Comic Matteo Lane has been tearing it up on Comedy Central, dishing it hot on his podcast Inside the Closet with the sublimely funny and equally queer Emma Willmann, and stocking #InstaGay with shirtlessness and sass. 

And now, he’s back in Atlanta for three nights of comedy, Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.

The master storyteller is also an amazing storyboard artist and illustrator Q catches up with Matteo to talk about why Italian food, inherited humor, the holy trinity of Joan, Fanny & Maria, and being even gayer than he ever thought possible.

This is your second time in Atlanta. When were you here, and did it set your expectations?

The first time was shooting my Netflix special. I loved the audience then, and I’m excited to come back and do more shows.

What else do you plan on doing while here?

Probably go to a gym, watch Ghost Adventures, and look for good Italian food. That’s usually my routine on the road.

As a child, when did you know you could make people laugh?

I come from a large family. I have (still counting) 28 cousins, and we all grew up near each other. So in my family, I’m not the funniest. But I think my family’s sense of humor is what I use on stage. It’s nice to share that with the world.

Favorite thing to hear after you perform?

“You were funny.” That’s it. 

Least favorite thing to hear after you perform?

Anything, really! (laughs) I don’t wanna hear “You look tired.”

Who is your favorite comedian to watch and why?

Joan Rivers. No one is funnier, smarter or more entertaining.

Ask yourself a question.

Matteo, what pisses you off?

Answer that question here:

Well Matteo, I’m glad you asked. I hate non-Italians eating bad Italian food thinking that’s what Italian food is supposed to be.

If your comedy was a pasta dish, what pasta dish would it be?

Pasta Arrabbiata, because I’m angry a lot.

Celebrity you’d want to be stranded with on a desert island?

Mariah. I could help her train her voice again.

Celebrity you’d want to trap on desert island alone forever?

Piers Morgan. It’s enough already

If 13-year-old you saw you today, what would they say to you about where you are now?

They’d say, “Wow. I’m way gayer than I thought. Cool”

If you could play any role, who would you want to play?

Maria Callas in Masterclass or Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.

Advice for up and coming queer comedic performers?

Be yourself, think positively and embrace challenge.

Worst advice you have ever received?

Try seafood.

Anything upcoming out that you would like folks to know about?

Date me.

How do you want to be remembered?

As someone who understood the complexity of cooking pasta and a champion for Maria Callas. 

Matteo Lane descends on Atlanta Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 at Laughing Skull Lounge. Photo (and Q cover photo) by Original Penguin.

This interview originally appeared in Q magazine. Read the full issue online here: 

Pick up each new edition of Q magazine at LGBTQ and queer-friendly venues around Atlanta.