IAM Colin Mochrie AMA

Can you just acknowledge my existence real quick, thanks.

You exist

Did Wayne Brady really come up with the lyrics for those songs off the top of his head? You were my favorite on the show by the way.

Yes. Wayne , Chip,Brad and Jeff are amazing at it. They never get enough credit because people think they've cheated somehow. But they are simply the best

I read somewhere on the internets that the category of the song would be predetermined (gospel, swing, etc.), with the random part being the guests/song titles you had to come up with. Is there any truth to that part?

Laura and whoever was singing that show would go throught10-12 styles so that the singers had a feel of the structure. Everything else was made up.

Funniest off-camera/censored moment on Who's Line?

200 lb snatch

What is your favorite improv moment that you had throughout your career?

Arctic Tern

1) How do you keep your cool when even the other comedians are virtually dying of laughter?

2) What are your thoughts on US vs Canadian vs British audiences?

3) Have you kissed Ryan lately?

I) I don't find the others funny. 2) They are pretty similar. The only difference is the suggestions. North America tends to be more pop culture oriented. 3)No, would you?

Just here to say I love you and thank you for shaping my sense of humor as I grew up!

Thanks, you are most intelligent.

What is your opinion regarding piracy?

Too many eye-patches

First off: Thank you for being you. You are my favorite comedian (and favorite Canadian.)

I want to know what motivated and inspired you to pursue comedy and improv?

When I got my first laugh in a school play, it really did become like a drug. I craved laughs. I lucked out.

What is/was your friendship like with Ryan Stiles?

We have a great friendship in that we never keep in contact but when we see each other it's like we saw each other yesterday.

Did Wayne Brady ever have to choke any bitches behind the scenes?

Three but don't tell anyone

Hey Colin, I only have one question...Do you remember what was happening here? Because I have no idea.

Drugs

How did you and Ryan meet?

Through a mutual friend. I was doing improv and Ryan was doing stand-up, wanting to do improv. We hit it off right away.

What was your most memorable moment from Whose Line?

I'll take any answer except Ryan breaking the neon light and scenes with Richard Simmons.

Breaking up any of the guys was fun because they are pretty jaded and have seen it all so it was a special moment when i could do it.

I am a HUGE fan. I don't necessarily have a question; I just wanted to put it out there. I miss "Whose Line." Maybe you and the others can get together and do one last episode? For old time's sake?

Talk to ABC

Is "Whose Line" as fun to film as it is to watch?

How long does it take to film an episode?

Is improv your favorite form of work? How do you like scripted TV/film?

It was the best thing ever. It took 4 hours to film which would turn into 3-4 episodes. I love improv because we are the masters of our fate

I host an improv club at thornhill secondary school in Vaughan Ontario, what would you say is the most overlooked mistake newbie's make? Also, what is your favourite improv game? PS what is a dinguisher?

Not listening and trying to push your idea is the most common mistake. Greatest hits is my fav. A dinguisher is what you say when some asshole gives you extinguisher to rhyme with.

Huge fan, love your work on both versions of Whose Line! Here are a few questions:

1. Any really memorable moments during tapings that you all realized was never going to be able to make it to air (due to vulgarity, epic failure, or anything of the like)?

2. Towards the end of the US run of Whose Line, the show started doing things like involving more special guests and getting audience members to do more things (like the Sound Effects game). Was it fun trying to work with this unexpected factor, or did you guys find it more of a hindrance?

3. Do you ever perform any long-form improv? Any thoughts of it vs. the kind of things you did on Whose Line?

Everthing pretty much made it. We were never overly vulgar because we wanted to get stuff on air. Working with the guests were fun and kept us on our toes but I felt it took away from the other improvisers. I have done long form and enjoy it but the games are the audience favourites

When is Trust Us With Your Life gonna air? Favourite TV shows lately?

Don't know when the show will air, I'll keep you posted. Favourite shows: Modern Family, Louis, Breaking Bad, Mad Men

Were there any "Whose Line" games that you really hated?

