Dave Merheje – Ramy

By starrymag | April 19, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How was the premise for “Ramy” originally described to you?

A) I think it was about his life and experiences. I’ve known him, I’m friends with him and know his standup act. So, I think it was derived from all of those experiences.

Q) Did you have to audition or did Ramy [Youssef] reach out to you about the series?

A) We’re friends. We do shows together. We were chatting. It was more organic. We’re like homies and he was like, “Dude, do you want to audition?” I was like, “For sure. 100%!”

Q) Are you playing yourself in the series or a fictionalized version of yourself?

A) I think it’s a mix of both. I think some of my personality is in there. So, it’s a mix of both. There are elements of myself in the character, for sure.

Q) What did you find challenging about working on the show?

A) You always want to do a good job. I enjoy the idea. I think the idea is so dope. So, you want to do the best. I took classes. I wanted to come correct and do the best job that I could because I think it’s such a unique, dope project. So, I wanted to be at my best.

Q) Was it difficult working for a friend?

A) No. I respect him. Even if it wasn’t a friend, I’m still going to give 100% and carry myself in the most respectful way. I’m going to take it 100%. I want to be good at it and for the people watching it I want them to be able to say, “Oh, he brought 100%. It’s not wack.”

Q) You have great comedic timing. Is it something that’s always been natural for you or have you had to work at it?

A) It’s constant. Standup is what I’ve been doing for so long and I’ve always wanted to act from day one. I take both 100% seriously. I put work into acting, of course. I respect the artform so I don’t want to come with any disrespect. So, I worked and was very conscious and attentive to getting it proper and learning everything I possibly can and taking direction. I wanted to produce the best product of myself.

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming “Ramy?”

A) The crew! The crew was so lovely. The crew was so warm, helpful and fun. It was a lot of laughs. Genuinely, the energy was great. It was really a good time. I worked a lot with Mo [Amer] and Ramy. I know them obviously off camera as well so it was very fun. So, it was like hanging with your homies.

Q) There was a lot of controversy surrounding the show based on Ramy’s explanation of the series. Does it make you nervous? Have you read any reviews?

A) No, I trust it. I think when it comes from a genuine, authentic place when you’re telling a story you’re telling your truth and you’re being respectful I’m not going to worry about it. I trust it.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will resonate with viewers?

A) It’s unique. It’s a voice that you don’t hear all the time. It’s a unique perspective and it’s in a positive manner and that’s beautiful. It shows Middle Eastern people in a positive, positive manner. And it’s unique! I don’t think there is anything out there like it. I think people will connect with a new voice, a new experience and an interesting thing. I think people are going to connect with that for sure.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) When people tweet out at you and on Instagram they send positive messages it’s dope to hit them back and be like, “Thank you very much.” I was raised that way. Even the negative tune in. See if you’re going to say something negative then I probably won’t engage with you, but if that’s what you need to get off your chest I understand. Things aren’t for everybody. If that’s what you have to do then you have to do that. Me, personally, I don’t engage in that. If you’re angry or mad, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. As long as I’m being honest with myself and putting out the best product that I can possibly put out then I’m just going to keep it moving 100%.

Q) What are some of your upcoming tour dates?

A) I’m going to be in Ottawa in June. I’ll be doing like three cities Ottawa, Hamilton and St. John. Then, July 10-25^th I’ll be doing “The Ethnic Show” at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. All of that info is at davemerheje.com.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure we share with our readers?

A) Watch and have a good time! Watch on April 19^th on Hulu. It’s going to be dope and I feel you should check it out and spread the word to everybody.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

A) I appreciate it 100%. Keep supporting and I’ll keep producing as much as I can.