PARK CITY, Utah (AP) – Does the best comedy come from pain? And does that mean comedians are the most miserable people of all?
That’s what comic Kevin Pollack wanted to discover in his documentary, “Misery Loves Comedy,” which premiered Friday at the Sundance Film Festival. He dedicated the film “in loving memory and gratitude” to his friend and mentor, Robin Williams, whose suicide last year came just as Pollack was finishing the project.
Williams does not appear in the film, though Pollack said he was “quite desperate and interested” to participate. But the long hours Williams worked on his TV series “The Crazy Ones” prevented him from joining the cast.
Pollack interviewed more than 60 comics, actors and funny folks to find out if comedy requires misery, and found the answer to be both yes and no.
“I just think you’re funnier when you’re miserable,” said Jimmy Fallon.