Photo by Aaron Salcido.
Max Amini is a stand-up comic who performs around the world and an actor who is a regular on Rob Schneider’s new series Real Rob. Before participating in the Zócalo/UCLA panel “Has Political Correctness Really Killed Humor?”, the UCLA alumnus professed his ongoing affection for Mr. Bean and the Laugh Factory in the Zócalo green room.
Q: What food won’t you eat?
A: I don’t eat pork. Recently I’m finding out more stuff that I don’t like. I don’t drink. Now I sound like a rabbi.
Q: Where would we find you at 10 a.m. on a typical Sunday morning?
A: Sitting at my desk in front of my computer.
Q: As a kid, who was your favorite comedian?
A: I always loved Mr. Bean, and I still like Mr. Bean.
Q: What’s your most disgusting habit?
A: [Laughs] I don’t think I have any disgusting habits. I’m pretty angelic in that way.
Q: When’s the last time you offended someone?
A: I tend to offend people quite often, especially people close to me, because I say things exactly the way they come to mind, and I’m brutally honest.
Q: Where are you a regular?
A: I’m a regular at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. I play the club, I hang out at the club, I spend time with the comedians. It’s my place of work and happiness.
Q: If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A: I’m a half poodle, half rooster. That’s actually exactly what I am.
Q: What do you do to clear your mind?
A: I work out and I play basketball. Basketball is what takes me completely out of any zone, any funk I’m in.
Q: Star Wars or the Godfather trilogy?
A: One hundred percent Godfather trilogy.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: My dad has given me a large amount of wonderful advice. I think the best advice that resonates with me is, live for a peaceful life rather than any other ambition. Meaning any goals, anything that you think is happiness, has to be aligned with peace of mind.
