massachusetts to hitting his bottom with alcoholism at the Cambridge City Hospital in 1987. A year later he was doing the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Sobriety launched him into a fourth dimension of success leading him next to a similar spot to Andy Rooney’s on 60 Minutes II.
Jimmy used that platform to present to the world his concerns about politics and the pulse of America and even did a commentary 20 years ago comparing Trump to the Pharaohs of Egypt predicting our future with the past president. One of the most moving parts of the show was when Jimmy discussed discovering a book that changed his life, The Strength to Love, filled with Martin Luther King’s sermons. It moved him to another level of service with others and a longing to make a difference in people’s lives. His humility and honesty are present as an undercurrent throughout the show. I was mesmerized by his authenticity and insight into the human condition.
The arc of his career led to doing one man shows in small theaters, rather than doing stand-up comedy in bars. He wanted to reach a larger audience and eventually was accepted to Harvard for a Master’s Degree in Public Administration MPA and subsequently gave the graduate school commencement address. He discussed powerful messages like: “Put your actions where your ideas are…” and the importance of taking action even if it’s a small step.
It was a comedy show where I laughed out loud and yet he discussed the challenges we all face with climate change, truth in politics, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse disorder. His ideas and solutions are thoughtful, clear, and he takes some big swings towards solving problems that have been around forever. He says, “Government matters.” and that “Faith without works is dead.”
He ended the show telling a story about having dinner with Noble Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the joy of making him laugh. His final words brought tears to my eyes as he played “Amazing Grace” on the harmonica and said finally, “We are going to be ok.” I really needed to hear it. From Jimmy, it seemed like a message from God. Thanks, my friend.
Coffee with Jimmy: A few questions for the legendary comedian.
1.) What made you decide to go from doing stand-up in bars to doing a one man show in theaters?
Jimmy: I got sober in 1987 and I didn’t think it would be a good idea to be hanging around in bars all the time. The environment of being a comedian can be pretty risky. I began to notice these one man shows starting up with people like Eric Bogosian, Jackie Mason and Spalding Gray and they seemed to have a deeper message, which interested me.
To do a show that shifts how people feel or see something and that has a beginning, middle and end called to me. Right now I’m editing a film called, “Jimmy Tingle: Why would a comedian run for office?” This is based on my 2018 run for Lieutenant Governor.
2.) It seems like many comedians are in recovery. What do you think is a factor leading comedians to substance abuse?
Jimmy: I don’t think being a comedian is any different than any other career choice as far as substance abuse is concerned. There are substance abuse problems with every career. It may seem like there is more substance abuse because we are in the public eye but 175,000 people died from alcoholism last year so it hits everyone. It goes beyond comedy.
I don’t want to evangelize recovery but let’s face it, life gets better when you’re sober. Most people want to be safe, be healthy, be good to their families and live purposeful lives. Sobriety definitely helps with that.
3.) What has helped you stay sober for this long?
Jimmy: Having a good support system is critical. Trying to find some type of support group for your sobriety and people who understand recovery. There is a saying I use to hear a lot, “Whatever you put before your sobriety, you will eventually lose.” I believe this. When I start feeling squirrely or anxious or a bit out of sorts, I go to my support systems and check in. The rewards of long term sobriety are having hope, being optimistic, being altruistic, the freedom of responsibility..and the pleasure of having a purpose. The best reward of recovery is the ability to help others to achieve sobriety through the power of example and working directly with people who have the willingness to take suggestions and a strong desire to get sober.
4.) Since Leaving Crazytown is about codependency recovery, have you ever focused on saving or fixing someone else? What do you think are the characteristics that make up a long-term marriage like yours?
Jimmy: Well, without giving personal details, yes, I have tried to help people get sober and/or help them with their own codependence.
I have taken people to support groups and tried to help them see what I see. It isn’t easy. We can’t make anyone choose recovery, people have to do it in their own time.
As far as what are the most important components to a long term marriage? Two things: Love and Respect. Period. To find a schedule of Jimmy’s upcoming shows, please go to JimmyTingle.com
The Jimmy Tingle Show
Jimmy Tingle – Harvard Commencement Speech
Jimmy Tingle – Humor of Humanity
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