i am aisha tyler. actress. comedian. tv host. author. gamer. caster of pods. ask me anything.

Lana... Lana... Lana... LANAAAAAAAA!

WHAT?!?!?!?

Hey Aisha, this was a thing that has been rattling around my brain for a while, and here's a good a place as any to say it.

When I listen to, or see you talk about being a gamer as a woman who is also black, I remember Hooper from Chasing Amy: "I gotta deal with being a minority from a minority of a minority." I almost feel like being an average white guy gamer that I can't really express or be thankful that you're around without sounding condescending or some such thing. But I am thankful, because you're a voice we need, badly, in gaming culture.

There's a bunch of us out there that get how fucking awful this scene can be, especially on a person who puts themselves out there. Your attitude has been inspirational for me in trying to be a better person.

So, thank you for this.

(Also... Danger Zone)

The next time you get out of your car, I hope the world spins down to slow motion and white doves fly out behind you. That is how I see you in my mind.

How big are your hands?

NORMAL FUCKING SIZE AND PROPORTIONAL TO MY BODY GODDAMMIT!!!

sorry. They're really quite delicate and feminine. But occasionally they take over and start typing in furious all caps.

I love you. I don't have a question, but you make me laugh hysterically. And you are hot. Thank you.

You are a superlative human being and deserve cookies.

What was it like being asked to do Whose Line? Were you a fan during the original run of the US show?

It was incredible! Super flattering, esp as I was a fan of the original show, and am good friends with both Drew and Wayne. Huge honor to take over for Drew, whom I absolutely love. Nothing but amazement all around.

Would you ever consider being white? I asked my father and he seemed apprehensive to being Caucasian

Haha that is an awesome question and I cannot answer it because I am laughing so hard. In other news, I am a six-foot call chocolate ninja. Why would I change?

even though as Lana Kane you never can quite decide between Cyril and Sterling, who would you, Aisha, pick between H. Jon or Chris, and why?

Oh lord. I love them both. H Jon is the sly yet remote lover, and Chris is the insanely well-hung neighbor that makes you lose your job because you have been having sex nonstop for four days and have forgotten your name, where you live, and what your pets names are. Also your pets are dead because you forgot to feed them.

Has Colin taken full advantage of Wayne being bald now?

Hah! No. He should, though. They are practically twins.

What's it like living life in the danger zone?

Nothing but bitches and money. Bitches and money.

What do you think of Bob's Burgers, and do you have any plans to appear on the show?

I love Bob's Burgers and if they call me I will come.

Haha that sounded dirty.

Because I intended it to.

Is there anything you don't do?

Swallow.

LANAAA! Who do you think is the rightful heir of Westeros?

Arya Stark. Or maybe Jon Snow. Or maybe whichever guy looks best without a shirt on. So, Loras Tyrell.

If you were stuck on a desert island for a year, but still had an Internet connection what game would you take if you could only have one?

TWD for the ipad. And also porn. Porn is a game, right?

Who's your favorite comic book superhero?

Starfire from New Teen Titans cause she can fly, and she almost looks black. Also, no pupils. She is bananas hot in the New 52 reboot. I would wreck it.

How do you keep your hair so perfect?

I pay a member of the Blue Man Group to paint himself the same color as the set and stand directly behind me in camouflage and adjust my hair every time a strand moves out of place. Very expensive but totally worth it, as he also doubles as a very hard to see bodyguard.

How often do people scream "Lana. Lana. Lanaaaaaaaaaa!" at you on a daily basis, and how many times do you punch them?

Also, "Danger zone" is currently my text notification, but I'd be willing to change it to something less annoying if you wanna hang out or something.

Just sayin'.

1. So, so many times. Observe this thread.
2. Your offer is so enticing that I cannot help bu....

I met you after the awards ceremony at SxSW this year. I was the girl who ended up taking everyone's picture first but then got a chance to have my picture taken with you.

Anyway, I was too starstruck at the time to say thank you. You were really as nice, tall and genuine as I imagined you were. Thanks again for one of my favorite moments this year.

Thank you lady! SXSW is super neat and I was full of barbecue and ridiculousness so I am happy I remembered to be nice.

