Almost famous or bonafide star? Russell Peters on being both
Russell Peters still isn't sure if he's famous. The Toronto comic sells out arenas in Canada and around the world — but he's practically anonymous in the country next door to his.
It's an odd in-between, Peters tells q guest host Candy Palmater.
According to Forbes he's one of the top 10 highest-paid comedians, he has a burgeoning movie career, and he just completed a sold-out, two-year arena world tour — one he aptly named Almost Famous.
"Every time you think you're famous you meet someone who's not familiar with you," he says.
A Netflix special by the same name, filmed in Toronto earlier this year, comes out October 7th. In it, the comedian treads familiar territory: family life, cultural curiosities, and his thoughts on his South Asian background.
His work has won him fans around the globe. Tech support people in India have recognized his name. Now the self-described "older person's Drake" feels like he's on the brink of blowing up in the U.S.
Race still central to Peters' act
The one thing that hasn't changed over the years? The reaction from certain folks in the audience who think that Peters talks about race too much. But the comic doesn't plan to stop, and sees that criticism as a double standard.
"If one of their golden boys talks about race he's being edgy. I'm not being edgy," he says, adding "I'm telling you as it is. I keep it honest."
WEB EXTRA | Watch the trailer for the Almost Famous Netflix special below.