The unofficial but sincere
Maria Bamford Fan Site Newsletter
Issue #6 / August 2003

Hello Bamford Fans!
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In this issue:
++ Maria Wows Them in Montreal
++ Maria's "Dharma & Gregg" Appearance
++ Comedy Central Presents Maria Bamford
++ MAD TV Lives Up To Its Name
++ Maria's Birthday...

Maria is in Edinburgh, Scotland right now doing a week of one-hour nightly performances for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She just finished a run at the Montreal "Just For Laughs" Comedy Festival where she garnered much praise. And she's all over television again as usual. Let's take a closer look.

Maria In The News:
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Maria turned some heads and got some positive reaction at the Montreal "Just For Laughs" Festival. Here's a couple of online articles:

Reps, Execs Scan for Talent
at Just for Laughs Festival
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July 18, 2003
From Backstage.com
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" Other [Just For Laughs] comics getting strong reviews include ... up-and-coming actress, comic and voice talent Maria Bamford ..."
" I am a huge Maria Bamford fan," said Randi Siegel, executive vp talent and development at National Lampoon. "She's so talented in so many ways and would be great for various types of projects."
Full story at: Backstage.com

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July 21, 2003
From The Montreal Gazette
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Article mentions Maria's performance at a gala in honor of Carl Reiner.
Full story at: canada.com

Maria's "Dharma & Gregg" Appearance Coming Soon
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The Dharma & Gregg episode "Death and Violins" is making the syndication rounds again during the week of August 21.

Maria has a brief role in this episode as Dharma's violin teacher, but she makes the most of it. Watch for her reaction when she notices Dharma's violin. Maria Bamford is not only funny... she has acting talent!

Because each station has a different syndication schedule, you'll have to check your local listings for station, day, and time. Below are listings for the top ten TV markets.

• New York: 8/21 11:30 PM WTXX
• Los Angeles: 8/22 12:00 AM KTTV
• Chicago: 8/21 4:30 PM LWGN
• Philadelphia: 8/21 5:30 PM LWGN
• San Francisco: 8/21 6:00 PM KBWB
• Boston: 8/21 2:00 PM WFXT - 8/22 12:05 AM WNAC
• Dallas-Ft. Worth: 8/21 6:30 PM KDFI
• Washington DC: 8/22 2:00 AM WTTG
• Atlanta: 8/21 10:30 AM WGCL
• Detroit: 8/21 4:00 PM WUPW - 8/22 12:00 AM WJBK

Maria's Comedy Central Special Is Back
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For those who haven't seen it yet, haven't taped it for posterity yet, or just want to see it again for the umpteenth time, Comedy Central is playing "Comedy Central Presents Maria Bamford" again on August 29, 10:30 AM ET.

This is the best TV appearance to date of Maria Bamford -- because it is the only one that gives us a full half-hour of classic Maria at her finest... don't miss it!

MAD TV Foolishly Turns Down Maria
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If you're on Maria's mailing list, you probably read about her tryout for MAD TV. She was particularly bummed when they rejected her, especially since this was the fifth time she was considered.
Fans have a decidedly different opinion about the matter and have expressed them to Maria. Here are some excerpts they have generously agreed to share with you

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Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman were both voted "Least Likely to Succeed" at the Pasadena Playhouse. Harrison Ford was fired from his first studio contract because he had no potential, as was Burt Reynolds (I think on the same day).

These guys turned out all right, didn't they?

You are the first comedian in a looooooong time who I have completely fallen for. I had essentially given up on stand-ups because the vast majority of what I saw was the same thing (which unfortunately seems to be all that most people want), but I came across you while flipping through channels, stopped because you are dangerously cute and shortly found myself gasping for air, I was laughing so much. I can't think of the last time a stand-up comedian did that for me.

You are truly a gifted, talented and excruciatingly funny woman!! Don't let some fools with a decided lack of vision convince you otherwise. Besides (trying to find the silver lining) perhaps you won't get this because something even more wonderful is waiting for you and you will appreciate it even more when it does arrive.

Please, don't ever knock yourself or your talent as both are too wonderful to ever be denied to you or us.

Eric

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Since I'm on your fan site's mailing list, I heard the disheartening news about the Mad TV thing. Well...they obviously don't "get" you and have no clue what they (and their viewers) are missing out on.

In situations like these, I usually have to remind myself not of the missed opportunity but of the dodged bullet. You have NO IDEA what that work environment or "National Enquirer" moment you have been spared from.

Anyway, for whatever it's worth (my opinion is worth a lot to ME) you are a very gifted, talented, insightful (do we have the same mother?) performer/writer and you will have your comeuppance!!

Jamie

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Heard about the Mad TV incident! Is that show still on? Probably for the best, I heard they make you get tattoos! Surely not the right place for our Maria!!

Forrest

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Why on earth is it important for you to perform on Mad TV???? Have you watched any of their shows??? It's like Saturday Night Live - 10 percent great comedy, lost in a sea of 90 percent crap. Forget them. Who needs them? Not YOU! You are funny and creative - two things that 99.99% of television is NOT. Just keep doing your thing. It might take a little longer, but sooner or later, you will get a chance for broader exposure. Look what happened to Jerry Seinfeld. Stay focused. Stay funny. Stay out of Mad TV.

James

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So, Maria... your fans agree that you are destined for much bigger things. Keep up the good work. We love you!

Maria Bamford's Birthday...
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... is September 3. How should we celebrate? Your comments are invited!

Until later...
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Still unpacking boxes from my recent move. Still wondering what we can do to encourage the Tinsel Town execs to give us MORE MARIA. I'm open to suggestions... share them on the chat board or email me.

Your humble Webmaster and Maria fan,
Eugene

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