Hi! Do you find it hard to be a self-proclaimed gamer and an attractive woman in today's world? Do people often doubt you actually play video games?

People OFTEN doubt I play video games but they can suck the sticky end of my controller. I love to play, and other people's opinions do not prevent me from playing. The only thing that keeps me from playing is a punishing work schedule. I have been 20% in to Bioshock Infinite for months. Poo.

I loved you on Friends, how did you like working on that show?

It was amazing. SO amazing. I was a huge fan before I got the job and so to be there when it was the biggest show in the world was pretty incredible. The cast was wonderfully nice to me and it totally changed my life. Also I got to kiss like 40% of the cast. So there's that.

I feel like I should say something awesome and eloquent, but I can't think of anything!

I've idolized you as a fellow black, nerdy girl forever and ever and ever and I just want to say thanks for being one of the only people I could ever look up to that, ya know... looks like me. I know that race and all that isn't important in the long run, but it's so nice to see someone as talented as you are who I can relate to.

But, I have to ask a question, so:

1. I really loved your No Ass At All video! Every time someone makes a comment about how I "sound so white" or why I'm not "black enough" it's all I can think of. Was there any particular experience that led to that song?

2. When you were starting out, how did you deal with the subtle racism of lowered expectations like, "You have done so well for yourself!"

Thanks!

1. Haha my whole life! As I'm sure you can understand.
2. Just ignore it. There are assholes everywhere. The planet is literally lousy with them. Sometimes people are intentionally cruel and sometimes their just dumb. Never let other people control or drive your own sense of self. Don't give them any power over your state of mind. Just do your shit and move on.

WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GO ON COMEDY BANG BANG??? HOW HAVE YOU NOT BEEN ON YET?????

I DO NOT KNOW!!! THERE IS NO ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION!!!

My wife and I are big fans. No question, just a thanks for making us laugh.

You are awesome. I am fans of you.

You are one of my role models! I have two questions: 1. What were your thoughts on the way season 4 of Archer ended? 2. Would you ever make an appearance on Wil Wheaton's TableTop show?

Thank you! 1. I love everything about Archer. Season 5 is going to break things inside your mind. 2. I would love to do TableTop and have been asked several times but every time they are recording I am working. Boo me. Someday...

also, what is your favorite Christmas movie and why is it Die Hard?

Haha all of my favorite movies are Die Hard. Period.

What's your favorite episode of Archer and why?

I love them all, but probably a tie between Skytanic and Skorpio. Skytanic has Pam taking a dump while watching Cyrill and Carol have sex, and also the Vealy Vulva run. Skorpio has the two man threesome and some excellent chocolate boobprints on the wall of the yacht's master suite. Both reek of excellence.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

Bourbon. Action movie. 2 hours of FPS play. Light spanking. Pie. In that order.

PS I'm the one doing the spanking. Also, I get all the pie.

What is the best bourbon for less than $50?

You can never go wrong with Maker's Mark. Also, it is the only bourbon I would sully with other fluids (wow that sounded dirty). For straight drinking, Bulleit, Blanton's, Booker's, and Buffalo Trace are all good. Just had some 10-year Jefferson that made me want to take off clothing. But of course, all bourbon makes me want to do that.

How is your relationship with Jessica Walter?

Excellent. She is a superlative human being.

I love you... That is all.

Is that all? Because that's quite a lot, my friend. That is everything.

What's been the best perk, or moment, from hosting Whose Line Is It Anyways?

Hanging with the guys. They are amazing. Laughing my ass off. No perks though. The producers are cheap Brits. We barely ate. "Tea and Biscuits" are not food. Bleah.

Hi, Ms. Tyler. You're totally the shit on Archer.

Question--now, apparently, Lana's design wasn't based on you. Is that true? You look a lot like her... so was a lookalike utilized in modeling the character?

Thank you. :-) (that is called an "emoticon," from what the kids tell me.) She wasn't. There is an article out there that you can google because I am too lazy to do so that shows all of the people they used to draw our characters from. They drew my character before they ever hired me, although she has evolved over the seasons to look more and more like me. I was deathly afraid that the girl they used was cuter than me, but she wasn't. But I'm confident she is more modest and not and jealous of random people she has never met.

