He is 27 years old and fills Germany's biggest venues: Luke Mockridge has even been tipped as Stefan Raab's successor. We met the talented comedian for a chat.
Comedy is in his blood, as Luke Mockridge is part of a family of eight artists. His mother Margie Kinsky is a comedian and his father Bill Mockridge played the role of Erich Schiller in the ARD series "Lindenstraße" for over 20 years. His five brothers all have different talents. "I've always been the funny one," he says. "My family was my first audience." Even as a young boy, he was able to make his friends laugh during the interval.
Luke Mockridge won the German Comedy Award
When Stefan Raab announced his retirement from the TV screen last year, one name was being touted in the German tabloids as Raab's successor: Luke Mockridge. He was a frequent guest on Raab's show "TV Total" and won the German Comedy Award in the "Newcomer" category in 2012. Since last February, he has also been the youngest comedian to fill the Lanxess Arena in Cologne to capacity. The follow-up rumors turned out to be untrue, but Mockridge still has his own show with "Luke! Die Woche und ich", Mockridge has his own show on Sat.1, but he's not resting on his laurels.
Michel Imhof: Your program is called "I'm lucky, I'm Luke!" Why is that?
Luke Mockridge: It's a funny play on words, my name is Luke (laughs). But somehow a lot of things fit into it. The comic world is reflected in my life: it's all a bit colorful, naive and childish. But sometimes this childlike view of mine is just right. In a world that can sometimes be very negative and sad, my view is a positive one. That's what I try to pass on to people.
How would you describe your program?
I enjoy addressing my generation with pinpoint accuracy. With various cartoons, games or even gadgets of the time. Older mothers sitting in the audience sometimes don't know the Glücksbärchis, but they still find me likeable. Everyone is welcome.
What is good humor for you?
When it surprises me. My parents founded an improv theater in Bonn, so I grew up with comedy. I already know the mechanics of comedy inside out. That's why I'm surprised when I don't see a punchline coming. I think quirky comedians are cool, Helge Schneider or Alf Poier for example.
What do you like most about your job?
That no two days are the same. Today I'm on stage, tomorrow I'm on YouTube, then I have a promo day and later I'm recording for television. This mix is sensational and a lot of fun. I couldn't work on the same thing all the time.
You grew up with five brothers. What was that like for you?
Fantastic. We were six boys at home, all from the same parents. You have to say that today (laughs). Of course there was friction growing up, but that only toughens you up. Now I have five good friends, all spread across Germany. So when I'm on tour, I always have different home bases. That's really valuable, for me family is the most important thing in life.
Have you always been this funny?
My family was my first big audience. There were eight of us and everyone had their own talent. I was the funny one and always enjoyed making jokes. At school too, of course. But the teachers never hated me, I was the likeable clown at recess who knew how far he could go.
Do you have groupies?
I notice that people write to me on social media. But I don't make use of it. That wouldn't appeal to me either. I love conquering women, flirting and making the first move. I've never had groupies offer themselves so actively before.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I don't really have a specific goal. I just hope that I'm still as happy with my life as I am now. Whether that's comedy, music, movies or children's books. It will be something creative, but I don't know exactly where I'll be.
LUKE MOCKRIDGE
25.09.16, Hallenstadion Zurich
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