The Baker’s Dozen returns with actor & comedian Tom Papa! Tom starred in his own NBC sitcom a few years ago, but there’s a pretty good chance you missed it. But don’t worry your pretty little head, now you can learn all about it and other fun Tom Papa tidbits right here at TVadviceguy.com!
1) Let’s get the serious stuff out of the way – how did you get your start in comedy?
By getting on stage.
2) Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about your blink-of-an-eye sitcom, “Come to Papa.” Who on earth thought that would be a good title?
My mom.
3) How long did you have a deal with NBC before they finally developed “Come to Papa,” only to have them burned off in four short weeks in the summer of 2004?
One year.
4) Along with Greg Malins, you got writing credit on all four episodes of “Come to Papa.” Were you actually working twelve-hour days in the room, or were you just getting a vanity credit?
I was working in the room baby. And the rest of the day was spent begging the network to stop ruining my show.
Nielson families never "Came to Papa."
5) Everybody seems to be swinging from Steve Carrell’s nuts these days. Do you like to remind people that he actually was a regular in “Come to Papa” before he was a Golden Globe winner for “The Office?”
Steve is awesome. And a good kisser.
6) It's time for TAG’s "Either, Or!"
• “The Office,” or “Rodney” = The Office because of Rainn and Steve.
• Los Angeles, or New York = New Jersey.
• Sirius, or XM = XM has baseball.
• I Love the 80’s, or I Love the 90’s = Which ever one used me more.
• Big Mac, or Whopper = Curses on both of them. Garbage.
• The Nets, or The Devils = Go Devils.
7) How much did NBC’s tinkering contribute to the failure of “Come to Papa?”
All of it. The original show was a lot tighter and funnier but then they added a workplace? I never worked in a newspaper in my life but they added that in and the whole show got watered down.
Hopefully this bird doesn't shit on Tom as badly as the Peacock did.
8) You’re a regular guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Who’s got the best bar backstage?
The Tonight Show has a sweet liquor cart.
9) You are the regular opening comic for Jerry Seinfeld when he tours. How did you get that gig?
Jerry asked me and I said...oh alright.
10) Before you did standup you wrote commercials. What was your proudest moment as an ad man?
Writing a brochure for a nursing home. Good stuff.
11) What’s an average day like for Tom Papa when he’s not out on tour?
Writing, crying, laughing, writing some more.
12) If you could be adopted by any TV family, past or present, who would it be?
The Huxtables. I dig the sweaters.
13) After the “Come To Papa” experience, would you like to do another sitcom, or are you done with all that?
I want another one. It was great, just the casualty of some network b.s. I'll be back.
14) I will list some names here, go ahead and give me your thoughts. (Example: John Salley = Gifted athlete, not so gifted actor.)
*Harold Ramis= Brilliant, gave me my first movie role.
*Greg Mailns = Brilliant writer, even better dancer.
*Jerry Seinfeld = Who?
*Jennifer Aspen = Sunny and funny woman.
*Jay Leno= Great comedian, misunderstood host.
*Jessica Seinfeld = Smart, funny, great laugh.
*Carol Leifer In love with me.
*Colin Quinn = my hero.
*Jeff Zucker = In love with me, too.
So there you have it, folks, another wildly successful Baker’s Dozen. Thanks to Tom for writing back and being honest about his “Come to Papa” experience. If you want to find out what Tom is up to, you can always check out his web site at www.tompapa.com
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