Rolling Stone All Access Roy Wood Jr.: The Rolling Stone Interview
Jan 7, 2026
Roy Wood Jr., a stand-up comedian and former Daily Show correspondent, shares his insightful journey through comedy and politics. He discusses the importance of truth in humor and how his upbringing in Birmingham shaped his voice. Wood reflects on the limits of satire in a divided America and highlights empathy as a powerful comedic tool. He also reveals how fatherhood transformed his perspective and the significance of mentorship in his industry. With candid stories, he emphasizes that comedy can help process pain while addressing deeper societal issues.
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Truth As The Root Of Humor
- Roy Wood Jr. says truth is the starting point for comedy and humor follows from authenticity.
- He argues comedians can expose hypocrisy or policy failures without mocking victims.
Punch Up At Causes Not Victims
- Wood avoids clowning victims and instead jokes about causes and mismanagement.
- He uses comedy to open conversation, not to provide solutions.
Raised In A Newsroom Home
- Roy recounts growing up with a radio-news journalist father who recorded C-SPAN and taught him to digest news.
- That upbringing shaped his early interest in journalism and comedic voice.