Hoedown

How much of your live act gets edited out of the actual TV show?

Also, exactly how uncomfortable were you in the Richard Simmons episode?

Not much was edited out. We would do about 20 games during a taping and they would cut that into 4 shows. Unless the scene really sucked it was kept in. And not uncomfortable at all.

How did you land a spot on Whose Line? What was the audition process like (if there was one)?

Thank you so much for doing this. I grew up on WLIIA, and it's impacted my life in a huge way. Thank you.

I auditioned when I was at Second City. Because our cast auditioned no one got it because we were all being supportive so no one stood out. My next audition (they were 3 hours long) I didn't know anyone so I thought...screw you. That's how you get ahead kids.

How often did the game "Helping Hands" need more than one take? Always my favorite bit on Who's Line.

We never did retakes. Sometimes we did 2 or 3 hoedowns because the producer is a sick bastard.

Where do you buy your collared shirts?

The collared shirt store

Where did Ryan get his blue shoes?

The blue shoe fairy

What are some of the lines you've come up with of which you are proudest? Any that still make you laugh to think of them?

The beauty and the curse of improv is that it goes away once you do it, so I can't think of a specific line. Sorry.(How Canadian of me)

Would you choose to do another season of Whose Line if it was up to you?

Were you always so naturally talented at improv?

Absolutely. I guess so.

Thank You for being extraordinarily witty.

It's a gift.

Just want you to know that WLiiA? got me through some ridiculously bad times in middle school and high school. I have seen all the UK, US, and All-Stars episodes. Saw You/Brad @ Foxwoods? and the All-Stars at Mohegan Sun. Saw Greg Proops in NYC. This show helped shape who I am today and I am a better person having watched and appreciated it. It made me more confident and not afraid to be different. Thank You. Thank you so much. (Feel free to visit Maine again too!)

What do you miss most about the UK WLiiA? What was the biggest difference/challenge between the UK/US versions of the show? Thank you!!!! :)

I miss the fun we had together. It was a no pressure fun experience. I love London where we filmed. The transition to the States was fairly painless. The censorship was hard because we never knew where the line was. They let some things pass, then censored quite mild stuff.

what's wrong with the hoe down?

What's right with it?

Hi Colin! First off, I'd like to say that I'm a huge fan of yours, and I'm sure most people here are.

However, let me just skip right over to the questions that I have. I'm not sure if you're going to be able to answer them, I'm sure you'll be flooded with questions.

a) How did you first get into comedy/improv? I always like to imagine that it's some amazing feat that someone accomplished; they were "just the funniest kid around and rew attention from all the famous people". I have a feeling that's not the case, though.

b) Did you enjoy being on the cast of Whose Line? It seems like you always had a fun time.

c) Did you ever get tired of the bald jokes? Were there any bald jokes that "just went too far"?

d) Who was your favorite "guest" character to work with? You don't have to answer this one.

e) Did you always have nightmares when you kissed Drew? What was it like kissing him? I can only imagine it's amaz-...Terrible, terrible. I can only imagine how horrifying that must have been.

Last question, laaaast question!

In one of the episodes of Whose Line, you were doing "Songs of the motorcycle"...Actually, here's a clip of it.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjETPB_q_h0)

f) My question is...What were you actually thinking when you said that you were watching animal porn?

I got into improv by seeing a demonstration and fell in love with it. Just kept doin it till it was a career. b) Loved Whose Line. Lots of laughs, no work c) the bald jokes were something for the less funny guys to hang on. So good for them d) All the guests were fun but Richard Simmons was really gung ho e) Drew has lovely soft lips f)Can't remember. I was heavily drugged

I just wanted to say that when it's the middle of the night and I'm in that part of YouTube, I generally end up watching Whose Line clips for hours. It's like quicksand. If quicksand were lovely and made me laugh until I cried.

Speaking of, how do you feel about so many highlights from the show being online? Do you like that more people can see it and laugh or would you rather get residuals from reruns and DVDs?

