Maria Bamford on DIY Comedy Specials and the Times She Acts Like a Jerk

Susan Maljan

Maria Bamford's star is rising (again). After elevating a string of Target commercials to comic fine art, she's now all over the place with a recent primo guest spot on Louie, an upcoming role on Arrested Development, a new CD Ask Me About My New God coming out in January, plus a direct-to-fans special coming Nov. 28.

Here's our Q&A with Bamford:

Congratulations on being on Louie, and soon, Arrested Development. At what point will you consider yourself a success?

Well, I told myself when I moved to L.A. that if I was ever listed in the L.A. Weekly, that would be success enough -- true -- and so, I've been on top since 1996 when my name was included in an open mic listing on the Westside: The Open Mic of Love with Vance Sanders!

Can you give us a hint about your contribution to the Judd Apatow-edited comedy issue of Vanity Fair?

I got to write some multiple choice-questions that will be used to poll Vanity Fair reading citizens. I think.

You're releasing a direct-to-fans special soon. That lack-of-label support must mean total creative freedom. Do you think you'll make money from it?

Well, judging from my current affirmations -- I am a king!  I am jeweled! I weave gold! -- it's going to a be a real cash cow. I already bought a heated pool plane -- so I can swim and fly to gigs in Indiana.

What person would you most like to do an impression of?

I'd love to be able to do all of my friends, of which there are about six. The reason I did my family was to keep myself company, so it would be helpful if there was a larger cast for post-show chat sessions in my hotel room.

You seem like a really nice person. Do you ever act like a jerk?

Yes. I get sort of short with people and start grumbling and clearing my throat -- in honor of my father -- when I'm impatient. It's very charming.

Maria Bamford is at Flappers Burbank, 102 East Magnolia Blvd., Burbank; Fri.-Sat., Nov. 9-10, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.; $20. (818) 845-9721.

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