The Lipster

Intimidating, confrontational and shocking – all words that have been used to describe the gobby, forthright and brilliant American comedian and actress Sandra Bernhard. Combining scathing sarcasm with refreshing candour at 52, she’s still a formidable commentator on American culture and politics. So when Bernhard answers the phone in her New York home and tells me in no uncertain terms that she is incredibly busy and “only has 15 minutes, honey,” the pressure is on.

Bernhard made her name on the LA comedy circuit in the early 1970s and is still best known for her roles in the Scorsese film King Of Comedy and in sitcom Roseanne, where she played an openly gay character. It was a gutsy move then and would still be one now.

She continues to act but it’s her relentless work as a solo performer that keeps her relevant. In fact, 20 years after its debut, Bernhard has revamped her legendary off-Broadway show, Without You I’m Nothing, proving she's still on the rampage.

Why did you decide to revive a successful show? Do you ever worry that you'll tarnish its reputation?

“Well, it’s the 20th anniversary and I decided it was fitting because it was my first big show and it still has a lot of resonance in terms of where we are as a culture. And you know, at the same time, it’s fun to look back 20 years and take a trip back in time.”

Has going back surprised you in anyway?

“Everything is a stepping stone so it’s not like I look back and go: ‘Oh God, that was weird,’ or, ‘It feels like a long time ago,’ because it feels like it was just yesterday, to be perfectly honest.”

Do you consider yourself part of mainstream American comedy these days?

“I think I’m in the mainstream. In the States I am and in London – I was there recently and did three sold-out nights. I don’t think my work has in any way, shape or form been marginalised. It has more resonance now than it ever did before so it makes things I’ve said very ahead of their time and I feel like that’s the artist that I’ve always been. I’ve always been ahead of the curve – looking at things from a whole perspective and capturing the zeitgeist of the time, which I continue to do.”

Hardly an article about you goes by without bringing up your friendship with Madonna. Do you feel like it follows you around?

"Very few people ask me about Madonna anymore. It's not acrimonious or anything. When you’re friends with somebody and you’re out there that’s who people relate you to, then they talk about it. But now no, very rarely."

Your performances are often very honest and emotional. Do you ever find it difficult to switch off?

“You become a performer because you have access to those feelings and the ability to portray them so they’re all there, thank God. Part of being a performer is you do it and then you’re done and you can switch off and move on to the next part of your day or night.”

Your home life in New York revolves around your 10-year-old daughter, and girlfriend of nine years [Vanity Fair publicist Sara Switzer]. How do you keep the balance as a touring artist and a mum?

“When I’m away, its fine. My daughter stays with my girlfriend and she’s the other mother so it’s actually a really good situation. She works in New York City so she doesn’t travel as much as I do and it’s kind of a perfect situation. We’re a perfect unit, the three of us.”

How easy is life for a two-mum family?

“Oh, it’s not even an issue in New York. It’s never even discussed or thought about. There are so many alternative relationships and permutations of parenting in New York that Cicely’s just a really well-adjusted, happy person and it’s never really been up for discussion. We discussed it when she was little and she was just like: ‘Ah, whatever.'"

Growing up Jewish and gay in Michigan, did you feel like an outsider?

“I never considered myself a minority group on any level. I mean honey, I can swing with the best of them. I’ve dated men, I’ve had tons of male friends and I didn’t grow up thinking: ‘Oh god, I’m gay.’ I never saw my life like that. And being Jewish was always fun and great and I love the heritage and the traditions. I’ve never made myself marginalised in any way.”

Why do you think the majority of Americans have failed to recognise Bush’s failings as a president?

“I think people in America are lazy because we’re alienated from European culture and the experience of travel from culture to culture. It’s an abstract thought that we’re in a place like Iraq where people have feelings and emotions and their own culture and way of life. I think it all stems from the lack of curiosity or sense of adventure that makes people detach and it doesn’t help with this mind-numbing pop culture, internet, Facebook, MySpace, uch! I have a really big problem with the way people don’t open up and seek out other experiences.”

Would you ever relish the challenge of performing to a right-wing or more conservative audience?

“I don’t believe in going in to situations that are confrontational, I think people should figure things out for themselves. But, I think if you’re a really open person and you’ve got a lot of certainty and love and compassion you can break through to anybody.”