New Brunswick-born, Toronto-based comedian Tom Hearn has established himself as an unstoppable dynamo of stage and screen – and his artistry reads like both a celebration of self-expression and a masterclass in comic versatility:
- His impressive array of solo shows, including SLANG and Gay Garbage, have earned accolades across North America.
- A former cast member of The Second City, Hearn created and performed in the acclaimed A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza. His sketch performances have taken him to sketch comedy festivals in Montreal, San Francisco, Chicago and Toronto, plus JFL, JFL42, the Halifax, Fundy and Edmonton Fringes, and to Toronto Pride.
- His screen roles include television appearances on Children Ruin Everything, Good Sam, What We Do In The Shadows, Cross, How to Die Alone, The Social, and the films Making Scents of Love and Sincerely Christmas.
- Hearn’s influence also extends into the digital realm, where his TikTok and Instagram followers number over half a million, and his hit videos have been viewed more than 100 million times (!). They include Outdoor dining, Below Deck: Niagara Falls, the House Hunters series, Doug Ford, James Corden, Sue Johanson, and Martha Stewart – along with dozens of original characters. In 2022, Hearn launched his Ina Garten series, which has gone viral multiple times with over 100 million views, and his impression of Ina has been shared by the Food Network and featured on The Today Show and Delish.
Hearn’s impressions, parodies, and original characters not only entertain; they keenly observe – and satirize – the nuances of queer and straight culture, making him a bona-fide viral sensation.
A big reason why he is so prolific and has such a big reach is that he throws his whole self at his stage and screen comedy. He recently sat down with SesayArts for a conversation about that self – and about his brand-new show titled How Fabulous is That?!
Hearn opens our conversation with a chipper “Hello, howdy and hay”. When I ask what first sparked his desire to become a comedian, he explains ,“I grew up as a theatre kid addicted to television . . . so it just makes sense that I became a sketch comedian!” But now, it seems that his ambitions have grown: he is a comedian living in Toronto who is “attempting to tour all the way to Mars. I just need a billionaire to give me access to one of their spaceships/rockets!”
In terms of his comedic influences, Hearn name-checks comedians Molly Shannon, Debra Wilson, Mike Meyers, and Rachael Dratch: “These are all performers who commit to the character, and don’t care how they look. They fully embody every aspect of the character. And that’s something that I think that I do, as well.” In a similar vein, he expresses deep gratitude to local sketch comedian Kirsten Rasmussen for her guidance in character commitment.
On March 29 and 30, 2024, Toronto audiences have the opportunity to see him perform live at the Burdock Music Hall when he debuts his full-length show How Fabulous Is That?! He’s excited, and promises that the hour-long show will showcase his musical prowess, unique impressions, and comedic talent. Audiences should expect a blend of his original characters and fan-favourite impressions. And following its premiere, the show will embark on an international tour, including a stop at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Here’s the rest of our conversation with Tom Hearn, where we discuss the show, the further greatness ahead of him, and the teflon-like indomitability that goes hand-in-hand with live comedy.
SesayArts Magazine: What would you like us to know about How Fabulous Is That?!?
Tom Hearn: How Fabulous Is That?! is my brand-new special that features some of my favourite original characters, impressions like Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, James Corden and a surprise guest. How Fabulous Is That?! is directed by Carly Heffernan and features new original music written by Jordan Armstrong and myself.
The show is tied together with a series of stand-up segments, all while I run all elements of tech onstage through a series of pedals and buttons. It’s my love letter to – and encompasses – everything I am as a performer.
I’m doing an intimate preview at the Burdock Music Hall March 29th and 30th. Get your tickets at isthattomhearn.com!
SesayArts Magazine: What sketch or impersonation in How Fabulous Is That?! are you especially proud of and excited for us to see?
Tom Hearn: It changes from day to day, but right now my favourite parts of the show are the original songs and my impressions of Martha Stewart taking the iconic Sports Illustrated cover photo, and James Corden…you have to see it to believe it.
SesayArts Magazine: What’s something you haven’t yet accomplished in your career that you aspire to?
Tom Hearn: EGOT status…fame…the ability to pay my bills. But seriously, not to actually sound like James Corden, but I would love to be in a musical! Can you believe it?!
SesayArts Magazine: Who is a sketch comedian or troupe that you’ve seen recently that knocked your socks off?
Tom Hearn: Little Funny Plays killed their set at Toronto Sketchfest! They do a monthly show at Comedy Bar, so you should definitely check them out.
SesayArts Magazine: Thank you for this opportunity to profile you about “How Fabulous Is That?!”. In addition to being an award-winning performer, you are also prolific. So . . . can you share a moment when a sketch didn’t go as planned on stage? How did you handle it?
Tom Hearn: Where do I start? There are many moments that have not gone as planned. If you haven’t had the pleasure of traveling to a city where you don’t know anybody and performing your show to 7 people, I highly recommend it. Or being in a musical and falling down and breaking your wrist on stage. Or the countless times I’ve tried a new sketch or bit, and it bombed. These are just things that happen when you’re a comedian.
SesayArts Magazine: What question should an interviewer never ask a comedian?
Tom Hearn: “Tell me a joke,” or “Can you give me 5 dollars?”
How Fabulous Is That?! debuts at the Comedy Bar Danforth on April 26, 2024, 9:00 pm ET. For tickets, visit isthattomhearn.com.
© Arpita Ghosal, SesayArts Magazine, 2024
