Jim Gaffigan didn’t exactly plan to become a "clean" comedian—it just sort of happened naturally. “I think growing up in small towns in the Midwest, where you only cursed if you stubbed your toe, definitely shaped my stand-up,” the 54-year-old exclusively tells Closer. It's not just his humor that reflects his upbringing; it's also his values and approach to life.
As the youngest of six siblings, Jim never imagined himself becoming the head of a big family. “There was this romantic idea about having kids, but honestly, I didn’t even think I’d get married,” he laughs. “And then, boom—five kids. Each one is so unique, so special, and they just keep coming!”
Professionally, Jim has been on a roll, proving that he’s more than just a stand-up comedian. He plays a drug dealer in the indie crime drama Most Wanted and delivers hilarious observations about his travels in Amazon Prime’s The Pale Tourist. “Stand-up will always be my first love, but creating a complex character in a dramatic role is truly rewarding,” he says. “It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and making them come alive.”
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Keep reading for Closer Weekly’s exclusive Q&A with the one-and-only Jim Gaffigan!
How’s life treating you these days, Jim?
Oh, it’s wild, isn’t it? We’ve reached that point where we’re so used to being stuck together that it’s almost normal—but we’re doing okay. I mean, we remind ourselves daily that this is a global pandemic. For the first three months, we were holed up in our New York City apartment, then we rented a house so the kids could breathe fresh air and socially distance. We’re lucky. Honestly, with five kids, there’s no time for Tiger King. Who has the bandwidth?
What drew you to your new film Most Wanted?
At first, I thought it was a mistake when they offered me the role of a two-timing drug dealer. But then I realized how complex the character was. It’s based on a true story about a guy who gets framed by my character and some corrupt cops as a drug kingpin. It’s intense, gripping, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
You’re also set to play former Toronto mayor Rob Ford in an AMC limited series. Tell us about that!
This role will be a mix of drama and comedy, chronicling Rob Ford’s rise to fame and his eventual passing. He’s a polarizing figure—loved by some, despised by others. It’s fascinating to dive into his world and explore what made him tick.
What inspired the concept for your new Pale Tourist comedy specials?
The idea was simple: I’d travel the world as a tourist and turn those experiences into comedy gold. It all started after my tour of Asia, where I gathered tons of material. Unfortunately, the production quality wasn’t great, so I posted it on YouTube. But the Spanish and Canadian specials turned out fantastic—they’re polished, funny, and worth watching.
What was it like performing at a drive-in theater in New Jersey?
It was my first live show in four months, and let me tell you, it was surreal. Performing for a thousand cars instead of a live audience felt like creating a massive traffic jam. But it was a unique experience, and the energy was still there. Stand-up is all about the connection between the performer and the crowd, so it was good to feel that again.
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