Photo by Aaron Salcido.
Max Amini is a stand-up comic who performs around the world and an actor who is a regular on Rob Schneider’s new series Real Rob. Before participating in the Zócalo/UCLA panel “Has Political Correctness Really Killed Humor?”, the UCLA alumnus professed his ongoing affection for Mr. Bean and the Laugh Factory in the Zócalo green room.
What food won’t you eat?
I don’t eat pork. Recently I’m finding out more stuff that I don’t like. I don’t drink. Now I sound like a rabbi.
Where would we find you at 10 a.m. on a typical Sunday morning?
Sitting at my desk in front of my computer.
As a kid, who was your favorite comedian?
I always loved Mr. Bean, and I still like Mr. Bean.
What’s your most disgusting habit?
[Laughs] I don’t think I have any disgusting habits. I’m pretty angelic in that way.
When’s the last time you offended someone?
I tend to offend people quite often, especially people close to me, because I say things exactly the way they come to mind, and I’m brutally honest.
Where are you a regular?
I’m a regular at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood. I play the club, I hang out at the club, I spend time with the comedians. It’s my place of work and happiness.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I’m a half poodle, half rooster. That’s actually exactly what I am.
What do you do to clear your mind?
I work out and I play basketball. Basketball is what takes me completely out of any zone, any funk I’m in.
Star Wars or the Godfather trilogy?
One hundred percent Godfather trilogy.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad has given me a large amount of wonderful advice. I think the best advice that resonates with me is, live for a peaceful life rather than any other ambition. Meaning any goals, anything that you think is happiness, has to be aligned with peace of mind.