Things have to be funny first, and if they want to have a point, that's awesome.
John MulaneyRead
I never turn on the crowd. Sometimes, you think it's a terrible show, and then afterward, sometimes people say they really liked it. So turning on the crowd is only going to alienate the few people who might like it. What do I do in that situation? Get through it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Don't seek to please everyone; focus on delivering your best, and some will appreciate it.
John Mulaney's quote reflects the artist's struggle with audience reception and the realization that a performer cannot cater to all tastes. Instead of trying to win over the crowd, which can lead to alienation, the focus should be on authenticity and perseverance during performances, tough or otherwise. Often, the audience's perceptions can be surprising, and staying true to oneself is the best approach.
Themes
PerformanceAudienceAuthenticityPerseveranceComedy
In practice
Example use cases
A comedian reflecting on a difficult gig during an interview.
More from John Mulaney
All quotes →I have found that people who really want to work at 'Saturday Night Live' and pursue it get pretty close. You have to be funny - but everyone who works there, it was their dream to work there. So it's kind of nice in that way - there's a lot of people who say, 'I just always wanted to do this, and now I'm doing it.'
John MulaneyRead
Sometimes I - with comedy, it's like someone liking you in high school. They either do, or they don't. And when they don't, they don't. And that's it. There are no appeals. You show up, and you're like, 'Hi! I'm -' and you stumble, and they're like, 'It's over.'
John MulaneyRead
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