MY NEXT CHAPTER

The comedy actor and SNL alum gives us the scoop on his new podcast and life today

- Diana Cooper

Comedian, actor and Saturday Night Live alum Chris Kattan has a lot on his plate these days. He’s working on a new standup routine, testing the waters of dramatic acting, and hosting his own comedy and variety show podcast. On Idiotically Speaking With Chris Kattan, he and funny guys Andy Bolduc and Joey Nuñez talk with comedy luminaries, including Dana Carvey, Fred Armisen, Cecily Strong and Rachel Dratch, and find the funny in everyday things like karaoke, facial hair and Red Lobster. “It’s totally different,” Chris, 54, tells Closer of podcasting. “It’s audio, not visual. And you’re not doing it for a live audience or for a camera.” It’s also comedy without a net because nothing is scripted ahead of time. “It’s always intrigued me to have my own podcast,” he says. “I thought it would be fun.”

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue comedy?

Probably in high school. When I did a pep [rally] assembly, I did an impression of one of the teachers. I just gained the courage. I found out that was the one thing I had some courage for.

Was that when you were living in Washington state? What was that like?

It’s not Los Angeles. Bainbridge Island is up in Washington. It’s this much smaller area and a smaller population. It’s not a big city, so I think it helped me focus on school.

As a young man, you were part of the Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles.

Yeah. My father [voice actor Kip King] was one of the founders. He used to take me to go see the Groundlings when I was a kid.

Was your dad a big inspiration?