Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Drew Lynch

At nineteen, Drew Lynch made the move to the City of Dreams to pursue a career in acting, but after suffering a sport’s injury where a ground ball hit him in the throat, life took an unexpected turn. The accident damaged nerves in his vocal cords, which left Drew with a speech impediment. His agent at the time immediately dropped him and declared him “uncastable”.

Drew turned to stand-up as a form of therapy, literally laughing through the pain, and shattering any stigma regarding his stutter. He went on to compete on America’s Got Talent, inspiring many with his story of courage, resilience, and perseverance. He ended up finishing runner-up but won the hearts of millions, so it’s no surprise he’s back for America’s Got Talent: Champions.

PC: You got your big break on America’s Got Talent and have had a successful career following your run. Walk us through the decision to come back for America’s Got Talent: Champions.
Drew: I’m always grateful for any opportunity to do comedy. AGT: Champions is a perfect platform for showcasing who I am, how I’ve grown, and what I’ve been up to.

PC: You found strength in your vulnerability, which isn’t easy to do. How challenging/difficult was that?
Drew: I think sometimes it can be difficult to be vulnerable when you’re unsure of who you are. Part of being human is having flaws, but I think it’s just as important to own them. For me I’ve found refuge in making fun of myself, exploiting my imperfections in a way that makes me (and hopefully others) feel better about differences and similarities.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Drew: Expect less, work more. I’ve always considered myself to be a hard worker, but the moment I let hubris play a role in the mindset of “what I deserve”, I’m immediately disappointed. This industry is full of losses, so I’ve learned to keep my head down, expect nothing, and hope for something.

PC: You started in acting and pivoted to comedy. What are some of the career aspirations you’re hoping to accomplish?
Drew: I’m really hoping to get a special out there with one of the bigger players. Many people have articulated to me that they’d love to see a longer set on Netflix, HBO, Comedy Central, etc. I’m excited for what’s in store on the acting side too, since aspirations of doing TV and film have never faded.


PC: You’re currently on tour. What can fans expect when they head to a Drew Lynch show?
Drew: I think with any form of entertainment it’s important to keep an open mind, especially with something like live comedy. I try to shatter any stigma about my stutter hindering me from doing what I love, while also making every show unique to that audience.

PC: How has your creative process and set changed over time?
Drew: In a way, I was very thankful for my stutter because it taught me the importance of word economy; any extra word being written or said is just unnecessary fat clogging up the joke. I was unconsciously being taught joke structure by my own stutter, which I think has an important role in finding the foundation of one’s comedic voice. The structure serves as the template for joke-writing, and having fun completes the formula. Since then, I’ve learned that anything can be talked about; you just have to believe it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Drew: The Office

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Drew: Step Brothers

PC: Favorite book?
Drew: The Harry Potter series. I’m a Gryff baby.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Drew: I love the music in Rent.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Drew: Slipknot

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Drew: Impractical Jokers

PC: Hidden talent?
Drew: I remember everyone’s birthday. It’s like, scary how accurate I am.

Keep up with Drew by following him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Drew on America’s Got Talent: Champions on January 28.

Photo Credit: Marc Wood