10 Things about Janet Varney
Originally from Arizona, when did you decide that you would be in the entertainment business and how did you get your start?
I wasdefinitely one of those kids who loved performing from an early age, which I guess my parents figured out, since they sent me to a public magnet school with an emphasis in performing and visual arts. Which, basically means I got to play Snow White at the age of 5 to a cafeteria full of rowdy fellow kids who were moreinterested in eating square-shaped pizza for lunch.After thatglamorous debut, I continued taking whatever drama classes I could during my public school education, includingmajoring in Theatre incollege. But, from there, I kind of walked away, deciding that if I wanted to be able to affordliving in San Francisco after attending SF State, I shouldprobably have a career that would allow me to pay SF rent. So, I worked as a buyer/merchandise manager and project manager for interiordesign/home furnishings companies. Ididn’t actually plan to get into“showbusiness” at all! Thathappened kind of by accident when I was doing sketch comedy for fun, and my sketch troupe was invited to the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival.
Which comedians careers have made a positive impact on your own career thus far?
My dad is a huge comedy fan, and when I was a kid, he introduced me to a bunch of comedy legends. I wasdefinitely influenced by amazing women like Teri Garr, Madeleine Kahn, Lily Tomlin, Carol Kane… and my first crushes were on Kevin Kline and Steve Martin. I loved alt-sketchlike Kids in the Hall, Mr. Show, and The State. And I’m still constantly inspired by my own peers!
For several years, you were the voice of Korra on Nickelodeon’s“Legend of Korra”. What are some of the best moments from that experience?
Well, just getting to be a part of that show at all was a tremendous honor.Basically, every day that I went into record Korra feltlike a beautiful gift. I never got over it! And, going to conventions and hearing from the fans about the ways the show influenced them, or got them through tough times… it’s just amazing. Certainly, finding out that Korra and Asami would end uptogether was a really special moment.
Currently, you’re on the Netflix series,“Country Comfort”. How were you first introduced to the show and what was it about the script that made you want to jump on board?
This show is incredibly well-written and really shows off how funny a multi-cam sitcom can be. Every time I read a script, I genuinely laugh out loud, and that’s kind of rare for me. It’s created by Caryn Lucas, who wrote“Miss Congeniality” and was behind“The Nanny” and is generally just a total badass. The writing team is killer, and they’ve managed to strike the almost-impossible balance of making a show with tremendousheart that’s also hilarious. The cast is amazing and so much fun to be around. We are, of course, on hold while the world collectively combats coronavirus. And, I do hope we’ll be able to get back in the saddle soon, because I think people could sure use a laugh around now.
What can you tell us about your character Summer and more on her personality?
Summer is one of those genteel Southern women who has learned how to make a scathing criticism sound like a compliment, all with a friendly smile. But like many people, ultimately her vulnerability and insecurity is what drives her to say things she really shouldn’t.
On the show, you get to play alongside Katharine McPhee and Eddie Cibrian. How was it like on set working with them?
They’re so terrific! We really have a wonderful time working with the whole cast, which includes a bunch of kids who kind of blow us away with their talent and level-headedness.
You are the co-founder, producer, and creative director of San Francisco Sketchfest. What is the platform about and what are the initiatives you have in place?
My partners David Owen and Cole Stratton and I started the festival almost 20 years agobecause we, along with 5 other sketch groups we’d met in San Francisco, were just trying to figure out a wayto rent a theatre affordably and not have to perform our own 45 minute set dozens of times in a month. Over time, the festival has grown into one of the largest comedy festivals in the world, which still astounds me. The first year was just sketch comedy, but every year since, we’ve brought not only sketch but pretty much any kind of comedy you can think of: standup,improv, TV show reunions and panels, music, storytelling, debates, game shows. If it’s funny, we’re into it. We pay tribute to comedy heroes every year by bringing them to San Francisco for special one-off events (recent honorees include folks like Carol Burnett, the cast of“Best in Show,” Tony Shalhoub and more). But, we also love bringing young, up-and-coming comedians to the fest from all over. Fred Armisen said SF Sketchfest is like“summer camp for comedians” and we always try to create that kind of environment!
If you weren’t working in the entertainment business, what career would you choose instead?
Great question! As I mentioned before, I worked in interiors/home furnishing and I used to dream of opening up my own little business. But,both of my parents taught high school, and part of me always thought I’d become a teacher.
See also
10 THINGSFEATURES
10 THINGS with Logan Huffman
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
Oh boy— I have a hard time defining my style other than to say I’ve always been a big vintage shopper— I do love dresses from the 60’s– and I also gravitate towards Japanese and Scandinavian styles, which often mean giant cocoon shapes and comfortable shoes. 🙂
We look forward to seeing you on“Country Comfort”. What other projects do you have coming up?
You can check out the show I created for IFC called“Fortune Rookie”— it’s a fun“quarantine” watch on YouTube or atfortunerookie.org!
Twitter: @JanetVarney
Instagram: @TheJVclub
Facebook Page: Janet Varney / The JV Club / SF Sketchfest
Photography: Dolly Avenue
