This local comedian is actually pretty funny. If you’re not familiar with his style just imagine listening to a joke you’re pretty sure you heard but when the punchline comes you are pretty shocked. Hear about 4 of these a minute for 45 minutes and you instantly have an overworked set of stomach muscles, including obliques.

 

Jerry is better known as the Rent Daddy, a title given to him from his previous job as a rent-to-own manager. If you saw this name on Louisville Mojo, don’t worry. As far as we can tell he’s no stalker, just a talker. And a funny one at that.

 

Currently working on a new comedy album and entertaining the local public weekly on Ville TV we were able to get a bit of time to present more of the whole that is Jerry Paulley. You can rent him by the week for 24 months or get him at one low price.

 

THE INTERVIEW

 

Will Muir: Why comedy, why not a regular office job? 

 

Jerry Paulley: In all honesty most comedians have to have a day job as well. If you are getting into comedy for the money then you will be greatly disappointed.True touring comedians are on the road 40 to 50 weeks a year and barely make enough money to make ends meet and rarely have any medical or life insurance. Therefore, most have a day job to allow them to keep doing what they love-comedy. I am actually a process server by day and comedian by night.

 

Will Muir: What is the meaning of your nickname, "The Rent Daddy"?

 

Jerry Paulley: When I first started doing comedy I was a manager in the rent to own industry. I worked for places like Rent A Center and Rentway. I had a very good reputation in the industry and some of my former employees used to call me “The Rent Daddy" in fun because I was a tad bit cocky and a little defiant. It was kind of their take on "The God Father".  It became my screen name on Louisville Mojo and that's the way people came to know me. Therefore when I was introduced locally at comedy clubs it was always as "Louisville Mojo's The Rent Daddy" and it stuck.

 

Daniel C. Morrison: I think I lasted one day on the job as a driver/guy-that-got-screwed-loading and unloading-stuff with Aaron’s.  So is this a big part, small part or no part of your normal comedy routine

 

 

Jerry Paulley: It’s odd but I actually don’t have a single joke that involves the rental industry. I’ve written several jokes while I was supposed to be working though!

 

 Daniel C. Morrison: (laughs) Is your comedy more based off of observations of dumb people, your life in general, putting down minorities, some of it all or none of it?

 

 

Jerry Paulley: My act is made up of about 160 jokes that are an average of 15 seconds long so it’s really quick moving. I would call it shock comedy that more pokes fun at racial stereotypes and political correctness more than putting down any minorities. I tend to say what a lot of people are thinking but wouldn’t dare say.

 

Daniel C. Morrison: In your opinion, how much swearing do you think is necessary in standup comedy and does it flow that way naturally or do you force it?

 

Jerry Paulley: I would say that it really depends on the person and style of act. It is based on the reaction you are trying to get. Sometimes a joke is funnier if you use a word like poop or tally whacker rather than a swear word. My style of humor is to lead you down a path where you think you know where you are going then surprise you at the end. That surprise is what makes the joke funny. Sometimes swearing is necessary to create that moment. You should never curse just to curse. If it isn’t important to the actual joke you shouldn’t use it.

 

Will Muir: How do you view the comedy scene in Louisville compare to the rest of the country?

 

Jerry Paulley: I am proud to be a Louisville comedian. Talent and competition wise I think Louisville may be the best comedy city in the country. You would be surprised how many quality comedians we actually have here in town.

Comedians like Tom Mabe, Tim Wilson, Tim Northern, Rich Ragains, Mike Armstrong, Keith McGill  andAdan White are household names to people who know comedy and are highly accomplished in the industry.

 

Will Muir: How would you describe yourself as a comedian, what do you think shaped your style? 

