Amanda Lepore x Margaret Cho: The Société Perrier Interview

by Darren Ressler
Posted on:01.05.12

A few weeks ago we were watching Margaret Cho‘s hilarious Cho Dependent DVD and thought — wouldn’t it be great to interview her? We knew it would take someone with exceptional skills to interview the extremely clever Ms. Cho (who, by the way, is also a wicked party DJ), so we called up Société Perrier luminary and Queen of New York nightlife Amanda Lepore. One thing led to another, and the result is a fantastic co-interview where both femme fatales posed questions to each other. In this exclusive conversation, Margaret and Amanda touch on a variety of issues ranging from artistic inspiration to tattoos to marrying royalty.

Amanda interviews Margaret…

Amanda Lepore: What rituals do you have before you go on stage? Do you ever get nervous?
Margaret Cho: I get nervous all the time, but I really don’t have any kind of rituals to deal with it. There’s usually not enough time. I do shows almost every day and end up getting to the venue at the last minute and so I just go on. I am pretty used to performing, but I still get stage fright and it seems to get more intense as time goes on!

I heard Dolly Parton is covered with tattoos under her clothes. How many tattoos do you have and do you have a favorite?
I don’t really have a favorite — I love them all. Also I have so many that they are starting to connect, so really I just have one big one. If I counted them separately then I would say I have about 80 tattoos, but they are all under my clothing covered areas so people can’t really tell that I have them.

What do you like more: performing stand-up comedy or being on a sitcom?
I love stand-up, although acting gigs are great. I would say acting is my daytime job and stand-up is my nighttime job. Both are important to me.

How do you stay in shape? Do you have a strict diet and exercise regimen?
I try to do something physical every day, and then I don’t eat any grains. Those things are hard to keep up but if I can manage to do them it keeps me fit.

How do you deal with hecklers at your stand up shows? Do you actually get any?
I don’t really get them, but I never really have had them. I am not sure why that is. I think people are scared of me or something!

I saw you do stand-up at Radio City Music Hall a few years ago when we both did the True Colors show there with Cyndi Lauper. Why do you think the gay community has been so supportive of your career and your brand of comedy.
That was a fun show! I am part of the gay community and they are my family and my life. It’s a great honor to be a member of this tribe and my work reflects my experience as a queer woman. It’s rewarding and beautiful.

Who was your absolute idol growing up?
Cher, Bette Midler, Joan Rivers — the best!

Do you think that female comics have it easier now than they did 20 years ago or is it still a boys club?
Female comics have always been my favorite, but I think that comedy has always been male dominated. There are lots of wonderful women out there though. I think women in comedy have to be funnier and more talented than the men to get noticed and survive in the industry.

Margaret interviews Amanda….

Margaret Cho: What is your favorite makeup look?
Amanda Lepore: Old Hollywood glamour is my favorite look for makeup. I love red glossy lips, matching manicured nails, porcelain skin, long eyelashes and arched eyebrows.

How do you keep your body so gorgeous?
I keep my body in shape by staying busy. I go to the gym, do yoga and dance at night clubs.

Yes, your hair looks fierce — what is your haircare regimen?
Thank you! I get my hair bleached blonde about every six or seven weeks. I condition my hair all the time. I also take a lot of vitamins for hair, skin and nails. I don’t blow dry my hair I prefer to do roller sets because I like waves and curls.

Who are your musical inspirations?
I hear a lot of dance music from working in clubs. I also like old disco, Madonna, Grace Jones and Kylie Minogue. I like a lot of the music from old Hollywood movies from Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich musicals.

Who are your style inspirations?
Definitely Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield and the whole 1950's blonde bombshell era. I’m also inspired by pin-up drawings and Jessica Rabbit.

What designers are you into right now?
The one designer that made the most impact on me is vintage Thierry Mugler. He really combined Hollywood glamour with fetish and fantasy clothes together and that’s totally up my alley.

What would you like to do in ten years? Would you like to get married?
I would like to marry into royalty. Then I can be Princess Amanda Lepore. I would like to get married if I was in love and he was wealthy and could take care of me. I’m attracted to a man that can be a good provider.