Shuler King is no ordinary comedian; he masterfully blends humor with the sobering realities of life and death. As a licensed funeral director and comedic genius, King explores this unique intersection of mortality and comedy through his diverse roles and innovative projects. Currently embarking on his nationwide Your Favorite Undertaker Tour, Shuler captivates audiences with his insightful comedic narratives. His latest venture, the "To Laugh at Death" podcast, invites listeners into a world where laughter meets the often-taboo topic of death, featuring engaging and humorous discussions with renowned comedians and celebrities. We recently had the pleasure to catch up with Mr. Shuler himself and here’s what we learned about this new king of comedy.
1. Can you share what initially drew you into comedy, and how you balance it with your career as a funeral director?
I’ve always been funny even as a child. People started telling me I needed to be a comedian. I was hesitant about it because I thought I would be seen as a clown. What changed my mind was when I saw a tape of Martin Lawrence. He had a different type of swag to me. I was like yeah I’m gonna give this a shot. Being a funeral director while doing comedy can be tiring. At one point I was working day and night. Years ago I would work funerals during the day and do comedy at night. Often the same family at the funeral would be at the comedy show. They would be looking at me crazy like, “Hey man. Didn’t you drive the limousine at my mama’s funeral today?”
2. What inspired you to start the "To Laugh at Death" podcast, and what do you hope your listeners take away from it?
I’ve always wanted to have a show. I just needed to figure out my angle. I didn’t want to talk about the same things everyone else did. I know I have a unique perspective on life because of my occupations. Most people don’t realize how many great stories are told when people pass away. I wanted to show that people are bigger than death. You should define people on how they lived. Ultimately I want to honor the lives of our loved ones through laughter. Even if their death was tragic.
3. How do you find humor in the typically somber field of funeral services?
I don’t have to find the humor. It always finds me. I’ve been blessed with that sense of humor, and the ability to make people see the humor in anything. Basically, God made me this way so I don’t know.
4. Can you tell us more about the "Your Favorite Undertaker Tour"? What has been the most memorable moment on this tour so far?
My most memorable moment on tour was filming my stand up special. I’m still deciding on a title. Don’t judge me.
5. How has your approach to comedy changed after starting your podcast and exploring the themes of mortality and humor?
My approach to comedy hasn’t changed since starting the podcast. It’s fairly new, and still developing. Maybe the podcast will help some other comics be more comfortable talking about death.
6. What are some challenges and rewards of working in your family’s funeral business?
The biggest reward I received from working at my family business was spending time with my father. Not only did he teach the family business, but I learned the history of the business and how important it is to keep that legacy going.
7. How has your social media presence influenced your comedy career, especially considering your reach and viral moments?
If it wasn’t for social media I don’t think I would be as popular as I am. I started doing comedy in 2004 when social media didn’t exist in the way it does now. I was taking the conventional route in comedy. I was traveling and doing open mics. I had gotten to a point where I was making a living but once I started going viral it was life changing. I’m still happy about how I started. Social media got me out to the public but the fact that I had spent so many years developing my talent has given me the ability to be consistent to sustain the success.
8. In managing both a career in comedy and a funeral business, plus family life, what strategies do you use to keep everything balanced?
The main thing about balancing everything is constant prayer and constant communication. My wife and I are always busy doing something. She keeps me straight through. Nothing works without her.
9. What can your fans expect next from you, both in comedy and other projects?
My comedy special will be out next year. Very soon my business partner and I will be opening our first location of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in Columbia, South Carolina.
10. What advice would you give to someone who is trying to bring their unique perspective into their professional life, much like you have with comedy and funeral directing?
I would tell them to not rush the truth. Everyone has a story to tell and oftentimes the story has to be ready to be told. Give it time and let it develop. When it's time, the truth will flow out naturally.
Beyond the stage and studio, Shuler is deeply embedded in his family's funeral business, providing a profound backdrop to his comedic and public persona. With a fan base spanning over two million daily interactions across social media, Shuler King is setting new standards in the realms of comedy and content creation, promising a compelling blend of entertainment and heartfelt storytelling. We look forward to this and of course, more funny.
SOCIAL MEDIA
IG: @ShulerKing
Website: www.shulerking.com
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