You get a shit on a lot for your e3 conferences, but I think you're one of the few real people that go up on those stages. Keep it real, Aisha.

Thank you! You are awesome.

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I haven't homebrewed for a while because I am so slammed with work but my favorite beer style is IPA and my second is stout. I am also a sour cherry lambic fan. Don't ask me why. Cherry is delicious. That is why.

How was your experience working on 24? And why did you try to kill Jack?

It was AWESOME! I was a 24 fan before I got on the show so I lost my shit when I arrived in the CTU. The whole thing was a real building with real working computers instead of a plywood set so it felt very enthusiastic. And I tried to kill Jack because I had to. Because of the drugs. And the basket of puppies that the terrorists were going to drop into the river if I failed at my mission. I had no choice. NO CHOICE!

Hi, Aisha! Now, what is the most difficult thing you've ever done? Also, what's your all time favorite film? BTW, loved you on, At The Movies!! :)

Hm. Standup is the most difficult thing I've done. I love it, and I'm good at it, but that shit is brutal. That said, I should try jumping out of a plane or something, right? My life is soft like pudding.

All time fave is hard. I love the Bourne movies. Die Hard. Oldboy. Infernal Affairs. The Departed. The Town. That is not one answer. I can't stop typin....

Ahh, I don't have a question. I just want to say thank you. Being a girl who plays games can get you a lot of flack, and being a black girl who plays games can leave you feeling invisible. Even though I know there are others like me, just meeting other fellow sisters who game in /r/blackgirlgamers was just like a, "Holy shit, I'm not alone" moment.

And seeing you on stage presenting Ubisoft E3 two years in a row, not being a token anything just kicking ass and taking names, is so fucking cash like I can't even.

Keep being awesome lady!

<3

I love hearts. <3

Whoot! You are hot! My favorite character on my absolute favorite show!

Not even sure what to ask.

How about, how much of Archer get's edited out that turns out to be over the top? Would be interested in what is considered too offensive for the show. Is there anything?

Nothing ever gets edited out. What we record is what makes it in. F/X often tells us we can go harder. They are they greatest human beings in the entire galaxy. As far as what is too offensive, I can't think of anything. We have unlimited 'shits" but only one "fuck" per show. Which, really, is a lot like life.

LANA!! What's your favorite videogame and videogame character?

I cannot choose. Favorite(s): Gears of War, Halo, Fallout 3, Far Cry, TWD. My avatar in Fallout 3 cannot be beat. She was a stone cold Wasteland fox. Me in a blonde mohawk. Boom. I will be in the new Watch Dogs game so then that will be my favorite videogame character, right after my character in Halo:Reach and Gears of War 3. I am a character-grubby gamewhore.

"Archer" is absolutely fantastic, and you're absolutely hilarious on it.

1) How many times a day do people shout "LAAANNNAAAAAA" at you?

2) Thoughts about Lana's massive boobs and hands?

3) What was it like being on "Friends?"

4) Who's a better kisser - Joey or Ross?

1. All day long. Check out this thread.
2. Thank god she has big hands because she needs them to lift her giant boobs into her bra every morning. Small miracles.
3. Amazing.
4. I was only thinking about how I needed not to come onto the set of the biggest show in the entire world and suck. And also not to fart or pee a little while I was making out with them. So I don't remember. I think I blacked out a bit.

I don’t sleep very much.

How long do you sleep every day?

I want to sleep nine hours. I usually sleep five. I hear voices.

Aisha,

Thank you so much for doing this AMA!

• What video game are you looking forward to playing the most this year?
• What has been the best part of working on the set of "Whose Line It Is Anyways?"
• Who is one person you've worked with that consistently makes you laugh?
• I know this a long shot, but I host a podcast as well and I was wondering if you'd be interested in being a guest on mine to nerd out about games, movies, etc. We're having Kevin Smith on soon and we'd love if you would be a guest as well!

Thanks again and look forward to your responses!

