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/ WHIRL GIVEN YOUR SUCCESS WITH “SANDYLAND” ON SIRIUS, HOW DOES RADIO DIFFER FROM PERFORMING LIVE? Sandra Bernhard: It's a whole different medium. You're sort of cloistered in this little bubble — you don't have to worry about seeing people. It's exciting because you know you're reaching people, but you can't really see them. You absorb it. It's not like walking on stage. It's a much more relaxed approach. YOU’RE HERE IN PITTSBURGH A FEW DAYS AFTER ELECTION DAY. HOW WILL THE RESULTS INSPIRE YOUR SCRIPT? SB: I’m counting on good news. I touch base with politics on “Sandyland,” but I try not to beat people over the head with the obvious. I try to infuse my work with what I think reflects my philosophy on life, which trickles down to being who I am. It's clear who I support. THE COMEDY BUSINESS IS NOT AN EASY ONE. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? SB: A number of things, from the absolute mundane to the incredible people I’ve met, inspire me. There are so many talented people. When you get to know them and that's part of your life, the inspiration is endless. I just feel like I love what I do and I can't imagine doing anything else, so it keeps me plugged in and excited about whatever's coming next. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR INSPIRATIONS AND WHO DO YOU ADMIRE RIGHT NOW? SB: I had Peter Yarrow from Peter Paul & Mary on my show. He's so amazing and so vibrant. I thought, ‘This man is 78, and he is as fresh and excited as he was in the ‘60s.’ That's amazing. I did a special show on the M train with Debby Harry and Chris Stein. It’s so fun to have this platform right now, too, because it enables my guests to talk about their feelings, their philosophy, and where they’re at in their career creatively. I’m so grateful that I have this platform.
A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH Sandra Bernhard has been making a name for herself since she led the charge for comediennes in the late ‘70s. Her career kicked off at L.A.’s The Comedy Story, where her uninhibited attitude launched her into roles in Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy,” and various TV shows, including “Roseanne,” “Will & Grace,” and “Two Broke Girls.” From writing books to performing off-Broadway, she has conquered all areas of entertainment, and on NOVEMBER 12, she brings her humor to Rivers Casino for her show, “Feel the Bernhard.” We chatted with the fiery performer about everything from politics to projects, and what keeps her plugged in. For tickets to “Feel the Bernhard” on November 12, visit riverscasino.com. @sandragbernhard
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YOU’VE STARRED IN SO MANY SITCOMS AND RECURRING ROLES. WHAT IS ONE CURRENT TV SHOW YOU’D LOVE TO BE A PART OF? SB: There is so much great television now, between Hulu and Amazon and Netflix — it's a buffet. I'm working on a couple projects that I'm developing and writing myself, and one is based on my early life in L.A. I’m always going up for auditions and doing parts that people write for me. Whatever comes first will be fine for me. I KNOW YOU’RE A BIG FAN OF PITTSBURGH. HAVE YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THE CITY WHEN YOU’VE BEEN HERE FOR PAST PERFORMANCES? WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE CITY? SB: I love the [Andy] Warhol Museum. I love the vibrancy of the town. It's very on the cutting-edge. It's one of my favorite American cities.
“Sandyland” airs on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel, weekdays at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.
@sandrabernhard
BY ANDREA BOSCO STEHLE •
PHOTOGRAPH FROM KEVIN THOMAS GARCIA
10/14/16 4:13 PM