On The Record: Tom Padovano

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Comedian/Comedy Writer

By Jessica Meditz

jmeditz@queensledger.com

Tom Padovano of East Elmhurst loves nothing more than making people laugh.

When he’s not up on stage performing at a private gig or a local open mic night, Padovano spends much of his time writing jokes.

He began writing in the 1980s, and experienced the spotlight himself for the first time in 1985.

He’s sold his jokes to big name comedians such as Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller and Tom Dreesen. He’s even written material for the governor of a certain state years ago, at the expense of his rival.

Padovano said that he feels a great sense of satisfaction when a well-known comedian uses his joke and it gets a good laugh.

But nothing beats the feeling of delivering the joke himself.

“It’s a really great experience…when it doesn’t go well, it’s a little rougher, and some nights are better than others. But it’s nice, especially when someone comes over to you after the show and says, ‘I thought you were really good.’ That’s a nice feeling,” he said.

Padovano’s favorite topic to joke about is dating, since it always makes a good bit and it’s something everyone can relate to.

As for aspiring young comedians, he recommends reaching out to comedians and sending them sample jokes.

For live performance, he encourages people to get out there as much as possible.

“A lot of times, you find new gigs from other comedians, and as you get into it, you find more places to go,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of building up the material. Every time you go onstage, try at least one new joke.”