Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Cho Dependent: A conversation with Margaret Cho

Comedian, TV star, author, musician, belly dancer, Margaret Cho's been so famous for so long and for so many reasons that it's hard to believe that she's only 41-years old.

And, now appearing on the current season of the insanely popular 'Dancing with the Stars' - where she took out none other than David Hasselhoff on the first episode - whilst simultaneously crisscrossing the nation with her new Cho Dependent comedy tour, it's possible that Cho is at the pinnacle of her 20-year long entertainment career.

I was able to snatch a few minutes of her time recently to talk to her about 'Dancing with the Stars,' The Situation, Sarah and Bristol Palin, and, on a serious note, the recent spate of anti-gay bullying suicides.

Drew Wilson: How did you come to be involved with 'Dancing with the Stars' and are you going to be able to incorporate any of your belly dancing in your performances?
Margaret Cho: I was asked to do it and did some belly dance moves in my samba routine! It's hard though, because belly dance and Latin and Ballroom dancing are such different disciplines. Hopefully I will be able to incorporate more later if we stay in!

Was that you booing Sarah Palin?
There wasn't booing for her! They were booing the judges at the low scores given to Jennifer and Derek!

What was it like being up against The Hoff for elimination after the first episode? Did you think you were gonna be able to take him out?
No! He's so famous! He really is an international icon so it was amazing to have survived that! He's also a very nice man and really an elegant personality.

You're a self-proclaimed fan of 'Jersey Shore'. What's The Situation really like?
He's actually very shy, which is surprising. You'd never expect someone like that to have a shy side but he really does!

Have you had a chance to meet and discuss politics with Bristol Palin?
We haven't talked politics - just dance! She's a really nice person and very supportive and sweet.

How in the heck are you managing to do 'Dancing' and tour the country with the Cho Dependent Tour? On a scale of 1-10, just how exhausted are you?
It's an 11. I’m completely tired physically but having a blast. I love doing both!

You're coming to Denver this Saturday with with the Cho Dependent Tour. What can Denver audiences expect from the show?
It's all new material - lots of surprises. It's my best show yet!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Cho Dependent: A conversation with Margaret Cho

Comedian, TV star, author, musician, belly dancer, Margaret Cho's been so famous for so long and for so many reasons that it's hard to believe that she's only 41-years old.

And, now appearing on the current season of the insanely popular 'Dancing with the Stars' - where she took out none other than David Hasselhoff on the first episode - whilst simultaneously crisscrossing the nation with her new Cho Dependent comedy tour, it's possible that Cho is at the pinnacle of her 20-year long entertainment career.

I was able to snatch a few minutes of her time recently to talk to her about 'Dancing with the Stars,' The Situation, Sarah and Bristol Palin, and, on a serious note, the recent spate of anti-gay bullying suicides.

Drew Wilson: How did you come to be involved with 'Dancing with the Stars' and are you going to be able to incorporate any of your belly dancing in your performances?
Margaret Cho: I was asked to do it and did some belly dance moves in my samba routine! It's hard though, because belly dance and Latin and Ballroom dancing are such different disciplines. Hopefully I will be able to incorporate more later if we stay in!

Was that you booing Sarah Palin?
There wasn't booing for her! They were booing the judges at the low scores given to Jennifer and Derek!

What was it like being up against The Hoff for elimination after the first episode? Did you think you were gonna be able to take him out?
No! He's so famous! He really is an international icon so it was amazing to have survived that! He's also a very nice man and really an elegant personality.

You're a self-proclaimed fan of 'Jersey Shore'. What's The Situation really like?
He's actually very shy, which is surprising. You'd never expect someone like that to have a shy side but he really does!

Have you had a chance to meet and discuss politics with Bristol Palin?
We haven't talked politics - just dance! She's a really nice person and very supportive and sweet.

How in the heck are you managing to do 'Dancing' and tour the country with the Cho Dependent Tour? On a scale of 1-10, just how exhausted are you?
It's an 11. I’m completely tired physically but having a blast. I love doing both!

You're coming to Denver this Saturday with with the Cho Dependent Tour. What can Denver audiences expect from the show?
It's all new material - lots of surprises. It's my best show yet!

On a serious note, what are your thoughts on the recent spate of anti-gay bullying suicides?
It's heartbreaking. I used my storyline on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to celebrate gay pride and reach out to the gay youth of our world. The bullying needs to end. The gay suicides need to end. We need to heal from this and teach our children to take care of each other.

Have you ever been bullied? What's the meanest thing a bully ever said or did to you? What would you say is the best way to respond to a bully?
Yes, I have been bullied. I have been told that I should kill myself - that this is a better option than being myself. It's terrible. I feel so much for all these kids going through this. The best way to respond is to love yourself and know that you are loved.

What message do you have for Denver's gay community and readers of MileHighGayGuy?
I can't wait to see you!

Margaret Cho brings her Cho Dependent Tour to Denver on Saturday, October 9 at the Paramount Theatre. Her album of the same name is now available and features comedy songs including 'The Bear Song.'