Amber Ruffin
This weeks On The Couch brings us the incomparable Amber Ruffin. Providing Additional Material to one of this season’s most highly anticipated revivals, The Wiz, is no small feat, but Ruffin has been bringing us award-winning writing and paving the way for over a decade. In 2014, she became the the first African American female to write for a late-night talk-show in the US and now hosts her own Emmy and WGA Award-Nominated series “The Amber Ruffin Show”. While The Wiz is continuing its record-breaking tour ahead of its Broadway run, we managed to chat to Amber about her career, goals, and how you can be sure to find her at a cheesecake factory.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My best asset is my ability to roll with it. No one can handle last minute changes better than an improviser. Except maybe a Late Night TV writer.
What was your proudest moment?
I have a new bout of overwhelming pride every day. Today, I’m putting up a musical my friend and I wrote at 54 Below and it’s going to be magical. I’m gonna probably cry in front of everyone.
What is your favorite drink?
I was a margarita man but lately it’s a vodka Sprite. Truly the trashiest and I don’t give a hoot.
What is your favorite food?
Anything from the cheesecake factory.
What is your favorite condiment?
I love Ranch because I’m from Omaha. I don’t think there’s a place in that entire city where you can’t get a side of ranch.
What is your current obsession?
I’m obsessed with sitting on the couch and taking a second.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I wish I had vices. I really do. Maybe drinking? I’d never give that up.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I do not have any goals. Shit just keeps happening over here at a hilarious pace and I’m just hanging on for dear life.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Takeout. I wish it was something good. But the answer is takeout.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
I doodle on my phone too much. It’s not acceptable.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
The greatest threat to my health is probably cheese? I’m eating too much of it over here and no one has the courage to stop me.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My dad is the happiest man alive and I got that from him. And my mom is very adventurous and I got that from her. Also, me and mom were both voted class clown!
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Each of us is too cute. It causes real problems in my day-to-day life. JKJKJK. My loud laugh?
What in the world most thrills you?
Nothing is more thrilling than being under the gun to write something. Like when we come up with an idea and put it up on the same day, it is such a rush for me. People really fall apart when you ask them to do stuff like that. But it really makes me feel smart and capable.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
I think kids today are growing to hate sincerity? I don’t feel that way. I love loving things and I like being honest about how I feel and I think vulnerability is fun.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I embarrass myself every day. My fly is probably down as we speak.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The Cheesecake Factory. It is important for you to know, this is not a bit.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Oh my gosh. I don’t know. I guess I like it when the person I’m dating is happy. I need a person who is a “half full” type of partner.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I’m not into animals that much but I guess dogs?
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
I am so sorry to say this but every day is pretty frigging great. I get to make a new friend? Have a fun party? Fall in love?
What is your personal motto?
My personal motto is “Party til you get in trouble.”