We don't get residuals so it's nice that the show still lives on somewhere. We are this century's Gilligan's Island

Whats your favourite pizza topping?

Jalepenos

I keep reading that you weren't a huge fan of "Hoedown". I didn't see you explain why anywhere? Care to elaborate?

First I'm not a singer. Secondly someone would always take my rhyme just before it got to me and thirdly I don't think it's even a song style.

as a Canadian, what do you think of Canadian stereotypes?

side note, gotta say you have made me laugh more times than i can count, thank you!

Any stereotype is generally unfair. We are polite though.

When you find yourself alone, in the dark...what do you fear?

cold door knobs

Which cast member was the 2nd funniest?

All of them

What genre of literature you prefer most? Any favorite authors?

Big Stephen King fan. Read a lot of biographies.

Thanks for the AMA sire. Why was the "Hoedown" such a regular number if basically none of you liked the game? Did the production had their way in it (forced you guys to keep doing it), was it a viewer-favourite? It was one of the few games that I didn't really find funny. And sorry for the double question, but how come you guys didn't do more "Sound Effects", especially with people from the audience, since everytime you did everyone burst in laughter?

Production forced us for their own perverted reasons. the last couple of years it was always audience members.

Colin Mochrie! I would just like to say that I love Who's Line and you are a major reason I love improv comedy. When you were a wee little Mochrie, (With a full head of hair) what was it that you wanted to do with your life?

Wanted to be a marine biologist. I think it worked out for everyone

Who do you think will win the Stanley cup this year?

Boston could repeat, but NY and Vancouver have strong chances.

Do you ever watch yourself on TV?

Try not to.

Have you ever seen the YouTube clip "the French erotic film"?

Yes. I'm very good in it.

What is, hands down, your favorite moment in your whole career?

What kind of music are you into?

I once saw a video of your wife showing off your home, and whenever you tried to speak she interrupted. That was a joke right? (I know stupid question XD)

The whole Whose Line experience was a joy. The people the laughs the craft table. I'm into the Rat Pack. My wife is a lovely woman who does let me talk on occasion.

1.What is the one thing that never fails to crack you up? 2. What is your "Porn Star Name" (first pet name+ street you grew up on)

1) Someone hurting themselves. 2)Joey St. George

Did you find the general sense of humour different in the US versus Uk versions? I thought Brad did quite physical humour, the uk show had a lot of quite dry jokes and word play.

Another question: what do you think of Drew's "where everything's made up and the points don't matter" line? one thing I missed from the uk show was that clive never felt he had to explain that joke. Drew kind of killed it for me.

The British were incredibly verbal whereas the Americans would get more physical and silly. The points don't matter thing came up because you wouldn't believe how many people asked how the system worked and why no one won a fridge.

Are you involved in any TV shows? I really miss seeing your face on television <3

We shot 8 shows in London for ABC (Trust us with Your Life) so hopefully...

HUGE fan Colin! Please forgive the multiple questions:

What were your favorite and least favorite games to play on Whose Line? (Besides the Howdown and Irish Drinking Song)

Were there any times where a suggestion was given to you that you just could not do because of physical limitations or something that beyond your talents?

What are some of your favorite bald jokes? You seemed to take them in good stride.

No offense to Ryan, because his Sound Effects were really good, but were there ever any attempts to get Michael Winslow on the show to do a game of Sound Effects?

How much stuff was shot with Robin Williams that didn't make it on air because of one reason or another?

And not a question, but I do want to say "Give me liberty, or a bran muffin!" is still to this day one of the funniest things I've ever heard. My girlfriend and I at random times just say that to each other whenever there's a lull in our conversation and every time we just crack up.

Except for Hoedown I enjoyed all the games. Greatest hits was always fun cause Ryan and I got to riff then watch the guys do amazing songs. Don't remember any of the bald jokes. No I don't think we left a lot out. He actually had to leave early because he was shooting a movie at the time.

