Meet David Perdue: Comedian, Actor, Podcaster, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Perdue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I think the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make is the most difficult decision any of us must make regularly. Whether you are in the arts, business, or whatever the decision to listen to, sit with and ultimately believe the voice within above all of the other voices of negativity that may surround us will always be the most difficult decision. We are bombarded with so many voices that tell you why you shouldn’t do something that is on our hearts, but when we”re able to listen to that initial voice, the one that encourages you to simply attempt that scary thing with conviction is difficult, it typically stands up to much louder voices of criticism around us all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my approach to humor is the same approach I attempt to take to any space I enter and that is to always remember that I am the only me out there and that in and of itself is special. So to let that fact inform my art is the goal. Truthfully (and this probably sounds terrible) as a comedian I’ve worked to not be afraid to not be fun, but I will always understand that my job is to be funny. Meaning I had to learn that my one of my best skills was in part to seek out the uncomfortable and bring some light & levity to it. It is my belief that if humor or laughter is the best medicine then in order for it to be most effective it may need to get into the deep cuts of society in an attempt to provide that healing. The thing I am most proud of as a performer is honestly the relationships I’ve made through this work. Watching and learning from some of the most brilliantly hilarious minds in the world is an honor. Personally I’m proud of the small acting roles I’ve been able to play because I never saw that in the cards & it allowed me to cross paths with actual legends in television/ film in Mara Brock Akil, Bobcat Goldthwaithe, & one of my heroes Robert Townsend. If I could tell the world anything about me & my story it’s that I hope what I’ve done and what I hope to do in the future makes you feel something, that it gives you some sort of connection to something. I think that’s all I want is to do things that challenge us to connect in some way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In the time of coronavirus this is a tough question lol. I will say some of the best times were spent at Dark Horse doing karaoke with friends, Clermont Lounge for karaoke is also its own special kind of fun . I tell anybody visiting the city the have to go to Slutty Vegan & support Pinky and her vision & get that One Night Stand. R. Thomas for that late night food that will help you get up in the morning and obviously Waffle House if you want to make an already great night on the town better.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I move through life fully understanding that whatever “success” that may come my way it did not come out of nowhere. For sure there was hard work on my end as far as showing up and working nightly for 9 years on comedy, but any achievement I’ve made in this industry is a direct result of the city being full of super talented people who either came before me, while I was beginning and even after me who made Atlanta a hub for talented performers & writers. So I’d like to shoutout the city of Atlanta for producing some of the best people to perform for and with. Also I have to shoutout my core group of college friends we’ve dubbed ourselves “The Study Party”. It’s a collection of friends who initially met up to attempt to study and then found out that staying up til 4AM discussing everything under the sun was way more important than sociology 101. These friends believed in me first I owe anything I get to their love and support. …And we never studied once! lol

Website: davidperduecomedy.com
Instagram: @dueordie
Twitter: @dueordie
Facebook: David Perdue Comedy

Image Credits
Troy Conrad photography (black and white w/ white shirt Rodney Ho (Team Coco picture) Zach Burcar black in white w/ black shirt & (white shirt for profile picture)