 

If I used one word it would be controversial. I grew up loving Rodney Dangerfield. he was a huge influence as far as style goes. He was the king of one liners and my average joke is 15 seconds. I would definitely say my style was definitely patterned after him. Substance wise I pride myself on being anything but politically correct. I hate political correctness with every inch of my body and do every thing I possibly can on stage to be politically incorrect.If I don't offend you at some point during the show I didn't do my job. Other influences were Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy and Andrew Dice Clay. You combine those 3 with Rodney Dangerfield and you have the closest to my comedy routine as I can explain.

 

Will Muir: What noteworthy comedians have you preformed with, who would you like to perform with that you haven't? 

 

Daniel C. Morrison: Yes, Also, if the smell of horrible farts came from you every time you tried to tell a joke and the only way to stop this was to say the names of 3 nationally known comedians you’d love to hang with, who would they be?

 

Jerry Paulley:I was lucky enough to perform with some great comedians over the years. My favorite was opening up for Rodney Carrington in Nashville. Rodney is one of my all time favorites so it was a big deal to me. I've performed with Tom Mabe,Tim Wilson, Tim Northern, Mike Armstrong locally but they are huge names nationally as well which proves my point about the Louisville comedy scene.

 

As far as comedians I would love to perform with the top of the list would be Kevin Hart closely followed by Dave Chappelle. I can honestly say that the list of comedians I would love to perform with could go on for days. I am a comedy fan and have more favorites than I can name.

If I could hang with any 3 comedians dead or alive I would have to say Rodney Dangerfield, Richard Pryor and Brian Regan.

 

Will Muir: Tell us about your Internet TV show and what areas it focuses on?

 

Jerry Paulley:  I am co host of The Lowdown with Rob Stone which airs Wed. nights at 7pm on www.villetvlive.com.

 

It a show that is primarily a platform to rant and rave about events locally and nationally that tick us off.Rob Stone and myself say whatever is on our mind and give people a chance to interact with us via the phone or email. We also add some fun in with some segments like the "Freakin Genius of the Week" and salute a local "Hero of the Week".

 

Daniel C. Morrison: Sounds fun!  What is on your comedy agenda for the holiday seasons? Any shows happening live? Also, does the Ville TV have any openings for original content ideas and another co-host on anything? I’ve learned it never hurts to ask!

 

Jerry Paulley:I am recording a DVD and CD at Comedy Caravan Wed Nov 20^th at 9pm. I will probably do a few fund raisers for some of the local orphanages to get Christmas presents. Ville TV is always looking for new talent and we are changing our format on The Lowdown on Nov 20^th to more of a panel discussion so we would love to have you and I’m sure the network would entertain the idea of you having your own show!

 

Daniel C. Morrison: Sweet! Do you have your own comedy CD available or anything of that nature, or even merchandise people can buy to help support you?

 

Jerry Paulley: I’ve got 3 previous CDs but The new CD and DVD  hopefully will be available before Christmas. As I have progressed in comedy I feel my act has greatly improved and I am just not happy with the quality of the other CDs and I believe I am going to scrap them as soon as I can!

 

Daniel C. Morrison: Is there anything else you’d like to add before we exit stage left?

 

Jerry Paulley: Just always remember that no matter how bad you think things are or how great you think things are it’s never that bad or that good so never get too high and never get to low. There is always someone who could use your help so help as many people in life as possible and life will treat you right!

 

Will and Daniel: We thank you very much for your time and wish you well with your comedy. If you have the lowdown on getting free rent to own merch don’t be shy in letting us know. (laughs)

 

Jerry Paulley: I know how but that’s confidential !!!!

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve9_V5WB1xE&feature=c4-overview&list=UUsP6ULd3Vm0QPQCHgIw8q0A

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sspqkqivtHE&list=UUsP6ULd3Vm0QPQCHgIw8q0A

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plBSpPh842c&list=UUsP6ULd3Vm0QPQCHgIw8q0A

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZCqq2DoEDk&list=UUsP6ULd3Vm0QPQCHgIw8q0A

 

 

Story and interview by

Daniel C. Morrison and Will Muir – Louisville Limelight Magazine