Many high-profile celebrities have felt the brunt of Jeff Ross’s insults. Now he is headed to SA for the biggest comedy festival on the continent, writes Debashine Thangevelo
FOLLOWING his A-list celebrity roasts on Comedy Central, Jeff Ross has earned his salutations as The Roastmaster General.
And he has roasted all the heavyweights from Pamela Anderson, William Shatner, Bob Saget, Joan Rivers, David Hasselhoff, Donald Trump, Charlie Sheen, Roseanne Barr to Justine Bieber.
His self-deprecating humour and observational comedy proved useful in myriad other roasts, too. Of course, given his Midas touch in the comedy arena, his popularity and sought-after status isn’t surprising.
Interestingly it was comedy that helped him navigate his way to becoming an idolised actor, director and author in Tinseltown. It all began with open mic nights at the Boston Comedy Club, back in 1994.
At 50, his credits are eyed by others in the business with both envy and admiration.
But fans will be elated to learn that Ross is making his way to SA for Comedy Central’s International Comedy Festival, an 18-event, five-day- long affair, with over 60 comedians on the bill.
Reflecting on the prep work that went into his roasts of some of Hollywood’s most recognised faces, Ross says, “I like to do my research and really submerge myself into my target. For Justin Bieber, I put pictures of him all over my house. So no matter where I turned, all I saw was him – really helps with turning on the mean.”
With comedy being second nature to him, it could have resulted in many an awkward Leon Schuster-esque response. But he has largely been spared that reception.
He reveals, “Everything I say comes from a place of love and humanity, so people usually don’t get mad. I respect and admire almost everyone I roast.”
When asked how he feels about coming to South Africa, he responds, “I always had a fascination with elephants. I have statues of them all over my house. They are such smart, peaceful creatures that care for each other, the way I wish people would act towards each other. It’s very rare you hear of an elephant stealing an old elephant’s bag in the street. They just respect each other.”
Ross will feature in The Roast Gala event. The other stand-ups sharing the stage are: Dillan Oliphant, Celeste Ntuli, Dusty Rich, Chris Forrest, Trevor Gumbi and John Vlismas.
He says, “I don’t know anyone yet but I can’t wait to get there and hang out with everyone from the festival. As a student of comedy, I always like to spend time with comedians from other countries. They offer such a different perspective, and are exciting to watch.
“Plus, I love Trevor Noah! Just know he is representing you guys well out in New York.”
In case you are wondering, Ross has been doing his research. He says, “I know that the Johannesburg Police Commissioner is suspended right now. I am getting into town a couple of days earlier so I can get a feel for the people and community. You can read about it all you want, but you never really know what a place is like until you spend time there.”
Asked how long he will be sticking around, he quips that he’s never had an African Hanukkah before. “I want to see as much of the landscape as possible. I’ve only been to Africa once before and that was doing a show at an air force base in Djibouti. So I really didn’t get out into the ‘bush’ at all.”
Fans will be interested to know that he recently did another special for Comedy Central: Jeff Ross Roasts Criminals: Live from Brazos County Jail.
He shares, “I went into a maximum security jail and roasted the criminals who are forced to live there. It was an interesting experience. I learned a lot. It was a real human interest piece. Maybe I’ll roast the police in the next one to show both sides of the coin.”
If Khanye West and his reality star wife Kim Kardashian West were a roasting option, he says he would love to take a crack at them. “They would be great to get roasted. I find its always best for the biggest celebrities in the world to let comedians make fun of them, and point out their faults. It helps them just as much as it helps the audience at home.”
When pushed to reveal his best roast to date, he offers, “I always say that the next one is the best. So I guess that will be you guys. I hope you are ready for me!”
Jeff Ross will perform at The Globe, Silverstar Casino, on Friday December 4 at 8pm. Tickets cost R350 to R650 at Computicket. For more information visit: www.comedycentralafrica.com