By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California — Steve Martin said of comedy, “It’s all in the ti-ming.” (He put the accent on the second syllable.) Well, if that be so, the time is now for Jason Stuart. The actor, stand-up comic and lecturer has also become a published author. This weekend celebrated a book signing of Shut Up, I’m Talking.
The Los Angeles-based entertainer has been honing his craft for the past 36 years and attributes his unique brand of wit to his Jewish-gay identity. Stuart, the son of a Russian Holocaust survivor and Brooklyn-born mom, described his childhood home as “not religious, but culturally Jewish.” Comedians that informed him include Lucille Ball, Lily Tomlin, John Ritter, Paul Lynde, and Totie Fields. These comedians share a self-deprecating and sarcastic wit also employed by Stuart in his stand-up act. But, perhaps a more profound impact was made on the young comic by actress/singer Barbra Streisand. After seeing Funny Girl, Stuart saw himself in Streisand’s role: sad on the inside, funny on the outside. And he was in love with Omar Sharif!
Stuart came out in 1993 and was one of the earliest openly gay performers in comedy clubs nationally. He has starred in TV shows too numerous to list, appeared in comedy traffic school, Purim plays, community theater, Netflix series, and feature-length films, including Nate Parker’s Birth of a Nation. Cast in the role of a pre-Civil War plantation owner forever altered his self-perception. Stuart told me that it gave him a “depth and gravitas” and allowed him to do the things he wanted to do without shame or fear. He expressed it thusly, “I had always been told to stay in my lane. How can you stay in your lane, if you have no lane?” This artistic experience gave Stuart the courage and impetus to unapologetically and authentically be himself and give the audience his truth, delivered with kindness and humor.
Stuart credits his “arrival” with hard work. He constantly put one foot in front of the other and kept knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to people. He explained that lacking connections, he accepted whatever roles he could. He has always been passionate about acting; and though he reported he received no support from his mom or dad, he did get a lot of fodder from his “meshuganah” family for his act and, later, for his book.
What impressed me most in our discussion was Jason Stuart’s desire to give back or pay it forward. He spoke with great conviction that it is essential to “lift up and support your own.” To this end, the comedian does radio shows, lectures on college campuses and hosts a parents’ page on his website, jasonstuart.com. Recently, he attended the New York World Pride parade, and while he was elated that there were well-known stars headlining, he noted that none of them was gay. Stuart was grateful that Madonna and Whoopi Goldberg spoke for the gay movement, but where were the gay headliners? Why weren’t Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O’Donnell, or Billy Porter, who was in attendance, given equal exposure, he asked. “Maybe it’s time we speak for ourselves.”
Stuart noted that for Jews who’ve survived the Holocaust the mantra is, “Never forget.” He explained to me that for the LGBTQ community “silence equals death.” He believes he has a vital role as a mentor and advocate. With the help of his friend, Alexandra Paul, Jason Stuart is able to fulfill his dream of providing support, guidance and a sympathetic ear to others. Shut Up, I’m Talking is available at book stores, online at Amazon, at CCB Publishing and at jasonstuart.com
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Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com