...and the jealousy that sparks

Michael McIntyre says he’s not sure if he’d have made it as a comedian if his father had still been alive.

His dad, Ray Cameron, was a writer for the Kenny Everett show, and died when McIntyre was 17.

The comic says he fears he would have always been in his shadow had he still been in the same business – and admits he would probably not have had the confidence to find his own comic voice.

In an interview with the new Radio Times, McIntyre said: ‘I’ve always had the feeling I might not have been successful as a comedian if he’d not been [dead].’

‘I had to do it on my own. I had to work it all out. It took me ages, but I did it and I don’t know if I’d have managed [if he’d been around. What if he didn't find it funny?

‘You have to really believe in yourself as a comedian, and because of the kind of person I am I had to peek away so much. I was hiding behind so much…Would I have been able to do that with him around? I’ll never know’.

McIntyre said he only cracked it as a comedian when he became a father himself, realising that he would have to work hard on his routines and his career so he could support his family.

‘I wasn’t good enough,’ he said. ‘I used to blame agents and mismanagement, but if I’m honest… I would fold under pressure. I knew I had the ability to do it, but you have to do it every night, and I would have one great gig then three terrible ones.’

He also spoke about the jealousy in the comedy world, saying: ‘It surprises me how older successful comedians can be critical of new successful comedians and not just realise it’s our time.

‘I think it’s very uncool to criticise someone 20 years your junior who’s just shown up and is trying hard to get laughs and make a living. I don’t understand that.’

He was speaking to promote the return of his Comedy Roadshow to BBC One this Saturday, with an opening line-up that comprises Kevin Bridges, Craig Campbell, Daniel Sloss, and Milton Jones.

Published: 14 Sep 2010