During a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, comedian John Bishop revealed how he stumbled into the world of comedy by accident. In a candid conversation with Norton and other celebrity guests, Bishop shared the unlikely origin story of his comedic career.
Reflecting on a tough period in his life, Bishop explained that he had recently divorced his wife and was feeling down. Looking for something to do on his own, he found himself faced with a choice between going to a comedy club or a lap dancing venue. Surprisingly, he decided to give comedy a shot.
Little did Bishop know, this impromptu decision would change the entire course of his life. He walked up to the comedy club, expecting a full house of eager audience members. However, to his surprise, there were only seven people in the venue, five of whom had also put their names down for the open mic night.
Taking a chance, Bishop put his name down, not expecting to be called out. Yet, fate had other plans for him. He was called out second, and had he been called out any later, he might have already left. Bishop walked on stage, completely inexperienced and unsure of what awaited him.
As he stood under the bright lights, he realized that he had nothing prepared. So, he simply started talking about his recent divorce, using humor to cope with the situation. Unbeknownst to him, his raw and relatable storytelling captivated the small audience.
Bishop had stumbled upon something special. He kept talking, not even realizing that his time was up, as there was no red light flashing to signal the end. He ended up performing for longer than expected, sharing personal stories and making the audience laugh.
After his impromptu performance, the club’s host and manager approached Bishop, impressed by his natural comedic timing and ability to engage the audience. They encouraged him to come back the following week and continue performing. And just like that, a comedy star was born.
Now, 25 years later, John Bishop is a household name in the world of comedy. His accidental foray into stand-up comedy that fateful night at the small comedy club paved the way for a successful career filled with laughs, tours, and even his own TV shows.
It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the unexpected paths that can lead to great success. John Bishop‘s story is a reminder to always seize opportunities, even when they come in the most unlikely of places. Who knows what could happen when you follow your curiosity and take a chance on yourself?
To catch more entertaining and unpredictable moments on The Graham Norton Show, tune in every week and expect the unexpected.
