If you don’t know who John Early is, you’re about to REALLY know who he is. This past year alone he starred in two Netflix productions – the Wet Hot American Summer revival opposite Amy Poehler and The Characters. And now, you’ll be able to see him co-star opposite Jesse Plemons and Molly Shannon in this September’s anticipated dramedy Other People.
We caught up with the rising star and comedian (and yes, about that viral dance video). Check it out:
WOW: Hi John! Thanks so much for talking with me! What are you doing right now?
John: I’m trying to get a new primary care physician because my current one only takes cash or check and interrupts me when I’m describing my symptoms.
WOW: Let’s get right into it. I’ve watched your viral dance video like a bajillion times. Where did you get such fly moves?
John: Honestly the bar and bat mitzvah scene from 7th grade. I won a Mandy Moore CD in a dance contest at one of them, and I’ve literally never looked back. Also, is the vid truly viral?
WOW: I mean it has 20K views…anything with K’s behind it is a viral video in my opinion. For those of you that haven’t watched it, do yourself a favor and watch it here:
WOW: Who were you wearing? Inquiring fashionistas want to know!
John: I honestly don’t know! It’s my costume for an episode of Search Party which you can binge with your family Thanksgiving weekend on TBS okay?
WOW: Oh! Well we will definitely look out for that! It had a very boy band vibe…were you a Backstreet Boy or *N Sync fan growing up?
John: I was going for white boy band appropriation of 90s female RnB greats like SWV, Total, Aaliyah, Xscape, TLC, Allure, etc.
I remember being hornier for *N Sync, but telling people I preferred the Backstreet Boys because that seemed to be the more mature choice. They were first, Kevin seemed very wise, AJ was battling alcoholism, you get it.
WOW: You just starred in “Other People” opposite Molly Shannon. Tell me what she’s like and how did it come about that you were attached to the project?
John: I actually don’t have any scenes with her, but we shot on the same day and she listened sweetly as I dissected the entirety of her performance in Year of the Dog and walked her through the many ways in which I rip her off.
Chris Kelly, who wrote and directed the movie, knew me from comedy stuff in New York, and he asked me to do it!
WOW: Have you read when I met her? (Read my account here.) She was so present, real, gracious, and kind. Made me an even bigger fan!
John: Gorgeous. Yes she is the warmest person on the planet. We are so lucky!!
WOW: You also worked with Jesse Plemmons. You know I’m Kiki D’s number one fan, right? What was he like? Did he let you in about Fargo or Kirsten?
John: Jesse Plemmons is an earth angel. It was shocking for me to be across from a true actor who was like, crying and stuff. It’s a very sweet friendship the characters have so I have full tenderness transference from doing those scenes with him. Jesse if you’re reading this I just wanna take care of you.
I got no Kiki goss during the shoot. I’m in no way above that, I just forgot to get it.
WOW: What’s your favorite Kiki movie? I think mine is “Get Over It”.
John: Dick is my favorite. So good and so underrated.
WOW: You were so hilarious in Wet Hot American Summer too. Any fun stories on set? That cast must’ve been iconic to sit at video village with?
John: Thank you Jake! The Wet Hot movie and Stella are very important to me so it was extremely surreal to be included in that. The fuck you’s that Amy Poehler and I scream at each other were improvised, and that was one of the more thrilling moments of my life. Ugh I feel like I peaked with Logan!!
WOW: Are you watching All Stars 2? If so, who are you rooting for? Top 3?
John: I’m not watching yet, but Alyssa is my girl.
WOW: It is so fun to watch your star rise. It feels like yesterday that I saw you doing stand-up at the Cake Shop in LES. Now, you’re sitting pretty with the pros. What’s next for you?
John: You are too good to me baby. I still host that show at Cake Shop! I’m still just a girl from Tennessee, with a rash, not getting paid for stand up!
Kate Berlant, Andy DeYoung and I made a mini series for Vimeo that you will freak out about. It’s major.
Follow John to see what he’s starring in (or dancing to!) next!
