Aside from his attire, Friedlander said he has been a part of the world of comedy since 1989, and has filled the role of host, stand-up comedian and author.

After wrapping up filming for Season 7 of “30 Rock,” he said he is excited to get back to business.

The State News got the chance to speak with Friedlander about the show, as well his future solo projects.
– Katie Abdilla, The State News

State News: How does it feel to be done filming “30 Rock”?
Judah Friedlander: “30 Rock” was great. I’m happy to be done with it. I accomplished something, and I’m looking forward to much more free time now to do projects I want to do. I was filming 40-80 hours a week and still doing stand-up every night — it’s exhausting.

SN: What projects are you currently working on?
JF: I’m in the middle of making my own stand-up comedy documentary. I’ve been filming off and on and may do some filming in Michigan. I’ve been hosting this new show on National Geographic. It’s an hour show each week, and it’s about different mythological creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

SN: What made you decide to do a documentary rather than a comedy special?
JF: I’ve turned down specials many times for creative purposes as well as legal control differences, and I decided to make my own (film). We’re in an age where it’s a little easier to make your own stuff and get it to people. It’s going to be a concert film, but part documentary also.

SN: What do you think makes a show about mythological creatures so interesting to viewers?
JF: It’s interesting because they’ve never been proven, but people still believe in it. Whether they exist or not, humans have a need to believe in those things. It’s fantasy.

*SN: How did you first get involved with comedy? *
JF: I used to do my own comic strips with jokes. When I was 16, I got introduced to stand-up and started writing jokes and performing at 19. It felt like home.

*SN: Do you ever feel nervous before performing stand-up? *
JF: It’s the most relaxing thing I do. If I was still nervous doing it, I would have quit years ago. I was nervous at first, but I’ve been doing this well over 20 years, often with several shows a night. If I got nervous still, that would be terrible.