Under the wig with Drew Talbert
Drew Talbert spent 23 years in the service industry and it shows. His bits on youtube, Instagram and TikTok have created a sensation, especially for those who work in the hospitality industry. Only someone who has lived those situations can show the raw, tragicomic humor behind the skits.
My interview with Drew
You grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and lived in Los Angeles. Was working as a server always your go-to job?
Yes, outside of one year in data entry, serving was my moneymaker while I went to college and chased my dreams as an actor and writer.
What jobs have you held in the service industry?
I was a busser for one summer as a teenager, then 23 years as a server. I have worked in twelve restaurants ranging from ultra-fine dining to casual Malibu chic diner, from corporate to chef owned. I have turned down manager promotions about 20 times. Never wanted the commitment. My ambitions laid elsewhere.
You write, produce and teach improvisation at The Groundlings. Do you think there are ways that improv can be useful for people working in the service industry?
Absolutely. Improv teaches us to truly listen and base our responses on what others say and how they say it. So, one way improv could benefit service is improving the way a server or bartender takes in the specific needs of every customer. It helps you slow down, be present and truly engage. Secondly, improv teaches teamwork which would help in how a server or bartender works with the other members of the team. If an entire restaurant staff took an improv course, it would greatly improve the workplace culture.
What made you decide to start posting bits on the service industry?
When Covid hit, I found way more time at my disposal. I also found myself looking over my wife’s shoulder watching her TikTok feed. I was surprised as how many of their videos interested me and made me laugh. So I downloaded the app and started making content. When my first waiter video went viral, I knew I wanted to make that my niche. From there, it was using my improv skills, editing skills and bags of wigs to create the world.
Why do you do all the characters yourself?
Due to COVID, I really didn’t have much of a choice. After the first few videos, I asked my wife if she wanted to play any characters but she felt people were already attached to me doing them all. It does allow me to move quickly, and I enjoy morphing into multiple characters. I would, however, love to expand one day and bring in my wife and other actors I know.
What role does your wife have in your profession?
She is an actor, writer and producer in her own right. I think that is why she “gets” me. She also gives great feedback, even negative when needed. I trust her taste and instincts, and I rely on her for notes. She has rescued many of my videos and given them just the right fix that turned them into a hit. She is a smart, funny person, and a great actor. I do hope to bring her into the videos at some point. She also helps style the female characters (even allowing me to use her clothes).
Has anyone ever taken offense to your bits online?
There was a stretch where a couple of the more viral videos happened to feature female characters that were less intelligent and “weak,” and I had some women comment that they wanted me to feature stronger female characters. But I have made a point to try to include strong female characters. Nicole comes to mind. I am also working on two more - a female bartender, and a female chef. Neither are weak in the slightest.
You are very open about your past substance abuse and victory over it. Do you think people in the service industry are at higher risk than the general population?
I guess it’s the chicken or the egg question. Does the service industry create addicts or attract them? I think addiction is everywhere - in every industry - but I do think the service industry give more opportunity to abuse. The samplings, the shift drinks, the late nights, the free-spirit bent of many of the workers.
I know you have not worked as a bartender, but your bartender bit is right on target! Why do you think that bartenders like Clint have such a sexy image?
I think bartenders are kings and queens of their special little world back there, surrounded by those beautiful bottles, mixing their libations. Cocktails are sexy. Alcohol is an aphrodisiac. It’s only natural that the ones supplying it would hold a certain amount of sex appeal.
Was Clint the bartender character based on a real person?
Not really, but his outfit and look is based on a combination of many bartenders I’ve worked with - particularly at my most recent job. Almost every bartender there was a handsome, tall guy with a lot of swagger. One of them loaned me the vest Clint wears. I bought the tattoo sleeves on Amazon.
Do you think the tip system should be abolished for a higher base wage, and why or why not?
No, because restaurants would never be able to pay enough to match what servers in the U.S. make in tips. So I guess I’m answering that way to support my fellow servers and bartenders in America, lol. But it’s good money and it supported me and my family. And it keeps the good people from leaving for other jobs.
What is the most gratifying part of doing your service industry bits online?
I get messages daily that my videos have helped service industry people through this very difficult time. That makes me very happy. Also, I’ve been told that sharing my videos has re-connected old friends who used to work together. I love that. I feel like I’ve helped bring together a worldwide community of restaurant folks.
What is the future of your skits on people in the service industry? Is there a Netflix special on tap?
I’m not sure about a Netflix show, but I’d love to pursue opportunities like that. I also really enjoy keeping creative control, so I’m in no hurry. I do have some exciting stuff planned on Twitch and Discord where we’re really building out the Bistro Huddy world - some fun ways for the community of fans to interact more and see more of the behind-the-scenes.
Five Questions for Drew
If you had to be one of your characters for real who would it be?
Stupidest cocktail name?
Last Word, because it never is.
Funniest bar trick you’ve seen?
The straw trick – I made a video about it!
Did you ever eat someone’s leftovers?
Yes, when my family sits in my section.
Your comedy idol, living or dead.
So, so many, but it has to be Dana Carvey - he inspired me so much in my most formative years.
Follow Drew on social:
YouTube: drewtalbert
Instagram @drewtalbert
Website: drewtalbert.com
TikTok: @drew_talbert
Linktree: drewtalbert