SHULERKING.COM
Meet Shuler King: by day, a funeral director; by night, a standup comic who dared to bring some laughter to the afterlife while landing a coveted spot on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Picture this: Shuler King, also known as Frank Williams, effortlessly juggling caskets and comedy routines in Sumter, South Carolina. He’s the guy who works with grieving families during the day and moonlights as a laugh factory at night. On June 24, he takes a comedic gamble on national television—because who doesn’t want America to watch you try to make them giggle while recalling the dearly departed?
**CP: So, are you feeling the jitters? That national audience can be a handful!**
**SK:** A smidge nervous, but more jazzed than a kid in a candy store. I’ve seen how things go, and honestly, the odds of me tripping over my own punchlines are high, but isn’t that what live TV is all about?
**CP: This is a huge platform for comedy. Are you viewing this as a potential launchpad for superstardom?**
**SK:** Oh, absolutely! I consider myself an optimistic fellow. The show is like a doorbell ringing, and I’m just hoping someone is home to answer. But, you know, I leave the ultimate plan in the hands of the universe—or the comedy gods, if you prefer.
**CP: Your day job is, shall we say, unconventional. How does that ludicrously serious profession mesh with your comedic chops?**
**SK:** Ah, the world of the morbidly mundane! I’m a licensed funeral director and embalmer—because nothing says “great night out” like a well-embalmed corpse. My family’s been playing host to the dearly departed since ’45, which really gives me a unique twist on punchlines and a steady supply of dark material.
**CP: You’re dealing with families at their lowest; how can humor even step foot into that atmosphere?**
**SK:** Oh, I’m not the guy who says, “Hey, I’m sorry for your loss—how about a joke?” I embrace the awkwardness like a warm blanket. The other day, a guy recognized me while preparing for his mom’s send-off. He wanted a selfie with me, amidst all that tear-filled chaos. Life’s a stage, and it’s often the backstage that has the best material, wouldn’t you say?
**CP: Did you accidentally stumble into comedy or was this master plan always on the table?**
**SK:** I mean, who doesn’t want to be a comedian at 19? It’s the quintessential ‘you-must-be-kidding-me’ journey. A promoter walked into my music store—and just like that, my friends claimed I was “funny.” I couldn’t stop myself from stepping into the spotlight. It’s amazing how quickly ignorance can lead you to your destiny.
**CP: So, what’s the secret sauce? Do you write your material or just wing it like a seagull at a picnic?**
**SK:** Oh, I cover the full spectrum! I come equipped with improvised gold, but I also have written material lined up like eager students in detention. Comedy, dear friend, is a blend of preparation and spontaneity. You never know what’s going to land—or crash—so versatility is key!
**CP: Any inspiring comedians pull you off the couch and onto the stage?**
**SK:** Legends like Bernie Mac and Eddie Murphy had me glued to the screen. I wasn’t thinking “I could do better”; it was more about being enchanted by their charisma. It’s like watching a magician—who cares about the trick as long as you can feel the magic, right?
**CP: In your opinion, what is the hallmark of a truly great comic?**
**SK:** It may sound cliché, but you’ve got to have that magic touch that elicits laughter. Comedy is subjective, after all. It’s about perspective, really—connecting with your audience and making them marvel at your ability to tell tales in ways they never envisioned. Bring them in, and let them chuckle at the bizarre world you’ve crafted through your lens!
