I recently had the chance to chat with comedian Ahmed Ahmed, a really cool, handsome and funny Egyptian dude raised in California who makes a living by making people laugh.
I’ve been gaga over the guy ever since I met him with his friend Maz Jobrani at the Axis of Evil Tour 2009 and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, please look it up. These guys are the real deal.
I caught up with him recently during the promotion tour of his first film, “Just Like Us,” a documentary about his hilarious visits to four different countries in the Middle East with a conga line of other stand-up comedians in tow. This is a great film that can help you once and for all remember the difference between Arabs and Muslims … in case you are still confused.
But, do Arabs make a good audience for stand-up comedy? Can we all have a good laugh in spite of everything? Is Ahmed Ahmed for real? Did Martin Luther King believe in humor? Does Saudi Arabia have a Harley Davidson chapter? Is Egypt still funny after Mubarak?
The answer to all these questions except one are easy to find in Ahmed Ahmed’s fun and even tender new documentary, “Just Like Us,” which opens this week in theaters nationwide.
Check out the interview with Ahmed Ahmed below and on the next few pages.
What historic figure do you admire the most?
Muhammad Ali
Which living person do you admire the most?
My dad
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Which characteristic of yours do you like the least?
I’m late for everything … (even if my timing is always great!)
What do you dislike most about others?
Arrogance
What is your greatest fear?
Marriage
When do you lie?
When I talk to women … just kidding, white lies when they ask how I feel but I have a headache.
Which living person do you dislike the most?
Cannot think of one … but there’s a handful.
What do you regret?
I have no regrets.
Who’s the great love of your life?
My mother and Oprah Winfrey.
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What’s your major success in life?
Probably this film, “Just Like Us.”
Where would your rather live, near the sea or on a hill?
The sea
What’s your favorite name?
Ahmed
Who would play you in a bio?
Charlie Sheen
What book are you reading right now?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
What is your favorite movie?
“Good Fellas” (I quote it all the time…)
How would you like to die?
I don’t want to know when it happens … not wake up…
If you could have dinner with 3 people already deceased, who would they be?
Jesus (I would have liked to attend the last dinner), the prophet Muhammad and Elvis.
Today I want to…
Be in an air-conditioned room!
