He cautions the aspirants with typical Stromberg humor, “I know you would love to do what I do. You probably wouldn’t love to do what I had to do in order to do what I’m doing.”
In an interview with Jim Hawkinson, executive director emeritus of the Department of Communication—and the comedian’s father-in-law—Stromberg reflects on his career.
“Some of it is very fun and even what people would think of as being glamorous,” he says. “Most of it is work, which I’m thankful for and I love doing. I love doing what I’m made to do.”
In the interview, Stromberg shares what it was like telling his parents that he wanted to launch out on the “crazy idea” of a comedy career in order to minister to people of all ages. The lighthearted interview also touches on serious subjects such as finding bookings during a tight economy and life on the road.
The comedian has had to reinvent himself throughout his career. Having earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Park University in Chicago, he studied for two years with legendary teacher Tony Montanaro at Celebration Mime Theatre in Maine.
While at the mime school, he met Michael Cooper, and the pair performed more than 5,000 shows as “Stromberg and Cooper.” Stromberg began a solo career in 1989, performing in venues from church basements to corporate settings and stadium events, including CHIC. The Chicago Sun-Times described Stromberg as “a mesmerizing physical comedian.”
Stromberg also has appeared as part of the trio, Triple Espresso, which the Los Angeles Times called “A triple jolt of inspired craziness.” Examples of his work can be found readily on YouTube.
The full interview can be found on Hawkinson’s blog. Stromberg also is the author three books that can be found on a special page at the online Covenant Bookstore: Why Geese Fly Farther than Eagles, Finding the Magnificent in Lower Mundane, and the beautifully illustrated book for families, The Miracle at Stinky Bay.
