Alex Kristan, one of Austria’s most successful comedians, filling large venues and residing with his wife and daughter in Maria Enzersdorf (Mödling district), speaks openly about his path to the stage, discipline, and humor in a recent interview on Radio Niederösterreich. The conversation, which aired on , offers a glimpse into the life of a performer who has spent nearly 24 years honing his craft.
“Making people laugh – that’s a calling for me,” Kristan stated. He describes arriving where he is now as a feeling of having truly landed. However, the journey wasn’t straightforward. He transitioned from a motorsports reporter covering Formula 1 to parody, ultimately finding his voice in stand-up comedy. “It pursued me for so long that it eventually caught me,” he explained.
Despite hundreds of performances, Kristan emphasizes that each show remains unique. He actively avoids routine, beginning to modify his programs from the day of the premiere. “If I had to play the same thing for 350 shows, I’d be incredibly bored after the 30th,” he said. Many of his routines develop in direct interaction with the audience – some surprisingly successful, others discarded. “There were some jokes that only I found funny,” he admitted with a laugh.
“My Health is Too Valuable to Me”
Kristan’s success has brought with it a growing sense of self-awareness and a commitment to well-being. He’s learned to say “no” more often, prioritize breaks, and incorporate regular exercise into his life – tennis, gym workouts, and walks with his dog are now staples. “At almost 54, my health is simply too valuable to me,” he noted. Despite this focus on personal health, he remains committed to his audience. “The people have bought a ticket. How I am doing privately is their business,” he stated, emphasizing his professional dedication.
He stresses the importance of separating the stage persona from his private life, describing fame as something “borrowed” and not a foundation for a fulfilling life. “If you draw your happiness only from applause, it becomes pretty thin in the end.” His balance comes from family, friends, hobbies, and a healthy dose of self-irony. “The ultimate discipline in humor is being able to laugh at yourself.”
New Program “Born to be Child” Coming This Fall
Kristan is preparing to launch his new program, “Born to be Child,” this fall, describing it as a deliberate self-diagnosis. “For the most part of my being, I’m an insanely childish dog.” He believes this playful, unconventional side is what many people crave today. “Amidst all the seriousness of life, there must be room for nonsense.”
His life philosophy is remarkably simple: “We only have each moment once. The best time is always now.” When asked about enjoying life’s pleasures, he offered a straightforward response: “Don’t save the good bottle of wine – drink it.”
The interview on Radio Niederösterreich provides a rare insight into the mind of a comedian at the peak of his career, one who is acutely aware of the importance of both performance and personal well-being. Kristan’s ability to connect with audiences through humor, while simultaneously prioritizing his health and family, speaks to a grounded perspective that resonates beyond the stage.
