Queer comedian Fortune Feimster brings her Takin’ Care of Biscuits Tour to
The Music Hall in Fair Park on April 18.
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
From Last Comic Standing to Netflix stardom with headlining specials and the series FUBAR, comedian and actor Fortune Feimster continues to grow her status as queer icon. And she’d probably giggle about it and shrug off any such status if you asked her.
Her friendly, low-key vibe is a signature for Feimster that extends to all of her perpetual success.
Currently she’s on the road with her Takin’ Care of Biscuits Tour with a stop in Dallas on Saturday, April 18, at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Ahead of the show, she talked to Dallas Voice about recognizing fame as it came her way and have some crystal clear recollection of North Texas early in her career.
Dallas Voice: Thank you for taking time with us and welcome back to Dallas. Fortune Feimster: I love it, yes, and I can’t wait.
How has Dallas ranked on your tour stops before? I’ve been touring Dallas from the early days of my career. I started at the Hyenas clubs, both in Dallas and in Fort Worth and Plano. I got all around that area and then moved my way up to the theaters and now doing this — this big, beautiful theater. So I’m excited. The people in Dallas have always been super supportive of me in my career.
Wow, you have a great memory. Have you ever processed how you’ve gone from those smaller venues to much larger venues? It’s been slow and steady. I’ve been able to enjoy the ride along the way. With every tour you make a little bit more progress, and each room gets bigger. But it’s certainly not an overnight thing. But after 17 years of touring, I always stop and stand in these big theaters after a show and look at the seats and just sort of take it all in. How incredible is it that I get to not only just do this for a living, but that people want to come see me do it? It just never gets old, and it’s something I really appreciate.
When did you recognize fame as it came your way? That’s interesting because there’s been different pieces of it. I was doing comedy for about six years before I got on Last Comic Standing. That was my break, and people would reach out. And it was cool. About a year later I’m on Chelsea Lately, and that went from a handful of people recognizing me to being shot out of a cannon because her show was so popular.
What an adjustment. That was really trippy. I literally went from being a totally broke, struggling comic to a member of this very popular television show. I’ve been very grateful to have continued working ever since that show. I was then on The Mindy Project for three years and Office Christmas Party, which really hit with people. People would yell out lines from that movie to me.
That’s definitely a sign of being famous. You know! I started putting out specials, and people maybe felt they knew me. Plus, I have a very distinct look, so I don’t really blend in anywhere. But it’s all cool. Every day there’s somebody giving me a high-five or a thumbs up.
I was having a stressful day yesterday, and I went to the grocery store, and a lovely woman stopped me, and she went, “I just wanted to tell you, I’m happy that you’re in this world.” How sweet was that?
You clearly have a mixed audience, but how has your queer audience been with you along the way? From day one, because your people find you early. And we’ve all been hoping for more representation, so most people in the community appreciate that and support me. I’ve done the Olivia Cruises or Atlantis trips, and I’ve done so many Prides, I can’t even count. They’ve always shown up, and I love that it’s everyone in the community, not just my lesbians.
When you’re here, will you go to Sue Ellen’s? I have been to Sue Ellen’s. Oh, it is so fun. I mean, who knows? My opener is Zach Noe Towers, a very hilarious gay man, and whatever the mood strikes. If we’re not too tired, he and I may head out. We have five shows back-to-back, so we have to pace ourselves. But, if we’re feeling that energy, we’ll definitely make it out there.
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or FortuneFeimster.com.