Fans of grunge-era MTV need little introduction to Pauly Shore, both a VJ and a comedian, who quickly ascended to superstar status during the early ‘90s. Shore grew up in Beverly Hills where his mother owned The Comedy Store, a heavily visited destination on the Sunset Strip, and his father worked as a comedian as well.
From 1989 to 1993 alone, one would have been hard-pressed to turn on MTV without seeing his immensely popular Totally Pauly series which showcased a guy with clearly too much time on his hands and a script that, well, wasn’t really a script. Even though much of the content made little sense, Shore was able to capitalize on a shtick playing a character he developed dubbed “The Weasel” which often seemed to mimic surfer and slacker dude-speak and, of course, included the catchphrase “hey, bud-dy”.
Shore, now 47, has been seemingly absent from the scene for some time—but in actually he’s been working on a podcast, The Pauly Shore Podcast Show, producing his own much smaller films and staying true to his onstage persona. Unlike the days with excessive film budgets like Encino Man (1992) and A Goofy Movie (1994), most of the risks he takes now involve much of his own investment.
Shore spoke to SN&R via cell phone while driving around Los Angeles.
What made you start your own Pauly Shore podcast show? How has the reception been thus far?
It’s been good. You know, everyone was doing podcasts and it seemed like I needed to get in on the action, too. I grew up interviewing lots of famous people and it was only natural. It’s not that hard to produce. One thing I did do was I film every episode and later down the road I plan to release everything. They’ll probably be out next year in February or even January. I plan on getting in bed with YouTube to make some money and, hopefully, some other opportunities will come up.
It’s no secret that your career had a downward trajectory and many have been quick to criticize you, your act, and some of your newest movies. How have you dealt with that?
You know, I don’t really care to engage with these people. I’m old now and I’m not affected by negative shit. The older I get I look at what I do have as opposed to what I don’t have. I have the freedom to do things whether I want to rather than based on how much money I’ll make. Also, I’m happy and healthy whereas a lot of people and friends around me are not.
There are some terrible reviews of your podcast. Do you mind if I indulge myself?
No. Go for it.
One person wrote “Who chews gum on their podcast?” after hearing one of your segments.
Ha ha. Was that me? I probably shouldn’t have. Wait a minute. That was my guest and I didn’t mind but it hasn’t happened since.
Another wrote “ Fucking terrible. He never shuts up! God, waste of bandwidth.”
You know what? I agree with them. That’s how it was when I first started. It was something I wasn’t used to and I spoke way too much. After listening to some of the early shows, I noticed it was me talking and very little of the person I was interviewing. Believe it or not, the feedback actually helped me out. Listen to one of my current episodes with Irving Azoff, Robin Antin, or Tia Carrere. A lot has changed.
Do you feel bad for having a somewhat charmed life while other comics had to struggle in obscurity?
Not at all. I’m thankful. I definitely took advantage of who my parents were and my situation. I am not embarrassed whatsoever. I think it’s great to have people on your side. There are a lot of people who try to do something but don’t have anyone to help them. I have no regrets.
Will you ever revive Totally Pauly?
Mmm. I don’t know. I thought it did pretty well myself. It had a five-year run. You never know.
Will there be another Encino Man?
I would do it in a minute. It was a cult classic and people still talk about that movie to this day.
Catch Pauly Shore Friday, December 11 at 8 p.m. at the Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. Tickets are $20. All-ages. Billy Galloway, Danny Luna, and Stephen Tierney open the show. Learn more at www.paulyshore.com.
