Murray Langston – Out of the Bag

Murray Langston….hmmm… If that name isn’t ringing a bell for you, you might just be, well, normal. There really should be no reason that you would know that name. After all, Langston’s most popular manifestations came by way of disguise.

Okay let’s try again… How ’bout, “The Unknown Comic?” Now I’ve got your attention. That’s right, Murray Langston is the man behind the bag. Well, not so much behind the bag…as much as in the bag…

This week, we were able to catch up with Langston just in time for his Halloween show at J B’s Lounge inside the Red Lion Hotel in Sacramento.

SacramentoComedy: What have you been doing lately?
Murray: I have two daughters, Mary and Myah, who are a main focus in my life. My daughter Myah is a notable singer/song writer and one of her latest songs is blasting the charts! Her song, “Everyting,” is possibly up for a Grammy nomination. I couldn’t be prouder. Maybe now she will pay me back after all these years of child raising!

SacramentoComedy: Any current projects in the works?
Murray: I am involved in a new pilot show called “America’s Funniest Dirty Jokes” that I hope will be a great success. Basically, it is the world’s best “dick jokes.” We worked with over 100 comics in this project, each one telling their favorite dirty joke. It is hilarious!

I am also in a play that I co-wrote, which is 75% serious and 25% comedy. The premise is a businessman is going to commit suicide by jumping out his window and when a burglar breaks in, he gets drawn into the drama. I play the burglar and I am enjoying it immensely. It’s called “Seven Story Man.”

SacramentoComedy:A lot of folks grew up watching Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, Chuck Burris and The Gong Show and my favorite, Make Me Laugh.  All of these shows were basically just silly. Do you think silly comedy being replaced by more “edgy” comedy?
Murray: No, I don’t think so, it tends to follow a cylindrical pattern. Each genre has their own cycle. I think that silliness, though not as prevalent will be rediscovered again. Someone like Robin Williams or Steve Martin will reintroduce their unique brand of silliness.

SacramentoComedy: How often do you perform as “The Unknown Comic?”
Murray: I only do a few shows a year. Right now I’ve got everything I need, my family, all my bills are paid; why would I work? Life has been pretty good. Over the years I’ve kind of become addicted to being a dad.
As far as “The Unknown Comic” act, it’s great to do. I like to consider it, “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.”

Buying a ticket to see The Unknown Comic is like getting a two for one show!

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