Until you see comedian Peter Depp perform, it's hard to grasp just how many different spheres of influence this gay, Jewish father of three spans. He's fearless onstage — unfazed by walkouts, threats and illicit propositions from the audience — and he's a key player helping to foster some of the Nashville comedy scene's weirder and wilder voices. I met him at a recording of the Ego Trippin' Ain't Dead podcast — which he creates along with local comedians Jessica Carter and James "King James" Cherry — and I've been amazed ever since.
Depp is about to be exposed to a nationwide audience, on the second season of the Sundance Channel's Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, a reality show about girls who like ... well, you can figure out. The program will spotlight Depp's devoted friendship to military wife Kristin Vasquez.
I spoke with Depp in anticipation of the Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys season premiere, which airs Friday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m.
So what's the first thing anyone needs to know about this season of Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys?
It's a really cool show. I think this season tries to capture the struggle of being gay in the South in one of the most homophobic states in America, and how much you really need a best friend to support you emotionally. In this case it's a straight woman, but that is who my best friend is.
It seems like this show is rooted in exploring positive relationships and creating cultural dialogue.
I think they genuinely want to show the dynamics between two people who love each other, are of the opposite sex, and don't have to fuck for it to be real love. Kristin and I have a great relationship. I view her as my best friend/soul mate. She talks to me about more stuff then she does her husband. We share our deepest, darkest secrets with each other, and neither of us judge one another.
How long have you and Kristin known one another?
About three years. She is the chemo to my cancer. I couldn't live without her.
How much interaction do you have with the other couples on the show?
We share a lot of interactions, so it should be pretty fun to watch as all the drama unfolds. I'm trying to build excitement with that last statement, but I promise — it's real drama, no one on the show was coached toward a storyline. It all fell in place naturally.
It's kind of a relief to see that this is from the Sundance Channel, because it seems like the big gay networks (Bravo and Logo) are delving deep into the worst aspects of queer representation on reality TV. (See The A-List.) Are you at all worried they're going to re-edit for maximum trashy drama?
I went into this knowing full well that you never know what editing was going to portray. I quickly learned to trust the crew and the producers, and as we watch the previews I feel the opposite has happened. I feel they are editing me to look rather normal and put-together, which might be true, but I tried so hard to be the crazy one. I wanted to be trashy and dramatic, but at the end of the day, it's a lot of work, so I was just me.
Have there been moments when you've been weirded out by the whole experience?
The taping wasn't really that bad. I think the first moment of weirdness is when everyone I know, co-workers, friends and family are seeing commercials for the show on TV. I haven't really processed that fact yet. It's very strange to me that my life will be entertainment.
Do you consider yourself a role model with this show?
I think role model is a scary concept. I don't think I'm socially responsible enough with the shit I say to be a role model. But I would like things to change in this world. If I can reach one person with my comedy and change their mind about how they think about gays, or if I can help one person from not being afraid to come out, I feel like I've accomplished something. There aren't many gay role models on TV that set a good example for the youth in America, and I'm afraid I'm too crude to fit that bill as well.
You're very open about your experiences in your stand-up sets. Are you able to do the same as regards the show, or are you signed to one of those contracts that encompass/limit everything?
I have to say the network has been awesome. They don't have any gag orders on what we can say or do. We couldn't discuss being on the show until it wrapped, but that makes sense.
Starfuckers. Are you looking forward to them?
When I first came out, I whored it up, and that was exciting at the time. My stand-up persona is derived from that person. But nowadays, and this is going to sound so corny, I can't believe these words are spewing from my lips, but I want to find a stable relationship. It's draining and scary to stick your dick in everything that has a pulse. I want a partner. I want love. Stability. I had children because I want to be a family man. I want to find Prince Charming and settle down. I want someone who will take care of me if I get my arms chopped off by a chainsaw-wielding lunatic and can't wipe my ass. So to answer your question, I am not looking forward to people wanting to fuck me because I was on TV. I would like someone to want me because I'm funny and give really good head.
What do the kids think about having a TV star dad?
They don't really seem to care much. The only thing they have expressed is they want me to become rich and famous so I can buy them lots of stuff.
Email arts@nashvillescene.com.
