Name? Paul Ego
Age? 44 (which I’m told is the new 25 … or at least the new 22 twice).
Where did you grow up? West Auckland, then Christchurch, then West Auckland again.
Partner? Kids? Wife, Janine. Been together 24 years, married 21. She is an amazing woman … and obviously being married to a slightly fat comedian is a dream come true for her.
Work history? Left school in 7th form; could have gone to Uni but knew I’d be too lazy to finish anything so got a shit job instead – working at my local 4 Square. The novelty of free ice-creams and pies wore off after only 3 years and I then worked at the Post Office as a Mail Clerk. Because I have the dimensions of a giraffe and was basically sitting at a desk all day I absolutely rooted my neck and spent most of my time at home paralysed. So I left there and took up a Signwriting Apprenticeship. Did that for 5 years and became a qualified tradesman then went to London with my wife. There I not only did Signwriting but ran the staff bar at one of the UK’s largest Advertising Agencies. It was also in London that I did my first stand-up comedy gig. That led me into radio back in NZ.
How long have you been working at The Rock? Started here in October 2006. Before that I was doing voices and characters on the Kim & Corbett Show on Auckland’s More FM for 6 years.
What’s the best thing about working at The Rock? Being able to be myself and say all the things I couldn’t say on a station like More FM.
What’s the worst thing about working at The Rock? Having to wear black t-shirts in the middle of summer. Good way to sweat off a few pounds though.
Career highlights? Winning the Billy T Award for Comedy in 2000. Taking over from Mike King as Host of Pulp Comedy in 2001. Working on some of the best breakfast radio shows in NZ. Being on 7 Days every week on TV3 though is possibly the greatest fun I have ever had doing comedy.
What’s the dumbest thing you have ever done? I flicked the lit end of a cigarette down the leg of my shorts once. Jumping up and down on yourself trying to douse a testicular furnace is not a good look. I also fell over drunk in front of my father-in-law last year. That’s really not the sort of thing you should be doing when you’re 42.
What are your favourite bands? Foo Fighters, Thirsty Merc, Coldplay, Del Amitri, Barenaked Ladies.
What do you drive? 1997 Hyundai Lantra Station Wagon, burgundy in colour. I'm also quite dangerous when I'm in charge of a pair of Crocs.
What do you do to wind down? Crack a Steiny Pure, walk out on my deck, watch my boys run around punching each other and think how lucky I am to be me.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “Don’t sit on concrete” and “Think of the performer you want to be one day and be it NOW”
What’s your favourite sport on telly? Snooker....and Golf on Nintendo Wii (I have mastered the art of playing it sitting down)
Which Super 14 team do you support? Venus Williams
Do you play any sports? Tennis, sporadically … and spastically.
How do you like your coffee? In my mouth
Favourite beer/beverage? Stella or Steiny Pure for Beer, Pinot Noir for Not-Beer
Favourite fast food? Pies Pies Pies Pies Pies Pies and Pies
Any parting words of wisdom? When life gets you down just remember, somewhere out there is someone much more successful and happy than you.
PAUL EGO on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Paul-Ego/60836936638?ref=ts