When it comes to hot they don't get any hotter than Barbie Orr. But I'm not talking about looks alone. Barbie is witty, intelligent, and extraordinarily talented: as a comic she can kill any room from ten people to a thousand; as an actress she has read for the biggest names and made an impression on Hollywood; and she’s an accomplished drummer and precision driver to boot.

 Ever since she was a little girl, Barbie had a knack for speaking her mind. Many people mistook her audacity as arrogance or over confidence but the truth is, she has an innocent child’s outlook on life and just calls it the way she sees it.  Her late father used to warn people, "She says what she means...and she means what she says."

 I’ve had the opportunity to speak to Barbie and get some insights on her success: 

What are some of the bigger gigs you’ve done? 

 Getting passed as a paid weekly regular first time through at The Comedy Store and being able to work there every week. My photo is up on the wall, I have been on the marquis and my name is on the outside wall of The Comedy Store. Also, people are excited when I tell them I have performed at the Queen Mary. I also have performed at the Improv and a lot of New York and Florida (where she started her comedy career) clubs including Dangerfields and the Comic Strip.

How did you make the transition from stand up to writing/producing your own pilot? 

 I actually had two show ideas...but no discipline to type...so I found the wonderfully talented writer Sherilyn Moore to do the grunt work, and my goodness, she is the BEST grunt ever! And she’s funny and my friend. She also produced most of the pilot with the really hard stuff. I just helped get the people together and she did sooooo much of the follow through and the daily things.

 What information, if any right now, do you want to let out about your pilot?

 How can I help publicize it?   Laying low...it is at a major network right now being considered....fingers crossed....cannot say more right now.

 How has Diva (Barbie’s canine companion seen on many television shows and a long running PETCO commercial) been instrumental in your career?

 Some people ride other's coat tails to fame, I am just riding her tail! She has a wonderful attitude and LOVES performing and the sound of laughter. She is what Hollywood should really be like! And she is blonde so she soooo fits in.

 How did you go about training Diva and then getting her in the spotlight? 

 Diva was a 5 time champion so some things were already ingrained in her like her politeness and her exuberance when called for. The first time we did comedy together I really had no idea what she would do. I had not even rehearsed at home, I like to do things on the fly and off the cuff, so I had her on stage and put her on the chair next to me holding her leash to keep her in check. She loves people and I thought she may try to wander into the audience. She NEVER even tried to leave the chair on the stage. Her facial expressions were priceless and the audience and she really enjoyed themselves. She knows when I am going to perform or shoot and she ALWAYS wants to come. She is a huge ham and a bit of a laugh whore!

 What kind of fan base have you built?

 Wackos and dog people! Everyone! Gee, I don't know, how does one answer that except to say, men and women both seem to enjoy me equally. Although, I think for different reasons.

 How have you made your industry contacts and how are you using them now? 

 I email, email, email, and mail, mail, mail, and meet a lot of producers directly. They are the ones a lot of times that ultimately make the decisions. I have a producer right now who wants to make my other sitcom, fingers crossed some more, and is interested in a pilot I shot about cars two years ago That one WILL get bought!

 How have relationships impeded or supported your success?

 Professional relationships have helped quite a bit. There is an air of who you know and those circles are pretty tight. Personal relationships? Hmmm, besides friends? What's that!?

             Thanks, Barbie, for sharing with SirComedy fans and comedians. Good luck to you in all your endeavors. We look forward to seeing your next big hit.

If you would like to learn more about Barbie Orr or find where you can see her next, check out her website at www.barbieorr.com.   

- Jeremy Clendening