Jim Norton is a self-described mess of a human being. That’s part of his charm as a stand-up comic.
He's flawed and he knows it. And he'll let you know it, too.
Back in 2010, he told me: “I’m a much nicer guy than people think I’m going to be. I think I’m pretty fair.I’m also a sex addict with anger problems.”
Four years later, he said: "Absolutely, the anger is a little better. But I'm still a f**** complete dirtbag. I still use sex to run away from everything in my life. Nothing has improved expect a little less anger."
Norton, who is headlining the Punchline Jan. 23 through Saturday night, admits to using prostitutes on a regular basis, though he said he dates on occasion. Unfortunately, he said he no real hobbies, besides watching UFC. "I'm boring," he said. "I really don't do much." He also hangs out with other comics in New York such as Colin Quinn and Dave Attell. "It's nice to have funny friends. I like watching my friends perform."
And he said he's about as filthy as he'll ever be: "I just stay at my level."
He recently taped what might be his last bit with Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show.” Over the years, Leno has been very supportive of Norton, who has done dozens of taped segments for him despite the fact he considers himself a “dirty comic.” He felt his Christmas bit, where he gets hit on by an 80-year-old woman, was not his strongest work.
"I didn't feel I was particularly on," he said.
Norton is a big supporter of Leno and hopes the TV host will continue to use him wherever he ends up once he's off "The Tonight Show" (again) next month. "I love the gig," he said.
He is also a regular on the Opie & Anthony show on XM Radio, where they don't have to worry about the FCC or offending advertisers. "I don't care if I offend people," he said. "I really don't care."
They do a regular segment mocking AM/FM radio personalities. (e.g. Star 94's Cindy and Jimmy.) "It's such garbage," he said. "There is so much bad radio. The problem is that's what people think radio is supposed to be. It's really frustrating. It's everywhere. You can't get away from it. It's unfortunate."
He's thrilled Sirius/XM has survived and thrived with 25.6 million subscribers. "It's staying awhile," Norton said. "Regular radio dug their own grave. They made satellite a viable place to go."
Norton, a free-speech advocate (naturally), marveled over the brouhaha recently regarding "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson's gay comments. He was taken off the show, then put right back on when a backlash ensued. "It was a business move," he said. "It shows how insincere they were."
He was also bemused how the British producers of "Celebrity Big Brother" harangued Atlanta boxer Evander Holyfield for expressing his feelings about gays. "The only way to handle that is to just be honest and don't back down," Norton said. "He's the heavyweight champion. What does he care? How dare they scold him?"
Comedy show preview
Jim Norton
8 p.m., Thursday $25
8 p.m., 10 p.m. Friday, $25
6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m., Saturday $25
Punchline Comedy Club
280 Hilderbrand Dr, Atlanta