So many questions! I already have typing cramps. 1. Watch Dogs Watch Dogs Watch Dogs. Also The Last Of Us. 2. WLIIA was a blast and everything was the best. But the set was fucking cold. I almost died. Colin offered mouth to mouth but he couldn't get close enough because I kept rubbing his adorable bald head. 3a. Bill Burr is the funniest motherfucker in the world. 3b. So is Wayne Brady. 4. You are awesome to ask and I love doing podcasts but I am so slammed I might commit murder. Well, not murder, but I am going to kill a pizza later. That said, you can contact me through my website and someday down the line when I have a break, I would love to.

Hey Aisha! I know you've had tons of great guests on Girl on Guy. But who has been your favorite? Who have you had the most fun hanging out with and getting to know?

Can't wait to read your book!

OMG they're all my babies. Highlights: Joe Manganiello, Anthony Bourdain, Andy Richter, Henry Rollins, Lisa Kudrow, Bill Burr, Maria Bamford, Shirley Manson, Dana White. People who were way funnier than I expected: Carlton Cuse, Steven Yeun, Isaiah Mustafah. Person I thought would never do my show: Chris Rock. His episode went up this week at girlonguy.net. Boom.

Hello Aisha!

I feel that Drew Carey set the bar pretty high for hosting Whose Line is it Anyways. Since you are the new host, how do you plan on keeping up with him? What kind of personal touch are you going to add to the show?

He DID set the bar very, very high. He is awesome. He is also a friend and I love him and I was incredibly honored to take his place. He actually sent flowers to set on our first day and was so supportive. I cannot keep up with him. I can only humbly sit in his chair and try to enjoy the pleasant and comforting butt heat he left behind. As for my personal touch, you will just have to watch. I don't have a penis, so I will have to touch things with something else.

What does Christopher Walken smell like?

Chocolate Chip Heroin Cookies.

Questions about archer:

What line made you laugh the most? Doesn't have to be yours.

If you could invite a guest voice actor to the show, who would it be? (Alternatively, who would you like to invite to Whose Line?)

What's your favorite running joke in the show?

On the note of E3, why did you choose to wear ridiculously high heels? I thought it was pretty funny, though, that you were taller than mostly everyone else even if you didn't wear them.

1. Pam saying that Cyrill was making it really hard to drop a deuce when he was having sex with Cheryl/Carol on Skytanic while crying.
2. Phrasing! Boom!
3. Cause they were cute. And also because my outfit was kind of masculine so I needed one thing that would indicate that I wasn't Donald Faison in drag.

So I know that this is going to be buried but I just want to say:

Thank you.

for me your comedy s a godsend. You make me laugh and feel comfortable with myself. I am a total geek and a latina girl who doesnt really fit the mold i was apparently supposed to. Youve helped me feel awesome about myself and not everyone can do that. So thanks, keep rocking out!

Yay!

I saw your name on the marquee at Powell's Books here in Portland! I'm surprised there is no mention of your book yet. It sounds like quite the exercise in self deprecation. Was it difficult to let loose with some of the stories within?

I'm trying not to plug my book but since you asked.

EVERYONE BUY MY BOOK SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS! IT'S OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE IN HARDCOVER, EBOOK, IBOOK AND AUDIOBOOK! IT'S SUPER FUNNY AND I CURSE A LOT IN IT!

As for difficulties, no. I loved telling all those humiliating stories. I make my guests tell embarrassing stories on my podcast so it only felt fair that I cough up the goods myself finally. Some of them hurt but once you get them off your chest it's always a relief. And then no one can use them against you.

Plus I made a book out of them!

WHICH YOU CAN PURCHASE ON AMAZON RIGHT THIS MINUTE! If you so choose.

Here is a nice fancy link: http://www.amazon.com/Self-Inflicted-Wounds-Heartwarming-Tales-Humiliation/dp/0062223771/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371343264&sr=1-1&keywords=self+inflicted+wounds

I love you.

Mom? Is that you?

Loved your interview with Neil Fallon. Come visit /r/prorock sometime!

CLUTCH IS THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME! They are also good friends. I just shot a music video of them performing live that is taking me forever to finish because of all my other jobby things that keep eating my life. Will post it soon. Very soon. Follow me on twitter and FB to be updated when it goes up.

What's one role you wish you'd gotten at the time, but looking back are glad you didn't?

Hah! I almost had the female lead in Bad Boys 2. The end.

