OyChicago articles

Mike, a self-proclaimed walking Jew joke

Like many recent college graduates, Mike Tureff is testing the job market waters with a stint in public relations. But Mike has bigger dreams—he is a budding Chicago comedian. A self-described “open-mike rat,” Mike can be found most nights and weekends performing at venues including The Pressure Café, The Globe, and Cigars and Stripes.

Mike originally turned to comedy in high school with an ulterior motive—to get girls. “I don’t think it’s so much that I realized I was funny as that I realized I wasn’t good looking enough to get girls without being funny,” he says. “If the day ever comes when girls are no longer impressed by my awful, coffee–house jokes, it will be the day I will have to start getting some sun and doing push-ups.”

But it wasn’t until college at Ohio State that he realized he had a real talent for making people laugh. “I started off doing comedy troupe shows in high school and college, but it never really suited my strengths. I’m a terrible actor, I can never remember any lines, and I have a radio face, a radio body and radio clothes. So I started doing stand-up in Columbus and once I got my first paying gig it was a huge moment in my life. Hollywood? Yeah it’s me, Mike, I’ve finally made it...and I’ll take my 20 bucks now.”

His stand up usually centers around what he calls the “banality of daily life.” Part of our interview sounded a bit like one of his hilarious routines…

“I grew up in a little town called Northbrook, Illinois, a North Shore community known for its burgeoning cultural scene and ethnic diversity. And of course by that I mean the exact opposite. I’m pretty sure Inuit’s living in the Arctic Circle met more black guy’s growing up than I did--which was why going to Ohio State was such a wonderful experience for me. I remember walking on to campus on the first day and feeling like I was on the floor of the United Nations."

Influenced by a wide array of comedians—including Zach Galifianakis, Mitch Hedberg, Dave Attell, Brian Regan, and Dave Chappell—his favorite comedian is Louis CK, who is best known for his observational comedy. “He’s a genius, plus he taught me that nobody cares about some kid who can think of funny things to say. People really start laughing—that deep, heart-felt laugh—when you show them how awful your life is.”

Some famous members of the tribe are also on his top ten list. “I’m so jealous of how David Cross and Jon Stewart are able to make politics funny,” Tureff says. “I have a few political jokes but I could never base a whole routine off of how myopic, xenophobic and intolerant republicans are.”

Mike’s self deprecating humor takes full advantage of his status as one of the chosen people. “I’m a walking Jew joke. My existence on earth is a Jew joke. If you searched Wikipedia for ‘What does Dick Cheney laugh about at dinner parties’ there’s a picture of me standing in line at 7-Eleven. I’m convinced that minorities have such an unbelievable leg up in terms of comedy. There’s just an oppressed, conspiratorial mindset that I think any minority has on a given day.”

Unexpected guests at a performance can make or break Mike’s routine. “Oh easily my worst moments are when groups of my friends show up without telling me. It always tilts me because I feel like I have to tell my A material without trying anything unpopular. Not to mention that they heckle me with what can only be described as a hate-crime like ferocity.”

Although Mike loves doing stand up and plans to decide in the near future whether or not he will pursue it full-time, he is still learning to cope with his new found fame. “I despise being told that I ‘had a great show,’” he says. “I’m paranoid about being patronized. Yes, I realize that I’m neurotic, but at least this proves I’m actually Jewish.”

Check out Mike’s next performance at The Globe, in Lakeview on July 7th, just don’t tell him how hilarious he is.