Think of a comedy routine that doesn’t include any swearing. Now, eliminate the routines filled with raunchy sex stories. Finally, get rid of the racially fueled routines. Anything left? Probably not, unless the comedian is Mike Armstrong.
“I don’t cuss at all onstage,” Armstrong said. “I don’t even say ‘hell’ onstage. And I don’t talk about sex.”
Since retiring from police work more than 12 years ago, Armstrong has been cracking up audiences across the country with his clean act.
“Those are cheap jokes to me,” Armstrong said emphatically. “If your joke depends on a cuss word for the punch line, then it’s not funny. Funny is funny.”
Instead of resorting to lewd language and sex, Armstrong jokes about his past as a police officer and the hilarity of everyday life. And with a “small herd” of five children and a wife, he has plenty of material to draw from.
As a police officer, Armstrong would pull people over to warn them of speed traps ahead. He would also sit by signs that read “Authorized Personnel Only” and yell through his loudspeaker “You are now authorized!” at cars going by.
These, along with stories of everyday life, got him a guest appearance on the Bob & Tom Show. Soon after, Armstrong quickly went from weekend headliner to special event.
“Bob and Tom are the best,” Armstrong said. “They keep comedy alive as far as I’m concerned.”
More than idols in his eyes, Armstrong also gives them a lot of credit for making his life the way it is now.
“I call my house the ‘House That Bob and Tom Built’,” Armstrong said. “Without them, I might have already been done with comedy; I might have stopped a long time ago. They made my life better, that’s for sure.”
Unlike some, Armstrong looks out for the best interest of his fans. He enjoys stopping to take a picture, sign autographs and shake hands. He always responds to e-mails from fans and stays late after shows and talks to audience members.
“These people are paying my salary,” Armstrong said. “I owe it to them to do all of that. Also, I don’t want people to have any lull time. They paid to hear me so I want them to get their money’s worth.”
| Mike Armstrong Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids July 15-17, shows at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. $10 thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 |
This same attitude seems to translate into every segment of his life. Just talking to him for a little while, you get multiple impressions. First, he is an absolutely hilarious guy. Second, he is very easy to talk to. Third, he is a caring and pure-hearted man.
Thankful for everything comedy has given him, Armstrong isn’t afraid to give credit where it’s due.
“I have a good life,” Armstrong said. “I don’t even try to hide it. I get the best of both worlds every week.”
