The stand-up comedian, writer and actor uses her confessional comedy to bring people together. Fortune's material encourages unity, and the concept that common ground is just a joke or two away, regardless of age, background, sexual orientation and more.
Things began for Fortune when she was a writer and panelist on E's 'Chelsea Lately'. . . Before starring as a series regular on 'The Mindy Project', 'Champions' and 'Kenan'. Since, she's appeared as a voice actor (recently in 'The Simpsons'), on the big screen in film, and as herself in Netflix specials.
In May, action-comedy series 'FUBAR' began streaming on Netflix – starring Fortune alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first-ever television series.
Everything that has contributed to Fortune's success is bringing her back down under for her new stand-up show 'Live Laugh Love!'. . . Which has all the hallmarks of an uplifting Fortune Feimster gig. Here, we chat to Fortune before she hits our stages.
We can’t wait to have you down under! What’s your favourite thing about Australia?
I’m super excited to get to Australia. This is my fourth trip down under. There are so many things I love but I’d say the people are my favourite. Everyone is really lovely and I love the laid back vibe. It very much matches my sensibilities as well. And I love the restaurant Chin Chin so can’t wait to go there again.
Is there something, from what you may have observed, that sets Australian audiences apart from the rest of the world?
I think Australia is one of the best comedy audiences. They just get comedy and seem to have a lot of respect for it. I’m sure having one of the world’s largest comedy festivals, the Melbourne Comedy Festival, has helped with that. It makes performing there a real treat.
Something you’re known for in your comedy is ‘bringing people together’. Is this a technique you chose/had in mind? Or was it something that came naturally and evolved?
I think it’s something that just happened as a result of my personality and the things I talk about. I’m a very silly person. I consider myself naturally happy. I wake up feeling like the glass is half full. So that’s not something I’m 'putting on' as part of my act. I’m up there just being who I am. I think that positivity tends to spread. I see it every night at my shows. People from all walks of life are laughing together and have the common goal of having fun. Plus I’m sharing very personal stories of my life and what I’ve been through, and those are things that people can relate to for many different reasons.
If you can answer without spoiling. . . What would you say is the bridge that connects all the material in your new show? The one theme/idea that’s present throughout?
My last two specials have followed a timeline. My first one, 'Sweet & Salty', was very much about me growing up and figuring out who I was. 'Good Fortune' was me becoming an adult and how I’ve navigated that. I also talk about getting married and learning how to be a partner. This set picks up from there. I start with my honeymoon and what happened with that. And then continues on about being deeper into a committed relationship. I’m also talking a lot about my mom again and navigating that relationship as we both get older. I think the theme as a whole is still unfolding but it’s things we all go through as a partner or as a child or just being human.
When it’s time for you to put pen to paper and start concocting new material. . . How do you begin? What’s your creative process and how do you get your creative juices flowing?
I always look at where I’m at in life. What are the things I’m going through or how have I been feeling. I try to really dissect that. I keep notes in my phone if anything funny or interesting happens so I go through that as well to see if I can dig more into any of those. But I also like doing some sort of nostalgic bit as well where I think back to my childhood and talk about something that happened then but through the lens of me as an adult now.
Why do you think comedy is such an effective art form, and on a more personal level, what do you think it is that draws crowds to your brand of comedy?
I think comedy is one of the few things left that can bring people together. There’s so much negativity out there and things that are trying to make us all divided. But laughing is such a universal thing. We all need it. It’s good for our soul. I really try to focus on the more positive side of things and I can only assume people are drawn to the levity of that. I just want to make people feel good and to forget whatever stressful thing they’re going through, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
You’re in the new Netflix series ‘FUBAR’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is his first TV series. . . What’s it like to share in this big moment for him, and what was a highlight of your involvement?
Just working with him was really awesome and I learned a lot from being around him. It’s such an honour to be a part of his first TV project. We’ve all been blown away at how popular the show is but that’s such a testament to him and his popularity, but it’s also nice that we have a really great ensemble as well. We all laugh a lot when we’re together.
What’s in the pipeline? Any new projects or ventures on the horizon?
Well I’m currently really busy on tour and traveling all over the place for that. 'FUBAR' just got picked up for a season two so that will resume some time after the writer’s strike. And then I’ve got a few fun parts in two movies that will come out in the next six months or so.
Fortune Feimster 2023 Australia Tour Dates
16 July – Norwood Concert Hall (Adelaide)
19-20 July – Factory Theatre (Sydney)
21 July – Brisbane Powerhouse
23 July – Forum (Melbourne)
