Legendary comedian George Wallace makes his way to the City of Oaks for three nights of side-splitting stand-up.
“If you can’t laugh in Raleigh, you can’t laugh anywhere.” So says “world-renowned funny guy” George Wallace of most cities he stops in… but we’re convinced he really means it re: Raleigh.
Raleigh Magazine got the chance to chat up Wallace—and laugh, natch (!) in front of his three-day stint in Raleigh this week (Nov. 25–27) for his Triple Threat Comedy tour at Raleigh Improv (along with Myra J. and J. Anthony Brown). And flashing that comedic flair that appeals to all ages, he’s willing to talk trash about everyone, especially youngsters. “I love talking about you young kids and the things that you do, like your music and all your hip-hop and rappers,” he jokes. Spoiler alert: Waka Flocka Flame is his curse word of choice.
You’ve no doubt seen Wallace on the screen—from features on major networks to recent appearances on hit shows like Bob’s Burgers to his own Amazon Freevee comedy series, Clean Slate. Add to that his mention in Rolling Stone’s top 25 funniest Twitters in the world (!), and there’s no question Wallace is a comedy king.
Without further ado, the comedic rebel who “doesn’t give a damn” and is “willing to eat cupcakes out of a pan and pancakes out of a cup”—aka funnyman George Wallace.
What excites you about bringing your stand-up back to Raleigh?
I’ve been to Raleigh many years ago when Charlie Goodnights first opened. I haven’t been in a long time because I’ve been in Vegas for 15 years, but it’s gonna be great to get back to that crazy city so we can laugh. There’s so many crazy things in Raleigh, and I hear there’s some good BBQ, so I’m coming for that. I’m a BBQ connoisseur, and people tell me the best BBQ is in North Carolina.
Give us the scoop on your stand-up sets—what’s in the works for your shows?
J. Anthony Brown, Myra J. and I were all on the Tom Joyner Morning Show years ago, and now we’re together and we’re coming to Raleigh to have some fun. We’re always writing and getting our jokes together. I’m gonna talk about the city and whatever is going on in Raleigh because there’s gotta be some crazy stuff going on there. I never know what direction my show is going to go in—I just get up there… and, after 40 minutes, I say, ‘goodnight!’
What got you into the funny business?
I knew from the age of 6 that I wanted to become a comedian, watching other comedians like Redd Foxx, Johnny Carson, Milton Berle, Richard Pryor and Joan Rivers. I just love to make people laugh—and comedians make people laugh. Anytime you hear people laughing it’s the greatest thing in the world. I have the greatest job in the world, and I thank God every day for what I do.
Give us the lowdown on your comedic chops.
I just love to lie and just make stuff up. I don’t lie as much as the weather person, but I do lie. And a lot of my jokes come from observing what goes on in the world today—from watching television to people saying stupid things, like hearing someone say they’re comfortable in their own skin. I think I’d be a lot more comfortable in Jeff Bezos’ skin or Oprah’s skin. I might even feel better in Al Sharpton’s skin, even if it’s gonna be a little tight. … So if you say anything to me, I’m gonna try to turn it into a joke.
Give us the tea on the Twitterverse!
Twitter is something I thought I’d never do because I’m an older African American man, but I thought, wait a minute… there’s over 500 million tweets per day, and some of these people I’d never get to see. Now I’ve got friends and Twitter followers all over the world, almost a million right now, and that’s a lot of people who would never get a chance to see or hear George Wallace talk trash. I don’t know why people think my tweets are funny, but the answers I get, the replies—ooh. I love that. Give me a follow, @mrgeorgewallace.
Why should locals come out for a laugh?
It’s Thanksgiving weekend. You’re gonna be tired of your momma, you’re gonna be tired of your family and you’re definitely gonna be tired of turkey, so come on out and laugh. We are gonna have nothing but fun, fun, fun. Laughter is medicine. We encourage people to overdose on laughter, so come on out and get a dose.
*Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Our beloved Bunch of Jerks are slated to cover ~53,783.3 miles over the course of this season—adding up to a total of about 2.16 times around the globe! As you cheer on Raleigh’s home hockey team (the next home game is Nov. 17 against Colorado!), see how the Canes are stacking up. #LetsGoCanes!
More BTN Fun Facts
The average distance the Carolina Hurricanes travel for an away game is 655.89, compared to the average around the NHL—49,448.97 miles.
The Canes are the only team in the Metropolitan Division who ranked in the top 10.
The Edmonton Oilers travel the most (63,0965 miles) and The Philadelphia Flyers travel the least (40,410.70 miles).
The Pacific Division takes the title of the most traveled division, with 7 teams in the top 10.
Right wing player Martin Necas leads the team for most points scored, with 19 points so far this season.
Defenseman Jordan Martinook has spent the most time in the penalty box among his teammates (for 12 minutes total to date).
