Key Highlights
- John Bishop recalls a joke that saved his marriage and launched his stand-up career.
- The story has been turned into a Hollywood movie titled “Is This Thing On?”
- Bishop’s wife, Melanie, was initially nervous about the film adaptation.
A Joke That Launched Careers: John Bishop’s Stand-Up and Marriage Rescue
Comedian John Bishop, who rose to fame with a single joke that turned his life around, has opened up about how this momentous event not only launched his stand-up career but also saved his marriage. In an interview with Home Style Celebrity, Bishop reveals the pivotal moment in 2000 when he told a joke at a comedy club in Manchester.
“I remember it vividly,” Bishop shares. “It was October 2000, and I had just thrown my name into the hat for an open mic night at the Frog and Bucket comedy club. There were six or seven people there, and I was just hoping to get some laughs.
Little did I know that this joke would change everything.” The joke in question: “My dad started calling me JJ when I was six. It’s like a nickname you’re not proud of. He still does it.”
The Humble Beginnings
At the time, Bishop was working as a pharmaceuticals sales director and had no idea that his stand-up career would take off. “I just wanted to do this for fun,” he says. “But it turned out to be so much more than I ever imagined.”
A Marriage Testimony
More than two decades later, the joke has become a testament to Bishop’s resilience and his wife’s unwavering support. The story is now being adapted into a Hollywood movie titled “Is This Thing On?” which will feature both John and Melanie Bishop in key roles.
“When we got married, my wife was nervous about this,” Bishop admits with a chuckle. “She thought it might be too personal or even embarrassing to bring to the big screen. But I explained how much it meant to me, and she was all for it.”
A Personal Triumph
The film adaptation is set to premiere in London, bringing together John and Melanie Bishop’s real-life story with a Hollywood touch. “It’s been an incredible journey,” says Bishop, reflecting on the transition from stand-up comedy to becoming part of a major production.
“The movie will show how this joke not only launched my career but also helped us overcome challenges in our relationship,” he adds. “Melanie and I are both excited for it to be shared with audiences worldwide.”
Meanwhile, the film’s release marks an important milestone in the couple’s lives, blending their personal story with a Hollywood narrative that showcases the power of humor and resilience.
From Open Mic Night to Hollywood
The journey from an open mic night at the Frog and Bucket comedy club to becoming a star in a movie is nothing short of extraordinary. John Bishop’s experience serves as a reminder of how unexpected moments can shape our lives and even bring people closer together.
In fact, the story behind this joke encapsulates the essence of what makes both his stand-up career and marriage so special – a willingness to share the raw, personal experiences that resonate with audiences and loved ones alike.
