Jeff Ross Reveals the Only Celeb Who Yelled at Him After a Roast (Exclusive)
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Comedian Jeff Ross, known for his expertise in hosting celebrity roasts for over 30 years, is now taking a different approach. He is currently captivating audiences with his one-man show, ‘Take a Banana for the Ride,’ on Broadway where he bravely delves into his own life experiences. This includes navigating through personal trials such as losing his mother at a young age and recently overcoming stage-3 colon cancer. Additionally, he shares poignant memories of friends such as Bob Saget, Norm McDonald and Gilbert Godfried, paying tribute to them in a heartfelt manner. The title of the show pays homage to his late grandfather, ‘Pop Jack,’ who imparted wisdom by advising him to always take a banana for the road, symbolizing care and protection.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jeff Ross opens up about various celebrities who have been featured in his iconic roasts. Notably, the NFL legend Tom Brady was a standout subject, showcasing his ability to embrace the comedic jabs thrown his way. Ross commends Brady for taking the roast in stride, acknowledging that it played a role in revitalizing his public image and transitioning into diverse career opportunities beyond football. Reflecting on the roast, Ross mentions how it facilitated a positive shift in Brady’s relationships with his coach and teammates, fostering a sense of unity.
Aside from Brady, Ross also reminisces about other notable figures who have participated in his roasts. Justin Bieber stands out as someone who willingly embraced the roast format as a means to redefine his public persona. Even controversial figures like Donald Trump were willing participants, displaying a surprisingly good sense of humour. However, Ross notes that Trump drew the line at jokes regarding his financial history, highlighting the delicate balance of humour in such settings. Meanwhile, Charlie Sheen presented an abundance of material for Ross, warranting multiple segments to fully explore his colourful personality.
Despite numerous successful roasts, there was one incident where a celebrity expressed displeasure towards Ross. Penny Marshall, who was formerly married to Rob Reiner, confronted Ross over a roast joke that struck a nerve regarding their past relationship. Reflecting on this encounter, Ross acknowledges the need for roast subjects to willingly participate and ensures that the humour maintains a respectful tone rather than veering into pure insult territory. This experience served as a valuable lesson for Ross in navigating the fine line between comedy and sensitivity.
Although Ross has garnered acclaim for his roasting prowess, he now finds joy in the vulnerability and authenticity of his one-man show. Opening up about his personal struggles, including his battle with cancer, allows Ross to connect with audiences on a deeper level and showcase a different dimension of his personality. Expressing gratitude for the support he received during challenging times, Ross hints at the possibility of taking his show on the road beyond its Broadway run, inspired by the longevity of fellow comedian Billy Crystal’s one-man performances.
In conclusion, Jeff Ross’s transition from roasting celebrities to baring his own life story on stage reflects a profound evolution in his career. Through ‘Take a Banana for the Ride,’ Ross pays tribute to his past, honours his loved ones, and invites audiences to witness a more intimate side of his personality. While his roasting days have been marked by humour and wit, his foray into solo performance showcases a new facet of his talent, resonating with audiences on a deeper emotional level. As he continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling, Jeff Ross exemplifies the art of reinvention and authenticity in the realm of comedy.