Torry is an actor, comedian, and author that has delighted audiences with his zany personality and warm heart. His creative way of looking at life is evident in this recent interview for the Lillenas Drama Newsletter .

When I was in third grade I informed my teacher that I had an inoperable brain tumor which would make it impossible for me to take my spelling test. I told her that too much thinking could cause my brain to explode and that my parents would be very upset if that happened again because the last time they had to repaint the living room. She didn’t buy it for a second but suggested that I become an actor and offered to give me extra credit if I could spell “inoperable”. She then cast me as Prince Charming in the school production of “Cinderella” and I’ve been typecast ever since.

When did you realize that you had a gift for comedy specifically?

I always wanted attention as a kid and found that comedy was the best way to get it. I often acted up and had a tendency to shoot sarcastic one liners which my folks didn’t always appreciate. Finally my mother was so upset with my shenanigans that she attempted to correct my behavior by saying; “Well, let’s see how funny you are when you’re standing in a corner.” I was supposed to be getting disciplined but ironically enough that corner is where I came up with some of my best material much to my brother’s delight and my parents chagrin. You can come up with some pretty funny stuff if you are forced to stand in a corner long enough. I started to develop characters while being punished and my parents started to develop an indentation of my nose print in the corner of the living room. It was a fair trade.

Who has played the biggest role in your comedy career?

I’ve been very fortunate to be blessed with a great friend and mentor in Martha Bolton. She has taught me almost everything I know about the craft of comedy and has also been a tremendous influence in developing my integrity as an artist and a person. Martha was one of the first people to ever believe in me, she’s also the person who convinced me that my material would work much better if I stepped away from the corner and actually turned around to face the audience. Old habits are hard to break.

What is your favorite part of telling stories?

Well of course I love to get laughs during my stories but I get a deeper satisfaction by revealing a spiritual application at the end. Knowing that I am hopefully drawing people closer in there own relationship with God through the use of laughter is an amazing thing.

What has the highlight of your career as a Christian artist been thus far?

Wow, there are so many. Being the opening act for Carman was one of them and so is writing for “Adventures in Odyssey” along with getting my first books published by Lillenas. I’ve also had the opportunity to share the stage with Sandi Patty, Point of Grace and 4Him. I’m really still just starting out though and the “highlights” are fleeting. The greatest epiphany in my life however was when I discovered that God wanted to use me for His glory in spite of my highly questionable past. Teaming up with God is ultimately the greatest highlight of my career. He’s forgiving, He’s loving and He never steps on a punch line so He’s the perfect comedy partner.

How did you come up with the crazy characters in “What a Character!”?

That’s a great question and there are some very humorous origins to these characters, unfortunately I’ve already covered that answer in the foreward of my book. Pretty funny stuff but you’ll have to buy it to find out.

Any last words for our readers before we wind this little interview up?

Yes, book me. Book me now and book me fast. I’m funny, I’m saved and I’m cheap, which is exactly why I called you back collect for this interview. Thanks Lillenas.