Interesting, because it was always alluded that Ryan was the one who hated Hoedown. Did everyone hate Hoedown?

No one loved it.

Which host did you enjoy working with more: Clive Anderson or Drew Carey?

They were both great. Drew is incredibly generous, which is great in millionaires, and it was because of him alone that we got to air in the US. Clive is incredibly bright, sarcastic and a treasure to be with.

1. If you had to pick one, what would be your favorite moment on Whose Line?

2. Have you ever seen your image used in this weird video for a Japanese song called "Yatta"?

The Richard Simmons stays with me for obvious reason. I translate well for the Japanese

Do you feel that Drew Carey's weight loss was in part due to constant teasing on Whose Line?

Nope, it was constant teasing from his heart.

Hi Colin!

a) First I just wanted to ask if you and Brad would consider taking your tour to Australia. I live in Melbourne and I know for a fact it would do very well here!

b) Also, are there any people you would like to work more with in the future, or other improvers (besides Brad) you'd like to tour with?

c) I heard you were writing a book, and I wondering how you are doing with that, and how you approach working with improv in a written format?

We are working on getting to Australia. Keep posted on our Facebook page and when we know we will certainly announce it. Any of the other guys are fun to tour with. Brad gives back rubs. The book is going well, considering I hate writing. It's like doing an improv scene with the bonus of going back and editing.

What was going through your mind during the episode of "Whose Line" where the audience suggestion of Cosby and Hitler was shot down by the executives?

I thought it showed a lack of trust in us that we wouldn't be offensive. Network executives...what can you do.

Hey Colin! Huge fan of your work since I was little...I used to hide under the couch and watch Whose Line when my parents did (they thought I was asleep). I guess my only question is if you keep in touch with anyone from Whose Line anymore, and in what capacity. Also, I've been to the Vancouver improv theatre where you use to perform (the name escapes me). Any chance you'll do anything in Washington D.C. soon? Thanks for the AMA!

I keep in touch with all the guys regularly through email, Twitter etc, except for Ryan who is apparently Amish. No screens for him. We hope to get to Washington soon.

Where did you learn to do your fantastic Velociraptor impression?

Old sci fi movies.

To you, is improv something you're born with or something that a person must learn?

Also, thanks, I'm a huge fan. There really is no other show that can literally make me laugh out loud like WLIIA.

You have to learn the rules, but the humour I think you are born with. You can learn to be funnier, you can't learn to be funny.

I saw you and Brad perform at UC Davis a couple years ago. Were the mousetraps as painful as they seemed? Whose idea was that anyway?

Brad's and yes they hurt

I'm a huge fan of you and the other members, all of you are frankly just amazingly witty, my question is have you ever considered doing a TV show or a movie with Ryan Stiles? There has to plenty of people willing to give you the chance. Follow up- Are you currently working on any projects of your own?

No one has ever approached us to do a show together. I'd do it in a sec. I got stuff going on, nothing in pen.

How often when you do improv do you completely lose focus of the skit and start to have absolutely no idea what you're doing? Or is staying focused something that improves as you gain experience?

You have to stay focused so that if things do stray, you could go back to something earlier in the scene that could bring it back.

Also, any advice on becoming bald? My time is drawing near

It's really easy. Don't go for a toupee.

No question, but I wanted to take this time to say pretty much what others have said: You are a great performer, and have brought so many smiles to my family and I. Thank you for doing what you do!

Thank you for giving me a career.

How did you feel about having to mimic all of Wayne's crazy antics in action replays?

He loves to see me suffer

How do you like your steaks?

medium

I've loved every minute that I've ever seen of Whose Line?. That being said, I feel like an improv show like that must have some real duds that just cannot be saved. How much of the taping is edited out for the show?

Maybe one a taping, which is an amazing percentage. I may be lying.

big fan just wanted to ask, which do you like better bacon or Canadian bacon?

Always Canadian

Is it true that bald men are the best lovers?

Yes

Any chance for a Whose Line reunion?

You never know