Comedian John Bishop got real about his rocky marriage while promoting the new film inspired by his life. The movie mirrors his split and reconciliation with wife Melanie. He shared how close they came to not getting back together.
Oh, darlings, grab your popcorn because John Bishop just served up some heartfelt tea at the gala screening of 'Is This Thing On?' in Dublin on January 23. The 59-year-old comedian opened up about that gut-wrenching realization that hit him while watching the flick—directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett as a stand-up newbie dodging open mic fees post-divorce. It's basically John's life story, transplanted to the New York comedy scene, but with a Hollywood glow-up.
Picture this: Back in 2000, John and Melanie were on the brink of divorce, living apart for about two years. But fate (or a killer joke) intervened when she caught his stage bit about missing her, leading to their epic reconciliation. Fast-forward 32 years of marriage and three grown sons—Joe, Luke, and Daniel—and John's still processing how fragile it all was. 'I think when I did the 25 tour, and I was doing my finish and I kept on getting choked on when I spoke about the getting back together, because I realised through this film and all the lessons, just how easily we could have not got back together,' he confessed. Chills, right? 😢
Thank goodness the movie dropped now, not when the boys were little. 'I think this came at the right time. There is a lot of emotional stuff in there and I think it would have been hard for the kids if it had been made years ago. They're older now and get it more,' John said. The idea sparked eight years ago in Amsterdam with Arnett, but it's no one-sided sob story. Laura Dern nails the role of Tess, Mel's fictional twin, after cozying up to the real deal for deets. 'She asked to meet Melanie and they've become quite good friends. She asked her side of the story and there's a scene in the movie which comes directly from that conversation,' John revealed. That head lice scene? Straight from Mel's chats—intimate, messy, and apparently better than it sounds. 😂
'Is This Thing On?' is in cinemas now, spilling all the laughs and lumps in the throat. So, is John's comedy the ultimate marriage saver, or just lucky timing?
