Nick Cannon talks fame, family and his upcoming show in Schaumburg
Nick Cannon stand-up comedian, record producer, rapper, actor, screenwriter and host of NBC's “America's Got Talent” was recently pictured in People magazine, sitting beside a giant cake at his 30th birthday party.
Cannon's wife of two years, singer Mariah Carey, was beside him.
“Was I in People?” Cannon chuckled, as he spoke about his upcoming appearance at the Improv Comedy Showcase in Schaumburg in a telephone interview.
Despite his varied resume and high-profile marriage, Cannon calls himself “just a regular dude.”
In a recent interview, the entertainer talked about his improv comedy act, his early years as a class clown and the media rumors that he and Carey are expecting a baby. (Shortly afterward, the couple officially announced that they are expecting a baby in the spring.)
Q. You are the host of “American's Got Talent” on NBC when did you realize that you had talent?
A. I was always the kid with a lot of energy always excited to be in front of people singing, doing comedy.
Q. So you were, no doubt, the class clown?
A. Yes, I was always a character, hyperactive and doing something nutty every day.
Q. Do you consider yourself to be a comedian, an actor or a rapper first and foremost?
A. I'm an entertainer. Of course, stand-up is my first love, and music is in my heart. But it's all about entertainment.
Q. What are some of the comical topics you'll discuss onstage at the Improv Comedy Showcase in Schaumburg?
A. I talk about my life. Everybody else is talking about it now they can hear it from the horse's mouth. I talk about marriage, my home life me and my wife. I also talk about subjects like politics, the president, racism.
Q. So you put a comical spin on some serious topics?
A. Absolutely. And I'm a student of improv, so wherever the energy in the room is flowing, that's where I'll go with my show.
Q. You turned 30 years old on Oct. 8. Is that changing the way you look at life at all?
A. I like the saying, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that leave you breathless.” It's a good bumper sticker.
Q. Who makes you laugh?
A. Kevin Hart is hilarious. I would also say Bill Cosby, Ellen DeGeneres and Robin Williams.
Q. What's married life like when both of you are celebrities? I'm guessing that you can't easily go out to a restaurant to eat or to the bookstore to browse without attracting attention.
A. Why not go out? If you don't make a big deal about it, most people go along with it. Usually people think that our life is all glitz and glamour, but it's not. It's about regular life, taking out the trash. That may be surprising to people.
Q. So you take out the trash?
A. Absolutely.
Q.When you are a father, what do you think will be important to teach your child or children?
A. I will teach the proper morals, and putting God first and foremost. I'll also talk with my child about being an all-around good person and knowing that everybody is equal.
Q. What are you really looking forward to when you come to Chicago Nov. 4-6?
A. Garrett's Popcorn it's great to snack on.
If you go
<p>What: Comedian Nick CannonWhen: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6</p><p>Where: The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, inside the Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg</p><p>Tickets: $22-$24. Patrons must be 18 or older. There is a two-item minimum per person in the showroom.</p><p>Details: (847) 240-2001 or improv.com</p>