Stewart is one of the most famous comedians in both the UK and Canada. When it comes to stand-up styles, there’s only one kind of comedy for the one-liner, who often appears on BBC 2’s Mock the Week. Stewart speaks to Vision after his show in York last Friday (25th) May.
1. To kick off our quick-fire questions, let’s start at the beginning. What is your earliest memory?
Stewart: That would have to be graduating from university at 29 years old… before then I think I was just drinking all the time.
2. You’re an entertainer, actor, writer, comedian and lots more! Is there anything you’re not good at?
Stewart: No, I’m good at everything. Actually, lying is something I struggle with…
3. You have appeared in numerous television shows, but in terms of your experience, which one was the most rewarding?
Stewart: My favourite question so far! Probably my sitcom in Canada: “An American in Canada.” It’s an award winning comedy so that’s probably the best of the lot.
4. That was TV, but which do you prefer- film, live stand-up, or television?
Stewart: Stand up is what I do, but of all of them, I would say acting – it’s the most rewarding. When I get the real opportunity to act in a television show it’s brilliant.
5. Who would you consider to be your best friend?
Stewart: The folks from Savage Garden; Daniel Jones and Darren Hayes.
6. Politics, philosophy or economics – which one is most important?
Stewart: Err, none are important to me.
7. What is your favourite city, anywhere in the world?
Stewart: Favourite city that I’ve visited is Hong Kong. I first went on 17th March 2001, and I’ve been going back ever since.
8. If your job wasn’t comedy related, what would it be?
Stewart: Probably a cartoonist – it’s one of my passions. I’ll be publishing a book of cartoons in a year or two.
9. What is your favourite sport and why?
Stewart: Ice hockey. I play it quite a bit and I have my equipment over here with me and everything. I’m always ready for a game.
10. You have achieved a lot to date, but what would you consider your best accomplishment?
Stewart: My son, Stewart Francis Junior.
11. Are there any maxims that inspire you?
Stewart: An apple a day [keeps the doctor away]. When I wake up I always say that. Before I go on stage I always say it, and when I come off stage I always say it. It’s inspirational, and it registered with me when my grandfather first told me it.
12. What was your happiest moment?
Stewart: The birth of my third child. Yeah… the other two… I don’t really rate.
13. If someone were to summarise Stewart Francis’ typical day, what would they say?
Stewart: Booooring. Umm, that’s it. Just boring. Loose Women, and cups of tea – that’s me!
14. What do you believe to be man’s greatest achievement?
Stewart: Oh boy, that’s a good one. Probably the bookmark.
15. One piece of life advice, please?
Stewart: Continue breathing!
16. You are an award-winning comic and admired by many, but who is your hero?
Stewart: For me, it’s Steve Martin – before he started making crap films, he was a very innovative surreal comedian. I think he’s my hero.
17. If you could sum your career up in one sentence, what would you say?
Stewart: Half way there; half way to it being over. I hope to be the first 106-year-old comedian. One of the oldest comedians at the moment would probably be Don Rickles in the States – he’s in his late 80s.
18. Will you still be going then?
Stewart: Absolutely! I’ve got so many jokes I have to do.
19. Could you tell us a secret?
Stewart: No.
Vision: I’d already had that written down.
Stewart: You’re good!
20. Finally, what global issue would you like to see tackled right now?
Stewart: That would have to be the eradication of Peter Andre.