We are here today with rising comedian OR MASH! Or has been making quite a scene in the industry. Now as the co-host for one of the most talked-about radio shows in the morning—“Sam in the Morning”on LA Talk radio—it’s no wonder her name is buzzing around. CZ correspondent Addison Coleman got to sit down with Or Mash for an interview. Check it out here..
How was it like growing up in Israel? Were you exposed to a lot of comedy growing up?
Growing up and living in Israel, you have to develop a sense of humor. I started noticing the comedy in dark situation and that was the way to make it ok.Israelis have a great sense of humor, and it always seemed like magic to me…how you can change a person’s perspective, emotion, and bright up the day with something funny! I always wanted to do that.
When coming to America, did you know and understand the culture? Had you been to Los Angeles? Take us through that experience.
When I decided I wanted to start doing comedy, I had two options, New York or Los Angeles. In New York, I had a lot of family, so it would’ve been easier, but something drew me to LA. The day before my flight, I went to the bank (in Israel) to get my international credit card, and it turned out they issued a card that only works in Europe! Shortly after, I get a text from the friend who I was supposed to stay with in LA, that something came up and I can no longer stay with her. So less than a day before my flight, I’m in a situation where I’m going to an unknown place without any money or a place to stay! I called my sister in Paris and asked her if she thinks I should delay the flight and she said “If you delay there’s a chance you won’t go at all. Get on that plane and don’t worry, everything will work itself out.”
Crazy enough, at the time, my sister was sitting at a cafe, and a Jewish lady sitting next to them overheard the conversation! Next thing you know, I land in LAX and get a text from a Jewish girl saying she heard about my story from her aunt in Paris and would love to have me over until I get my credit card situation resolved! I stayed with her for the next two weeks.
But life gives you gifts that might come with ridiculous conditions. Turns out, this girl was on a religious journey and insisted that I do not touch any of the furniture—saying she’s not sure my clothes are Passover “kosher.”This resulted in me having to sleep on a couch covered with tin foil. Being frustrated about the tin foil episode, I decided to bring light to the comedy in this situation. One day while she was away, I went to the store and bought 3 boxes of tin foil. When she came back home and I greeted her covered in tin foil from head to toe. I said,“I think this will be easier than covering your furniture.”There was a moment of silence. I prayed she’d get the joke, and a moment later, she busted out laughing.
From that day, I never slept on tin foil again.
When I first arrived in Los Angeles, everything seemed so big compared to Israel. Coming from a very different culture and reality, I was an outsider. It would even show in the smallest things like conversation. For example, it took me months to understand that in LA, when someone says “see you later,”they have no intention of actually seeing you again. In Israel, if you say that – somebody is going to open up a calendar! There’s a sense of urgency!
You went from being a standup comedian to appearing in magazine, talk show host, etc., much like an overnight sensation? How has the transition been?
Definitely not overnight. More like night over night over night over night. You begin on working your craft by going to mics night after night and putting your name in a bucket, so you can find your voice. Found it? Great. Now you just need to get yourself on shows. Most don’t pay, so you need to have a job. I don’t want to come off complaining, but it feels great. You make many sacrifices along the way, but the payoff of being on stage and making people laugh is the best feeling in the world.
As a comedian, your job is to make people laugh and poke etc. Being that you are now a host on LA Talk Radio, 5 days a week, is it hard to draw the line when you can turn on and turn off the almost comedy show, or is that just your personality that you do regardless of the time and situation?
I like to make people see the silly side of life, whether it is by cheering up a friend or goofing around with guests on the show. If it makes people feel good and laugh that’s where I’m at. I’ll say that there is also a switch—sometimes you don’t feel the best because something just happened, but the show must go on. The way I see it, if people paid to watch your show, or took the time to listen to your radio segment, you want to give them an experience!
You are around celebrities all day and most people have celebrity crushes or people they idolize? Who is yours, and have you had a chance to work with him/her yet? Is there anyone that you didn’t really like, but after working with them now admire?
I hang out with all types of comics. It’s easiest for me to connect with comics. Whether they’re famous or not, doesn’t matter as much to me. It’s more about the vibe we have. I have a crushes on female comics because I admire them so much. Ali Wong is my favorite.
The buzz in the entertainment industry is that you’re about to hit the TV screens. Can you tell us anything about that or what does it have to do with it for acting, in a sitcom, hosting, etc. Where is your career going at this point?
I love hosting because it allows me to make everybody feel comfortable as if they already know each other, and that sets the tone of a show. I love collaborating with other comedians and creators because that’s where the fun is at, and I feel that makes good TV. Being goofy on camera always felt natural to me. My mom told me that I started acting in my own home videos and built shows for family and friends since I was 5. There are a few projects in the pipeline that I can’t share more details on right now but I will say I’m very excited!
Is TV something you’ve always wanted to do or is this a new venture for you?
I’ve always had blast being on camera and on sets. I’ve been entertaining mostly on stage so Television will be a new venture for me, and I’m pumped about what’s coming!
What’s next for you and how can people stay connected with you?
My sister Offir Mash and I are working on a new comedy series called NEEDS that is now in preproduction and scheduled to shoot October with director Natalia Montecinos. Follow @MashSisters on Instagram for updates and release dates!
INSTAGRAM @IMORMASH
Youtube: Or Mash Comedy
Booking: Ormashcomedy@gmail.com