Eugene Mirman

Written by: Si Hawkins
Published: Tuesday 8th April 2025

One random comedian, eight random questions; it's the ultimate test of funny person and fate.

This week we welcome a hugely respected stand-up who has also appeared in some of America's finest sitcoms of recent times.

Eugene Mirman is probably most beloved these days as the voice of the extraordinary Gene Belcher in Bob's Burgers, plus less meaty roles in Archer, Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer and as Flight of the Conchords' landlord, Eugene, in Flight Of The Conchords, who he's toured with, here and in the States.

We don't hear much about the US these days, how's it all going over there?

"Things in America are better than they were in 1940 in Germany or 1976 in the Soviet Union, but worse than they were in 2024 in America," Mirman explains. "Still, I'm answering these questions and probably won't be arrested for joking around?"

Let's hope not, as he has UK dates to fulfil: a week of WIPs at London's Soho Theatre called An Evening of Whimsy and Mild Grievances. What does that entail, Eugene?

"In terms of the show's grievances, they are both clear and minor. I imagine the show contains between four and six grievances and a lot of whimsy."

We can but wish for a more whimsical world. But now, Eugene Mirman, your Random 8 await:

What was your favourite TV show, as a kid?

I think The A-Team. Runners up include: Buck Rogers, Sledgehammer, Knight Rider and Misfits Of Science.

Who's the most interesting person you've ever met?

This is hard to answer because I stopped ranking people in 2023 at the age of 48. Still, I guess it's probably between Paul McCartney, who I met for 20 seconds very late at night in a dark restaurant once, and maybe my father-in-law, who helped create the modern emergency room.

Your favourite building?

I was going to say my home, because I really like it, but after some more thought I realised I do have a sort of favourite building. It's the Winchester Mystery House. In the late-1800s Sarah Winchester inherited a fortune from her husband, who was a gun manufacturer, and legend has it she believed that if she ever stopped construction of this house she would die, have bad luck or may have simply been trying to trap ghosts.

It's hard to know her reason, but the house reflects any of these theories - it was under construction for over three decades with 147 different builders, has staircases that go nowhere, windows in floors and doors opening into walls. I can't believe [linksubtle=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountainhead_(film)]Howard Roark[/link] didn't try to blow it up!

What's the most regrettable thing you've ever bought?

It's a toss-up between (1) an electric snow blower I bought five years ago but only used for one season because it doesn't snow much in Boston anymore and (2) a bodily fluid cold-storage centre that the 10-year contract has expired for and I need to go to a notary public to sign a document to cancel it, and my new monthly fee.

Is there a book or movie that changed your life?

I don't know if I saw a movie that changed my life, other than possibly Die Hard. It is the only reason I always wear shoes at Christmas parties.

Which place you've visited was the biggest anti-climax?

I really like traveling and don't know if I have specific expectations of places. I've had such great times in cities that I don't think are commonly thought of as special, that I have many more places I wasn't expecting anything from that I really love.

What's the weirdest thing in your wardrobe?

A bowtie or maybe a leather cap I never wear? I don't have a lot of weird clothes. Or in the UK is wardrobe not what you wear, but a cabinet you keep mostly clothes in? Then it might be two rattlesnake rattles that my late-wife's father gave my son a few years ago.

Which historical figure deserves more attention?

I wish I knew.

Eugene Mirman: An Evening of Whimsy and Mild Grievances is at London's Soho Theatre from April 15-18. Tickets