Sandra Bernhard and Erika Jayne at Parliament House During Gay Disney Week

Mike Halterman and Scott Holland READ TIME: 6 MIN.

Sandra Bernhard is one of the funniest stand-up comedians of all time, having perfected her craft over the past four decades. She is also a well-known singer and actress, perhaps best known for her fourteen comedy albums (in which she frequently combines music and comedy) and her role as Nancy Bartlett on the ABC sitcom "Roseanne."

This year, she makes her Gay Disney Week debut with a comedy show at Parliament House Orlando on Saturday, June 4 at 11 p.m. The first of two headliners that night, Bernhard will perform her one-woman show before R&B singer Deborah Cox's set begins at 1 a.m.

I spoke with Sandra Bernhard about her comedy show, her storied career, and the state of America today in this exclusive Hotspots interview.

We're really excited that you're coming to Orlando for Gay Disney Week. What do you like the most about visiting Florida?

The weather is absolutely great. I love the breezes in Florida; they are so invigorating. They feel like they can hold you up if you decide to lean back.

Please tell us a little bit about what audiences can expect when you come to Orlando and perform your show.

It's a blend of improvisation and set pieces which are stylistically very diverse, all interwoven with great songs and a fabulous band. It's not just any old show, it feels like a real "evening" with me, and people will be able to find out what's going on with me right now, where I'm at in my life, and what I'm thinking about politically, personally, and globally. It's very personal, but at the same time I will be connecting very heavily with the audience.

Donald Trump is now the only Republican left in the Presidential race. What do you think of that?

I'm exhausted from all of it. I feel like it's so crazy. Nobody, including Donald Trump, expected him to be in this spot right now.

We should definitely get out and vote, though. I support Hillary Clinton, and I support any voter who wants to educate themselves and "get smart" about what's going on with our world.

What is most enjoyable to you: stand-up comedy, acting or singing?

I love performing, everything from the writing to the actual act of performing. I think it's a mixed bag of all the things I've gotten to do and love to do. I love being on the stage, but I also love film and television. I like keeping things mixed up and I also like to mix up the roles I accept. I don't want people to assume I'm in one specific niche.

Looking back, did you have any idea of how much of an impact the role of Nancy in "Roseanne," and the show, would eventually have?

Of course. The show already had a huge impact on our culture by the time I started. I was brought on as the love interest of Tom Arnold's character, Arnie. Now, one thing I loved about working with Roseanne was that the process was collaborative, so after the first few episodes Roseanne kept me on and we started to formulate a story for Nancy, mainly because Roseanne thought it would be funny to put together a story in which Arnie was so disgusting and so undesirable that Nancy couldn't marry him and she realized she was a lesbian. It was funny that the whole gay aspect to Nancy's character evolved out of her reaction to a gross man. [laughs] And then, of course, reruns are on TV every single day, so the show continues to make an impact. Fans are made every day, and people still watch it and love it.

I loved seeing you in "2 Broke Girls" as Joedth, owner of "The High." Did you enjoy that experience? Will you be back on TV soon?

I absolutely loved my experience. I don't think I will be going back to "2 Broke Girls" specifically because that show works in story arcs and the arc that featured me is done with, but working on the show was great and I thought both Beth [Behrs] and Kat [Dennings] were sweethearts. As for other TV projects, you'll be able to see me in Hulu's "Difficult People."

What projects are coming up for you after your appearance in Orlando?

Well, for people who don't know, I have my own radio show, "Sandyland," which is on Radio Andy, Andy Cohen's channel on SiriusXM Radio. It airs every weekday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. I have an eclectic range of guests and I perform songs and other funny material. I've found that this show is a great outlet for my creativity, so please be sure to listen!

- Mike Halterman

Over the last many years I have seen Erika Jayne perform at the Parliament House, The Manor, over White Party Weekend and at many other places. The one thing that remains constant is that she always puts on an entertaining and sexy show. This past year, she was one of the new cast members on the "Beverly Hills Housewives," and according to most was the breakout star of the season. Her phrase "Pat the Puss" has exploded all over the web. It was a pleasure to sit down with Erika just a couple weeks before her appearance at Parliament House over Gay Disney Weekend on Friday, June 3.

At what age did performing become an interest of yours and when did you know it was going to be something you would do professionally?

I started performing for my family when I was 3 and honestly, I never really stopped. I fell in love with entertaining and knew even at that age it would be something I would do forever.

Who were/are your inspirations in the recording industry?

Prince, Michael Jackson and Madonna.

How did you create the persona Erika Jayne, and what is your favorite and least favorite thing about her?

In about 2006 I wanted to create again, and I wanted to be back on stage. Therefore, I created a project and a character. The thing I love the most about Erika is that she is fearless, and the thing I like the least is that sometimes she can be a little overwhelming.

You have performed all over the world. Do you have some favorite cities/venues?

I don't have a particular favorite city. Venue-wise, it's always great to have a large stage and crowd, but sometimes a smaller stage is intimate and wonderful. I do truly enjoy traveling all around the world and watching people connect to the music and have a good time.

How did you get cast on the Beverly Hills Housewives?

Due to my friendship with Yolanda.

Some are saying you have breathed new life into the "Housewives of Beverly Hills." How does it feel to be the breakout star of the season?

I flattered to hear that. All I know is, I had a great time and I really enjoyed myself.

How did you become friends with Yolanda?

Through David, as I met him while I was recording awhile back.

Are you friends off-camera with any of the other women?

I'm friendly with all of them.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

I'm really just a very regular person who performs and loves to be on stage. I am incredibly fortunate to live an adventurous life, which is a lot of fun.

Describe yourself in three words.

Fun, silly and kind.

Are you excited about your appearance at Parliament House during Gay Disney Weekend?

I have so much fun performing at the P House, as this is my 3 or 4 time performing there. I enjoy the people and the stage. Those people are there to have a good time... it's a fantastic audience.

What does the future hold for Erika Girardi and Erika Jayne?

The greatest joy of my life is doing what I love, so I consider myself lucky. For Erika Girardi, she has some very interesting business prospects on the horizon, but I can't let you in on them just yet. Erika Jayne will continue perform all over the world and I am currently in the studio and making more videos.

- Scott Holland

For more information on Sandra Bernhard, visit sandrabernhard.com. or on facebook.com/sandra.bernhardt.31

For more information on Erika ErikaJayne.com or Facebook.com/ErikaJayne
Tickets are available for purchase right now for all the performers at Parliament House over Gay Disney weekend, and are cheaper in advance, by going to ParliamentHouse.com


by Mike Halterman and Scott Holland

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