If you go
Jim Norton
Where: State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
When: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: 703-237-0300; statetheatre.com
Jim Norton speaks rapidly during a recent interview, energy seemingly flowing from the phone. It’s this legitimate excitement that is true to the comedian’s character, and is definitely an asset when it comes to all the interests he likes to pursue. Norton, who is doing a pair of standup gigs Saturday at the State Theatre in Falls Church, is probably best known for his work as a co-host on the “Opie and Anthony Show,” which airs on Sirius XM satellite radio. But the 41-year-old has appeared on multiple television programs and in movies, has written a pair of books, and tours extensively.
“It’s really subjective,” Norton said of what makes people laugh, citing that both President Obama and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are ripe for jokes. “There isn’t anything you can’t make fun of.”
A recent subject that has give Norton loads of material is the saga of Tiger Woods, who has admitted to multiple affairs that has rocked his image.
“I like him more now than before,” Norton said, referring to the fact that the robotlike golfer is actually human and makes mistakes. “I relate to him.” Norton added the hypocrisy of a public that values its own privacy but can’t get enough of another’s.
Norton touches upon politics, but tries to keep it fair. Meaning anyone is fair game. And he isn’t a big fan of comedians who attack just one way of thinking.
“They tend to be too one-sided,” Norton said. “It becomes predictable.”
On the film scene, Norton has a small role in the new Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan film “Cop Out.” He was in 2008’s “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” and even had a bit part in “Spider-Man.” His contributions in mainstream movies usually consist of just one line, which he says he’s great at. And it’s also no coincidence that he got parts in “Cop Out” and “Zack and Miri,” both directed by friend Kevin Smith.
“There’s no way I would be getting anything on my own merits,” he said, laughing.
Norton was a regular contributor on the recently canceled “Jay Leno Show.” Though a fan of both Conan O’Brien and David Letterman, Norton didn’t appreciate how some made Leno out to be the bad guy during the recent drama surrounding NBC’s shuffling of the late-night landscape that resulted in Leno returning to “The Tonight Show” and O’Brien being bought out.
“It was irritating,” he said. “It was making me sick.”
“It’s amazing anyone can dislike [Leno],” Norton continued. “You can think he’s not funny, but he’s one of the nicest guys in show business.”
Norton would like to release another book and maybe put together another television special down the road. No matter the format, he just wants to make people laugh.
“If you’re not funny, you’re not doing your job.” he said.
