Watch Sarah Silverman

As a comic, I don’t do politics. It’s just not my thing. Some comics do and they are very good at it, but for me, as far as material goes, the general life observations is more of the route I take, and obviously I have a bit of a specialty when it comes to Jewish shows. Did I say I don’t do politics? Just wanted to make sure. I don’t post about it, Tweet about it, and only even discuss it with close friends. So let me be clear… I don’t do politics. We’re all clear? Great!! That being said, if you were to ask me what comic I support, I’d immediately respond with Sarah Silverman, and it has nothing to do with politics, and no matter where you are politically, even if you’re a right wing hawk, you should support her too and here’s why.

I’m spending the weekend in London and a friend is hosting a Shabbat dinner. Last night I stopped in a local kosher market at about 11:30 p.m. to get some wine and upon hearing my American accent, the young Chasidic looking guy working the cash register, asks me where I’m from. We start to chat as he’s Canadian, just moved to London, getting married soon, etc. all very nice, and then he asks me what I do. Comics in general often don’t like answering that question if we think it’ll lead to the “then tell me a joke” situation, but this guy seemed very down to earth so I was honest. Upon telling him what I did for a living, he very matter of factly told me that Sarah Silverman’s comedy helped him get through a very difficult time in his life when he was in yeshiva and struggling. “I’d listen to her comedy and it just made me feel better. Do you know her by any chance?” I responded that I actually did and his face lit up. “Gimme a sec.” I quickly shot Sarah a text and within about a minute she responded back with a video thanking the guy by name for being a fan. He freaked out and said it made his night, week, month, and year.

That’s who Sarah is. One of my earliest memories I have of Sarah after she became a big star was a night at the Improv in Los Angeles and it was packed. Sarah had just gotten off stage and was hanging out near the bar. Needless to say, there were many people surrounding her and I noticed one very shy girl off to the side who I could tell was beyond nervous to approach, but really wanted to. She was even rocking back and forth she seemed so scared. There was a split second where Sarah was by herself and the girl jumped in almost apologetically and told Sarah what big fan she was. Now keep in mind, Sarah is very quick witted as many comics are, and could verbally destroy people if she wanted to so I get how scary it must have been for that girl. Upon hearing what the girl had to say, Sarah cocked her head to the side, and sheepishly said that was so sweet, gave her a big hug and they talked for a bit. Now you might think, well, every celebrity should act that way. Well, maybe you’re right, but many of them don’t and I’ve unfortunately seen it, but Sarah always does.

My good friend Mitzi was a massive fan of a certain comedic actor who will remain nameless and was her hero. Mitzi finally got to meet the person one night at the Improv. The actor was so rude to her it ruined her image of the person’s talent, and she was very upset. I’ve seen (and I’m sure many of you have heard) story after story about celebrities feeling entitled and acting like snobs and often losing their tempers. If you had press sticking camera stuck in your face and were constantly bothered you might lose your cool every now and then also, but I’ve never seen Sarah do it.

Was I surprised that Sarah texted back? Honestly not really. That’s just who she is. You may not agree with her politics, but you have to agree with her as far as being a good human being. Sure she is very charitable with her time and money, but you could make a case that many celebrities are. Many celebrities do not treat people the way Sarah does though. So, politics aside try and look at the positive qualities of people in comedy because I promise you they are there. Want a lesson in drive and how to succeed? Watch Amy Schumer. Want a lesson in working hard to perfect your craft? Watch Jerry Seinfeld. Want a lesson in humility? Watch Ray Romano, but feel free to start with a lesson on how to treat your fellow man, or WOMAN!! (Gotta throw that in just in case Sarah ever reads this!) and watch Sarah Silverman.