Why Tim Hawkins Became a Comedian: ‘No Other Choices’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Christian comedian Tim Hawkins recently shared how he got into comedy, where he finds inspiration and why he decided to host a podcast.
“I had no other choices, no other skills. I tried everything and I’ve been fired from every other job,” Hawkins told the Daily Independent. “I don’t know why, but this was the one thing that seemed to fit. I’m lucky there was a profession I could be an idiot and get paid for.”
He even admitted that he wasn’t funny in high school. He didn’t try comedy until his friends convinced him to do an open mic night event.
“I took about 20 of them [my friends] with me that night,” Hawkins said.
“I didn’t have a plan,” he admitted previously. “I didn’t know what the future held. I simply wanted to pay our bills.
Although Hawkins is often classified as a Christian comedian, he doesn’t necessarily see himself as that.
“I just talk about what I want to talk about and never sway away from what I believe,” he expressed. “But my job is to be funny. I don’t look at it as a ministry.”
However, the comedian recognizes that his jokes can and do minister to people in his audience.
“The takeaway could be whatever you need it for. It could be just a release — you haven’t laughed for a while. It could be that you’re going through stuff and need a break,” he explained.
One of the ways Hawkins entertains his audience is through music.
“Music is more inspirational to me than comedy,” he stated. “I’m a rock’n’roll guy who loves Led Zeppelin. I want my shows to have that feel, that energy, so I try to mix it up and give it a dynamic of highs and lows.”
Hawkins creates songs like “Cletus Take the Reel,” a parody of Carrie Underwood’s hit song, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Other fan-favorite parodies include “The Chick-fil-A Song,” “Yoga Pants” and “The Government Can.”
He also hosts “The Tim Hawkins” podcast. However, he mainly uses it to spend time with his family.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he expressed. “It’s really just an excuse to hang out with my family, but I think fans like to know what goes on behind the scenes.”
“It’s a big world, and the internet and YouTube have been the engine that’s allowed me to do what I do as far as building a fan base,” Hawkins added. “You can do it on your own. I just do what I do and go where I want to go.”
Movieguide® recently covered Hawkins’ newest song dedicated to the mega-gas station chain Buc-ee’s:
“If you get it, you just get it,” Hawkins said of “Buc-ee’s,” his ode to the well-stocked gas stations, before launching into the song.
The comedian joked that he’s uncertain of a lot in this world, from Lady Gaga’s vocal abilities to peace in the Middle East, but one thing’s for sure: “I do know we’ll be stopping at Buc-ee’s.”
Hawkins also lists off some of the items you can purchase at what he calls the “redneck oasis”—fudge, jerky, hoodies, a cast-iron frying pan and the chain’s famous Beaver nuggets, to name a few.
“Buc-ee’s” is just the latest in a string of popular parody songs that the comedian has put out. Hawkins began his comedy career in the 2000s after coworkers encouraged him to sign up for an open-mic night.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
