Being Jon Lovitz

With numerous feature films, Subway commercials and memorable "Saturday Night Live" characters like Tommy Flanagan, the Pathological Liar and the Master Thespian under his belt, actor/comedian Jon Lovitz seems to have done it all. But that success isn't enough for the 50-year-old Tarzana, Calif. Native, currently hitting the standup comedy circuit. During a recent phone interview, the star of "NewsRadio," "The Critic" and "A League of Their Own" spoke with me about his late entry into standup, his varied resume and his time on "SNL."

What inspired you to start doing standup comedy?

It's something that I always wanted to do since I was 13 when I saw Woody Allen's "Take the Money and Run." I said to myself, "You know, I'm getting older and I might never get to do this." So I started going to the Laugh Factory in Hollywood about two years ago, and practiced to get the show together.

Whatever I think is funny, I put in the act. I make fun of myself, Judaism, Catholicism and Scientology, some politics, women, men, sex and drugs. I then play piano and sing funny songs about Bob Saget.

You've been getting advice from comedians like Saget, Dane Cook and others. What are they telling you?

Dane said, "You've got the things you need. You're funny and likable." Dana [Carvey] saw me and said that he didn't need to give me advice. Robin Williams said my act was so funny. That was flattering.

You got your start in the improvisational act the Groundlings.

I joined it in my early 20s. I remember driving down to the theater and thinking, "I'm throwing my life away." I didn't think it would go as far as it did.

How did you end up on "Saturday Night Live"?

There was news that Lorne Michaels was coming back to SNL and they were doing a nationwide search. They sent Al Franken and Tom Davis to see me [with the Groundlings]. At that show, no one was laughing except for Franken. I remember thinking, "At least that guy from SNL was laughing." ... I didn't think I was going to get it.

What made you decide to do an impression of Harvey Fierstein?

I saw him in a TV movie-he was so over the top, I had to do an imitation. I like him. I think he's talented. He thought I was doing a stereotype, and I wasn't.

Tell me a little bit about working with Mick Jagger on "SNL."

I did my Liar character with him and host Jerry Hall. Lorne approached me and said, "Go meet Mick Jagger in the studio. Show him how to do the Liar." I thought to myself, "Holy s**t, I can't believe I'm doing this inside joke with Mick Jagger." Jerry later told me that the sketch was her idea because Mick was always lying to her.

Was it strange replacing the late Phil Hartman on "NewsRadio"?

It was a tough year. Phil was like a brother to me and it was hard to do it. Everyone on the show said that Phil would have wanted me to do it. Phil's mother thanked me for doing it. A lot of people don't know that.

You've worked an assortment of odd jobs: an orderly, a messenger, waiter,shoe store clerk. Did any of your characters come from those experiences?

Part of the Liar character comes from the messenger job. There was a 21-year-old bum who lied his head off. He was horrible. I couldn't stop laughing. After that I came up with the name Tommy Flanagan. I did that on "Weekend Update" and mispronounced it on purpose.

Are you changing up your routine for different audiences?

No, it's pretty much the same for all audiences. I can't worry if I offend anyone. I make fun of everyone.