Photo by Terry Richardson
Guest List features some of our favorite artists filling us in on some of their favorite things, along with other random bits. This time, we spoke with comedian Aziz Ansari, whose latest stand-up specialBuried Aliveis now streaming on Netflix.
Last Great Film I Saw
12 Years a Slave. It was one of the most brutal, affecting movies I've seen. But I also feel the same way about Mrs. Doubtfire.
__Favorite Place to Shop Online
__I love going on eBay and typing in random stuff and sorting by "most expensive" and seeing the weirdest shit. Earlier, I typed in Mrs. Doubtfire and there was a thing where a guy found the makeup artist from the movie and got the head mold and a signed picture from Robin Williams. It was at like $20,000. You type in Jurassic Park and it comes up with Ford Explorers that say "Jurassic Park" on them.
The Dumbest Thing I Bought This Year
My Jurassic Park Ford Explorer
Favorite Airline
Any international airline because they actually treat you like you’ve paid for a service. They even give you pajamas to wear. One time I flew to Abu Dhabi to be part of that short film Kanye did. Everyone from G.O.O.D. Music was there, and Pusha T was on my flight back. I changed into my jammies right away—in life, in general, I like being comfy—and then I saw Push. So I walked by him and was like, “Push, you going to change into your jammies?” And he just goes, “No.”
Which I totally understand. My image is not really getting fucked up by me slipping into some jammies. If anything, you'd expect me to be in jammies. But if Pusha T got into jammies, I would've been shaking my head: "You can't do that man, you're Pusha T! My Name Is My Name? What about that time you were in jammies? Your Jammies Are Your Jammies."
The Best Birthday I’ve Had
I had a birthday party at McDonald’s when I was a little kid, and there’s a picture of me from that day—the suit I'm wearing is so ridiculous! It's this weird red-and-green plaid blazer with gold buttons. It was a baller suit to be wearing to a birthday party in McDonald's.
Bad Habit
I’m always 10, 15 minutes late. I feel bad about it, so I don't think I'm a bad person, but when I'm on time for stuff I'm way too proud of myself. I’m like, [bro voice] “Dude, I did it!”
Chicken or Shrimp?____
Oh my God, shrimp! I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, where he talks about factory farms and now I don’t ever want to eat chicken or turkey again.
Favorite Podcasts
“WTF With Marc Maron” and “Call Chelsea Peretti”
Last Great Concert I Went To
Atoms for Peace at Hollywood Bowl
My Dream Vacation
I really like just being in New York, doing stand-up every night, and working on jokes.
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Biggest Pet Peeve
I find it super offensive when people roll their eyes. One time this bartender said to me, "Hey, I met you a few months ago and you rolled your eyes and walked away." And I was like, "That definitely wasn't me." She didn't realize that she went up to a different Indian guy and he rolled his eyes because he's probably tired of being mistaken for me.
My Morning Routine
I make espresso and then add sugar while it's hot, so the sugar dissolves in there. Then I add milk to cool it down—that's cool-down phase one. Then I stir it until I feel it's cold. At the very end, I add ice and get it really cold. Normally when you get these cold coffee drinks it gets very watered-down and it's gross, so I take a lot of pride in mine.
Strangest Display of Affection From a Fan
Yesterday this lady comes up to me at the comedy club and goes, "Hey, I love you on 'Parks and Rec'—that episode where you're in the library and you do the song in Spanish was great." And I was like, "OK." I didn't know what she was talking about.
Another time this girl painted a portrait of Soulja Boy standing on a balcony just looking out into Los Angeles for me (left). It was just so random and so great.
Favorite Drink
Old-Fashioned
The Best Thing I Bought This Year
I finally got one of those big, warm coats. You know a good way to keep warm during these cold winters? Get a huge jacket!
Favorite Music Video
Jagged Edge's "Where the Party At" because it starts with them parachuting into the party.
