by Diane Alter
Myra J. is a triple threat. She is a stellar comedienne, a talented actress, and an accomplished writer.
As a writer, Myra J. spent several years working on material for hit sitcoms, including “Martin,” Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, “Meet the Browns,” and others. She was also a co-creator and writer for the widely popular soap radio show, “It’s Your World.” Affectionately known as the poster child for single moms, Myra J. was a featured cast member of The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which is one of the country’s most celebrated syndicated radio programs.
A native of Chicago, Myra J. launched her career as a comedian some three decades ago. Years of comedic reflection and joke telling landed her appearances in blockbuster motion pictures such as, “The Gospel,” “Indecent Proposal,” and “House Party.”
In 2016, Myra J. was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service from U.S. President Barack Obama.
Myra J. took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions from This Week on MV for The 9th Annual MV Comedy Fest.
TW: What place do you find most restorative?
MJ: Any place that has a beach, bar, some lobster, and good people. Any suggestions?
TW: What music do you have on repeat?
MJ: Bruno Mars’ 24K Magic gets me pumped. However, I have been known to turn up when I hear Baby Shark (the classic nursery rhyme).
TW: What is your signature accessory?
MJ: At my weight, it’s a Fitbit.
TW: How would you describe your style?
MF: I wear whatever is comfy. It may not be “tres chic,” but I stand in the mirror and say WILLD! That W.I.L.L.D… What It Look Like Doe
TW: Please share with us the weirdest place you left your phone.
MJ: It was in my Spanx at a concert that banned cell phones. I got away with it, but I had to walk like Morticia from the Addams Family.
TW: To date, what has been your career highlight?
MJ: Performing at the MV Annual Comedy fest from August 5 through August 8, where I will have merchandise for sale. Yes, that is a shameless plug.
TW: What is the stupidest fact you know?
MJ: Chicago means “stinky onions.” The city of Chicago was a wild onion field. I read this in the en-cyclopedia as a child and I have been waiting ever since for someone to ask me this. That’s right, I’m from Stinky Onion, Illinois…South Side.
TW: When you are not on stage or rehearsing, where will you be?
MJ: On the internet looking at dream vacations I cannot afford.
TW: What was your strangest autocorrect mishap?
MJ: I don’t know how “nearly” became “merely,” but it made all the difference when I said my phone bill was “merely $700.”
TW: Describe your perfect drink?
MJ: Free
TW: Tell us about the feeling you had at your first paying gig?
MJ: It was $50 and two free drinks. I had enough money gasand groceries. I was BALLIN’!!!
TW: What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
MJ: Keep working on your M.A. degree. It will pay off. Andtake pictures of yourself as a size six…you’ll never be that skinny again.
See Myra J perform at the 2019 Martha’s Vineyard Comedy Fest on August at the Strand Theater in Oak Bluffs. For tickets and more information visit http://www.marthasvineyardcomedy.com
