Q&A with Tom Papa: Mybergen.com recently interviewed one of Bergen County’s favorite homegrown sons…NBC’s The “Marriage Ref” himself….Mr. Tom Papa. Tom discussed his Bergen County roots, his rise to A-list comedy stardom, and his sister Jennifer’s local non-profit work with City Green.
Enjoy!
Mybergen– As a former Bergen County guy and Rider College alumni, we want to begin with a very important question, Tom….what’s the correct condiment for a NJ pork roll sandwich on a hard roll? Ketchup or mustard?
Tom Papa– Ketchup until you are ten. Mustard the rest of the way.
MB– What was it like for you, growing up in Bergen County; did it in any way have an influence on your comedy chops? Do you have a favorite or specific memory to share with our readers regarding the “famous “A-Ha” moment when you just KNEW… that comedy was your calling?
TP- As a kid in Bergen County, a lot of the kids went to camp in the summer. I didn’t, which left me with a group of older cool kids who liked to beat people up. My only chance at survival was making them laugh.
MB– I sat right next to another famous Jersey guy by the name of John Bon Jovi in high school (5th period Media Techniques). He already had his eye on the prize and seemed to know where his focus was and carried the air of a rock star in the making…..Would Tom Papa have given off any vibrations of future comic greatness or comedic goals that early in the game? Did family or friends see you as a potential performer during your formative years? Did you even know at that point?
TP– I always knew I wanted to be in show business, and as soon as my tap dancing dreams died, comedy became my focus.
MB- Stand-up success…film roles…a hot TV show on NBC (“The Marriage Ref”) with a lineup of A-list celebrity guests …where does one go from here? What’s next for Tom Papa? More film projects, additional television spots…perhaps a restaurant chain, or a line of personally endorsed organic pasta sauces? Where would you like to put your energy?
TP- I’ve started working on the next season of “The Marriage Ref,” continuing my stand-up tour, and when I get a break, I will continue my quest for the perfect martini.
MB- Your sister Jennifer leads a very noble cause and much-needed (in my humble opinion) project/charity/non-profit enterprise, called City Green, right here in the Bergen County area. Can you tell us a little bit about that, Tom?
TP- She is a champion! She transforms entire communities with farming and gardening. She’s creating real-life effects on so many people’s lives. It’s really amazing. And as a non-profit can always use donations… www.citygreenonline.org.
MB- Teaching inner-city children and their families to be self-sustaining, creating their own sense of empowerment, even connecting them to the source of where their own food that they eat comes from is a very uplifting and inspiring journey that this program helps create. What attracts your family, and you in particular, to this type of charitable work, Tom?
TP- Our grandparents had very little money when they came to this country and yet never stopped giving. We all learned that. And how to make meatballs.
MB- Does Jennifer, as the Executive Director of City Green, have any plans to promote and extend this project on a national scale, based on its success here in Bergen County?
TP– Local, local, local. There’s enough to be done in Bergen and Passaic Counties alone.
MB- We saw you do a very funny bit on The Tonight Show, wherein you had a conversation with God about how humans are a little bit out of balance down here on earth, as far as their consumption of animals goes..(drawing the line by refusing to eat their own dogs and cats)!… Are you a promoter of animal rights or vegetarianism by chance?
TP- My wife is a vegetarian. l love animals and eat them at the same time.
MB- Lou Costello, Jerry Lewis, Joe Piscopo…Tom Pappa, and more…Can you explain why the Garden State (particularly Northern NJ) breeds such a high caliber of comedic talent that go on to become national acts? Is it something in the water, perhaps?
TP– When a lot of the nation considers your state to be a punchline, you develop a thick skin and an ability to throw back.
MB- You’re partnering up with Jerry Seinfeld hosting “The Marriage Ref” on NBC, which has just been picked up for its second season (Congrats to you on that, by the way)! Can you tell us how that partnership evolved, Tom?
TP- He’s funny. He knows funny. I’m funny. And I know how to beg.
MB- Cutting edge guests from Madonna to Alec Baldwin, to Larry David, himself…That set has GOT to be electric in there! Are you all having as good a time as you appear to be having?
TP- It’s the most fun I’ve had in my career. This and the talent show at Pascack Hills.
Finally…
MB- Tom, are there any guides or mentors that have allowed you to arrive at this point in your successful career, be they comedians or from other areas of your life, that you’d care to recognize?
TP- I’ve learned something from every comedian I’ve ever watched, everyone who ever made me laugh, and the little voice that lives in my head.
Be well, Tom…and continued success to you!
Mark P. Coyle….Mybergen.com
Read more local Bergen County entertainment news on mybergen.com.