First off you're awesome. Absolutely love your character in Archer.

Second, what kind of roles do you prefer to do? Comedies (with your stand up background) or are you happier doing more serious roles (such as Ghost Whisperer).

Third, please make a sex tape that just happens to "leak" to the public...it would be highly appreciated :)

I like to do everything because I am grubby and like to work. Comedy is easier so I like doing drama because I like being challenged. And also you work longer hours and so get overtime.

No sex tape will ever be leaked. The last one I made I cut into pieces, burned, then urinated on it to put out the flames. Then I fed it to my cat. He masturbates a lot now.

Does points matter?

Not unless you're in the olympics. Or I'm rating your outfit.

I just saw an interview where you said you were a huge nerd growing up. Can you tell us any funny stories about any run-in's with any ex tormentors from childhood after you were famous?

I had a mean girl from my high school come to one of my comedy shows and get super drunk and then try to sit on my lap. She had gained one million pounds and I was pretty sure lived on her brother's sofa. That was enjoyable.

Hi Ms. Tyler! Huge fan of your work. A few questions for you.

1. How often are you recognized purely from voice? (Between Archer, Girl on Guy, standup, etc.)

2. What were some of the most memorable scenes from working on Archer? Will Lana ever find true love?

3. You're a self-proclaimed gamer, so are there any upcoming games either for current-gen or next-gen consoles that we might hear your voice on?

Thanks for the awesome work! Hope to keep seeing your name!

1. Strangely enough, pretty often. I try to live a normal life and do stuff like people do so occasionally, when I am in the Starbucks looking like shit, people look directly at me and only see a slightly feminine drag queen without makeup. Then I order coffee and everybody loses their shit.
2. I wrote about my fave episodes above, but I really did love Terms of Enrampagement. That was an hilarious ep and also a good bonding time for Lana and Sterling. Lana will never find true love. She will also bring up her progeny to be dead-eyed loveless assassins. This is her destiny.
3. I will be in the new Watch Dogs for both current and next-gen consoles. And I am super stoked for The Division and Titan Fall. And Fallout 4. Whee!

After becoming so busy, what would you say is the most missed thing or hobby you used to take part in more often? Huge fan of your work btw. And thank you for doing this ama! Best of luck to you and your career!

I want to game more. That is all I think about. I used to homebrew but you can buy beer at the store. You cannot buy gaming fun at the store. This is a sadness.

Say you come home after a long-ass day at work. It's 2 AM and you're exhausted, but still have the "gaming urge." What game do you play until you're running into walls from falling asleep?

Hm. Prob multiplayer Halo. Once my husband and I were so buzzed/tired that we were both on Mongooses trying to shoot. All we were doing was honking at each other.

I don't think I have a question. I just hope that you wouldn't think I was too freakish in person for OMG-ing over and over in fanboi-ish fervor that is more common in school age boys rather than 40-something men.

You are a great person and I can tell because you spelled the word fanboi.

What is your favorite video game franchise of all time?

See above! I cannot choose. Do not make me choose. Why are you making me choose?!?!?!?!

I thought your Ubisoft E3 '13 performance went pretty well considering anyone who tries to crack jokes or show personality on stage usually ends up coming off really awkward.

How was the E3 experience? Anything memorable stick out for you?

I love doing E3 and it was super, super fun. The last two years Ubi has unveiled BANANAS IP at their show. A lot of people voted Watch Dogs game of show last year, and The Division game of show this year. So it's neat to be a part of something like that. I also am always sad at E3 because I don't get enough time on the floor to game, but this year I had the most time I've ever had. I have a lot of friends in the gaming community -- bloggers and stuff -- so I ask them what's the best stuff they've seen and try to make sure I see that. This year it was The Last of Us, TitanFall, Destiny, Watch Dogs, The Crew, and The Division. All massive.

The Division made my face fall off. I am so full of need for that game.

And of course I'm in Watch Dogs so stoked for that to come out.

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Right now I feel like yes. I'd have to see the picture, though. But crocheting is badass, so... yes.

Is it true that when you stomp, it sounds like an AT-ST?

Man. I REALLY wish that was true. I will get my assistant right on that. Maybe installing some kind of chip in my feet. That would be rad.