Comedian Neil Hamburger, who is self-appointed America's Funnyman, will perform tonight at The Union.
Hamburger actually is a character played by Gregg Turkington, 41, from Darwin, Australia. Hamburger is known for his poorly timed punch lines, greasy comb-over, old-school tuxedo and zipper lips routine.
Even though Turkington wasn't available for an interview, The Post's Anna Hartenbach had the chance to chat with his alter ego Neil Hamburger about celebrities, hecklers and his CD, Neil Hamburger Sings Country Winners.
The Post: Who is your favorite celebrity to joke about?
Neil Hamburger: Well, I suppose Madonna. She is somebody that I really detest.
Post: If you could marry any of the rehabbed celebrities, who would it be?
Neil Hamburger: I'd probably marry Andy Dick because he's a real nice guy. ... But if you're talking about more of a romantic or sexual marriage, I probably would stay away from all those people. ... They're not a good bet in terms of a future.
Post: You've been carrying the title America's Funnyman. How is it carrying that title?
Neil Hamburger: It's a burden, I can't lie to you, but it's all I have. ... It takes a lot of work to get to the point to be given a title and if you don't use it, you lose it.
Post: I've heard you get heckled a lot during shows and people throw things at you. What is the worst thing that has been thrown at you?
Neil Hamburger: Somebody threw a human heart at me on stage in Tennessee. ... Have you ever been hit in the face by a human heart? It's a very unpleasant situation.
Post: What do you wish people would throw at you?
Neil Hamburger: Gold coins, old currency from the 1800s. ... You can sell those things and get so much money for them. I'd be set for life.
Post: What inspired you to branch out into your own comedy brand of country western?
Neil Hamburger: Well, it was just something that needed to be done because we were trying to compete with other singing celebrities.
Post: What is your favorite song on the album?
Neil Hamburger: I think I really relate to a song on an album called Three Piece Chicken Dinner. That one really tells it like it is.
Post: When you perform at The Union, what do you have in store?
Neil Hamburger: I will do the best that I can do, which means that you're looking at a top-notch evening of fun, laughter and joy.
3 Culture
Anna Hartenbach
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