Renowned stand-up comedian Judy Gold, aged 63, is experiencing a flourishing period in her career, thanks to her recent roles in several prominent television series. Among these is Mindy Kaling’s latest comedy, “Not Suitable for Work,” where she stars alongside Victor Garber. Gold has been a fixture in the stand-up scene since she was just 19 years old, and her enduring passion for comedy remains palpable.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Gold reflects on her lengthy career, noting, “There’s so much more. There’s more I want to do.” Her enthusiasm for her craft has kept her busy as she embarks on a stand-up tour, while also featuring in Kaling’s series, Larry David’s “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness,” and the BET series “The Varnell Hill Show.”
While many might have anticipated a decline in her zeal for comedy at this stage in life, Gold finds joy in the creative process, stating, “When I was 19 years old, did I think, at 63 years old, I’d still be getting on the subway with a notebook, thrilled to go down to the Comedy Cellar to try out new material? No.” She attributes her resilience in the industry to her myriad experiences, both positive and negative, saying, “each rejection, each hardship or hurdle, you’re a different person afterwards.”
Balance, according to Gold, is pivotal to sustaining a long career in entertainment. “If I wasn’t a mother, if I didn’t take risks and do things that weren’t stand-up comedy — I have done theatre, I’ve done Shakespeare in the Park, I’ve produced, I’ve written,” she explains. Gold firmly believes that diverse experiences enrich one’s perspective and skills.
As she inhabits the character Paula in “Not Suitable for Work”, Gold identifies with the struggles of her character, who serves as a dedicated assistant to news anchor Wes Dryden, played by Garber. Gold shares sentiments that resonate with women in the workforce: “I’ve worked with so many women like her,” she notes, drawing parallels between Paula’s experiences and her own journey as a queer person during the ’80s and ’90s.
Reflecting on her early career, Gold acknowledges the importance of support from women in the industry. “I think about all the people who have given me jobs, and they’ve pretty much been all women,” she says, citing notable figures like Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnell, and Bette Midler. She describes the camaraderie among female comedians as a “sisterhood,” which fostered opportunities for women in a predominantly male-dominated space.
Gold’s connection with Kaling is another reflection of this supportive network. Despite having never met before their collaboration, Gold recalls Kaling’s warm introduction, expressing how much of a fan she has been of Gold’s work. The mutual respect between the two women was immediately evident, with Gold also sharing her admiration for her co-star Garber, whom she considers an iconic performer. “It was just a feather in the cap… it’s like a dream come true,” she beamed.
Notably, Gold describes her working relationship with Garber as refreshing. Their chemistry on set flowed effortlessly, with her noting his humility and knack for making her feel at ease. As “Not Suitable for Work” continues to premiere its episodes, Gold is also excitedly awaiting the return of her son, Ben, from Israel, where he plays professional basketball, and is coming to terms with her oldest son’s upcoming 30th birthday.
As she contemplates her achievements, Gold humbly declares, “I can’t believe I brought up two amazing people. Those two, that’s my greatest accomplishment. I feel so lucky.” She acknowledges having personal milestones yet to achieve, with a comedy special still on her wishlist, but at this stage in her life, her focus remains on what brings her joy: performing live.
“I have two great kids, I’m in a relationship. What more could you ask for in life?” she muses. As her career continues to blossom, audiences can look forward to seeing more of her work in “Not Suitable for Work,” premiering its final two episodes on June 23 on Hulu.