Interview: Rarely Asked Questions – Sofie Hagen: Page 2 of 2

sofie hagen

6. What do your parents think of your job?

My dad thought it was so cool that he actually started talking to me again. He even loves my 'so my dad is an asshole'-jokes. But don't worry, he won't love me enough to make me un-funny.

7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?

Meeting new people who are non-comedians. It's so hard for some people to get their heads around, understandably of course. I once had a one night stand where the guy (who was already WAY too hot to be having sex with me) suddenly started stuttering all these horrible one-liners at me. He was so scared of not being the funniest one. It was so strange.

8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?

Good? Can I take that as a Bruce Dessau quote for my poster instead of the one I'm using now: "Sofie Hagen is slightly overweight"? (editors note - sorry no, I say that to everyone just to put them in a good mood)

If I'm ever satisfied with my performance on stage, shoot me in the face. The point of stand-up is that there never is a goal - I will never, ever be good enough. I like my journey and I like my process. It's a weird feeling of.. I think I'm quite amazing considering how shit I am.

9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?

I earn too much considering I'm doing the best job in the world, but I'm not earning enough for me to NOT get a massive stomach ache when an unexpected bill comes through the door. I'd like to be able to earn enough money so that I can turn down gigs that make my skin crawl.

10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?

Luck is a strange thing - I fell in love with a guy back in Denmark who broke my heart. Because he was a musical actor, the break-up made me go to London to watch all of his favourite musicals (ha ha, in your face!) and to not waste time, I did a few open mics. That's what made me move here. Which has absolutely made my life incredible. That was pure luck - even though it didn't feel lucky at the time.

11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?

Tortured. I once sat in backstage room where this was asked, and everyone agreed that you had to be somewhat fucked up to be funny. One of the comedians said, "But I had a great life and I'm really happy and content, so it doesn't always apply!" and a silence filled the room as everyone thought: But you're not funny.

12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?

Bruce Dessau. He is my top favourite person. I can say that, because we're not friends (you still can't use that quote. BD)

13. Do you keep your drawers tidy?

Has anyone ever said yes to this? Of course not. The point of a drawer is for it to be a place of organised mess. 

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