So far, left wing Andrei Svechnikov has scored the most goals (11 to be exact) out of his fellow Bunch of Jerks.
Wake County child abuse prevention organization breaks ground on new facility.
SAFEchild, the only nonprofit in Wake County to offer a wide range of free child abuse prevention and intervention services to families in need, is on a mission to triple its capacity over the next five years with its new 20,000-square-foot facility, which broke ground last month.
Already a safe haven for the local community, the nonprofit will be able to serve 1,200 more children in its advocacy center and 30,000 families with prevention programs each year thanks to this expanded outreach. And considering that over 7,000 cases of child abuse and neglect occur annually in Wake County, the impact is more than significant—it’s life changing.
“As Wake County continues its upward trajectory of economic growth, the need for supportive family services continues to increase too,” says SAFEchild Executive Director Cristin DeRonja. “We are thrilled to break ground on a facility that will multiply the number of families we serve and champion safe family environments.”
Celebrating its 30th year of operation, SAFEchild is financing the new facility—slated to welcome children and families starting in fall 2023—through the Champion Our Children campaign, which launched in conjunction with the groundbreaking and has already amassed donations from WakeMed Health & Hospitals,Wake County, the City of Raleigh and the Kim & Fielding Miller Family Foundation.
“We’re incredibly thankful for donors who recognize the need and deeply believe in equipping children and families with education, counseling, hope and other resources they deserve,” says DeRonja. “Launching the Champion Our Children campaign means individuals across the county can do their part to end child abuse in Wake County and ensure that every child feels safe.” Stay tuned to our upcoming issues and newsletter for updates on the opening!
Help spread happiness this holiday season through Wake County’s annual charitable program.
“I just like to *give*–giving’s my favorite.” … And what better way to spread seasonal cheer this year than with a little generosity?
With “the holiday season is just around the corner,” says Wake County Board of Commissioner Chair Sig Hutchinson, “many in our community are seeing their budgets stretched thin.” Enter Wake County’s annual Holiday Cheer program, which has been helping local families for more than 40 years by matching them with sponsors throughout the community to provide Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holiday meals and gifts.
This year, the program will host three events throughout the area on different days to allow matched families and sponsors to meet and exchange gifts and meals, with bonus activities to encourage connection and a bit of festive fun.
On Dec. 3, the Carolina Mudcats will host a special day at 5 County Stadium with appearances by Muddy, storytime and the op for kids to run the bases (!); and Dec. 11, there will be cookie decorating, hot chocolate and a visit from the jolly ole elf himself at the Herbert C. Young Center in Cary to help kiddos get in the holiday spirit.
Those who want to provide a festive feast for community members in need this Thanksgiving can pick up a Holiday Cheer box, fill it with items from a suggested list and return it to select locations. Notes or cards of kindness are also encouraged for that added touch of warmth. Donors can opt to remain anonymous—and if you’re looking for ways to give beyond the Box, opt for retail delivery and online donations.
“Through the generosity of our sponsors, the Holiday Cheer program can continue to serve thousands of families each year and ensure our neighbors and fellow community members have the opportunity to enjoy this festive time of year,” says Hutchinson. ’Tis the season!
Calling all herbivores! Here are a few spots to check out around town during Triangle Vegan Restaurant Week.
If you’re powered by plants, here’s some hap-pea news. Nov. 1 marks World Vegan Day, thus making it the perfect time for Raleigh to #GoGreen and celebrate its second Triangle Vegan Restaurant Week (through Nov. 7). Find fab inventive (and delish!) vegan fare at a variety of participating Raleigh restos and sup spots—from food trucks to bars to bakeries—and check out a few new enticing vegan food trucks on the scene while you’re vegging out.
This DTR craft cocktail bistro has crafted up new creative menu items for the vegan kings and queens out there. Indulge in vegan tacos with avocado, pickled veggies, cilantro and fresh lime pico, and a bahn mi featuring meatless pork belly and pickled vegetables on a classic white bun. V-edgy!
An authentic Lebanese spot paying tribute to all the grandmothers that acted as caretakers of the culture, faith and food, Sitti is offering a three-course meal during Vegan Restaurant Week featuring ops like harissa hummus, 15 bean soup, stuffed peppers, and cauliflower steak. And save room for the sorbet and Lebanese meghli on the dessert menu. So yum.
This truck has the meat… less options (!). If you’ve ever thought vegan meat options lacked flavor, think again. This NC-based food truck can be found rollin’ around the Triangle with tacos, cheeseburgers, “meat” over rice, and loaded fries. Sounds soy good!
If you wanna satisfy your sweet tooth (and feel good about what you’re eating), try this plant-based, dairy-, egg-, coconut- and soy-free (whew!) ice cream truck. Powered by plants and motherly love, Vegan Ice Cream Man offers a variety of fun flavors, from apple pie to thin mint to coffee & donuts. So sweet.
