"Call Me Russell" by Russell Peters

I’ve seen Russell Peters perform at least 15 times live on stage. The first time we actually spoke was in 2002 when I did my very first amateur set at Yuk Yuk’s (it was sort of like jumping out of a plane). He approached me in the washroom and started asking me about me and giving me some of that ‘free’ advice. My goal was always to test my writing not travel the painful road of Canadian Stand up Comedy.  Just two years later he couldn’t even meet me and my wife outside the Montreal venue he was performing at because he’d be mobbed. He snuck us in the VIP way, which was a clear sign things were changing.

Back then, Russell had that swagger about him that was unmistakable. The swagger that made people believe that even if he had nothing to show for it now, he was going to be something great one day.

Following the career of Russell Peters was fairly easy from the early 90’s to 2005. Often referred to as ‘the brown comic’ (which I’m quite sure was the handle to an early email address), Russell was a staple of the Yuk Yuk’s circuit, who steadily grew his act to a point where it felt like he was growing out of his own market. Russell’s new book, Call Me Russell, talks about these early years, the highs the lows and everything in between. It’s a firsthand account of the 15 year struggle that resulted into this ‘Forbes Listed’ comedian’s recent success.

A trip through the early years of Russell’s life will shed light on his lifestlye today.  Readers will identify with his multicultural upbringing, his parents and their immigrant struggle, and the culture clashes at school and at home. The story is quick to emphasize the relationship that Russell has with his brother Clayton, who in many ways is the hero in this story. 

Many people don’t realize, but Clayton (who co-wrote the book) played (and continues to play) a big role in managing Russell’s career and his astute business mind has led to bigger ventures both in Canada and abroad.

Despite selling out The Air Canada Center and performing at Madison Square Garden’s, Russell is quick
to point out the little moments that meant so much to him; the first time he met Gene Simmons, his lessons in England, convincing his brother to quit his engineering job and of course the moments he can’t escape; the passing of his father, losing close friends and struggling with ADD.  What you will admire the most about this book is the inspiration you get to stay loyal to people. Russell is acutely aware of those people in life who scorned him and the people in his life that supported him no matter what. In what could be attributed to his ‘hip hop’ mentality, Russell will always appreciate his crew and make sure that they are always considered when he is making decisions. 

The only thing that is missing from the book is a guide. I mentioned the time in Montreal earlier in this review for a reason. That night while chilling backstage and moments before the show was about to start, Russell looked over at me and asked, “You want to do a set?” “No, thanks” I responded and just like that it occurred to me that regardless of where he is career wise, Russell (and Clayton) makes it point to give opportunity as soon as he gets one, which is rare in comedy.  Case and point is the wonderful touch he has added to his live shows by bringing Toronto’s DJ Starting from Scratch and New York’s DJ Spinbadd on tour with him.

As a comic who has broken a lot of ground and inspired many different minorities to try to tell their stories, Russell doesn’t take the time to map out anything for anyone because nothing was mapped out for him and he makes that very clear. If there is a magic comedy formula then anyone could do it and I think we all know someone who has tried. 

This book is a clear lesson in the importance of family, seeing the big picture and knowing how to seize opportunity. It’s a great read that will probably be the first piece of his work that can’t be bootlegged and thrown onto the internet....at least I hope it can’t.As the book goes back and forth between the good times and the bad ones, Russell never seems to blame any one thing for his slow and steady climb, nor point one thing that insured his success. It’s almost as if Russell is hinting that some of his best moments are yet to come.

Mohit Rajhans is a segment producer with Breakfast Television in Toronto, Senior Reporter with Omni TV and Film Critic for CBC Radio and Flow 935.

You can catch his full interview with Russell Peters soon @ www.mohitsmovies.com or follow @mohitsmovies.

Comments

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Meet Russell at any of the following in-store appearances and
get your copy of Call Me Russell signed by the man himself!

TORONTO: Chapters
Wednesday, Oct. 27th
...7 – 8pm
142 John Street

BRAMPTON: Chapters
Friday, Oct. 29th
7 – 8 pm
Brampton Market Hall
52 Quarry Edge Drive

CALGARY: Costco
Tuesday, Nov. 2nd
7 – 8 pm
99 Heritage Gate SE

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