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Comedian Don Barnhart, playing every night this week through Sunday at the Improv at Harveys, is also a writer, director, producer and actor. His new film, "China Dolls," is currently making the rounds at film festivals, and he is hopeful that it will earn a mainstream release in theaters in 2008. Check out the details at chinadollsmovie.com or donbarnhart.com.
Q: You've spent time overseas entertaining our troops for the USO. What is it like in Iraq?
A: Do you want the sanitized version or the truth? It's awful; the nastiest place I've ever been. A real hellhole. On the good side, our men and women truly want to get the job done. They're fighting to make the world a better place. We would go to a forward base and do a show for 10 guys; they were so happy to have us. One guy gave up his bunk for me; he said 'Take it, I'll sleep on the medical cart.' It was an honor to do those shows.
Q: You've spent time overseas entertaining our troops for the USO. What is it like in Iraq?
A: Do you want the sanitized version or the truth? It's awful; the nastiest place I've ever been. A real hellhole. On the good side, our men and women truly want to get the job done. They're fighting to make the world a better place. We would go to a forward base and do a show for 10 guys; they were so happy to have us. One guy gave up his bunk for me; he said 'Take it, I'll sleep on the medical cart.' It was an honor to do those shows.
Q: Were you ever in danger?
A: Not really. We had a lot of military support. But I wouldn't walk down the street alone. The locals really don't want us over there. They truly hate us.
Q: How did you get started in show business?
A: I was 18 and living in Hermosa Beach (Calif.). I decided I was going to join the military, and went down to the recruiting office; but it was closed for Memorial Day. And that night, I got a job at a comedy club.
Q: What was your first set like?
A: I followed George Miller. I really tanked. The one laugh I got was from my dad in the back of the room. But George said 'That's the best thing that could have happened to you. Now you'll either quit, or do anything to get better.' "
Q: What was your first set like?
A: I followed George Miller. I really tanked. The one laugh I got was from my dad in the back of the room. But George said 'That's the best thing that could have happened to you. Now you'll either quit, or do anything to get better.' "
Q: Talk about your dad.
A: My father, Don Barnhart Sr., directed a lot of TV; "Saved By the Bell," "Mork and Mindy," a lot of other shows. When I was in high school I would skip the football game on Friday nights and hang out at the studio, watching Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters improv and do their thing all night. It was the best education ever."
Q: What phrase best describes your former marriage?
A: Pain plus time equals funny.
A: My father, Don Barnhart Sr., directed a lot of TV; "Saved By the Bell," "Mork and Mindy," a lot of other shows. When I was in high school I would skip the football game on Friday nights and hang out at the studio, watching Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters improv and do their thing all night. It was the best education ever."
Q: What phrase best describes your former marriage?
A: Pain plus time equals funny.
