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AISHATYLER.COM

Actress and comedienne Aisha Tyler performs at McGlohon Theatre Feb. 14 Tickets are $20.

Comedy is the best aphrodisiac, says Aisha Tyler. As a child, she used humor to fit in.

“I was kind of a nerdy kid and an outsider,” Tyler said. “If you’re a weird kid being funny is a defense mechanism.”

Making others laugh is what got Tyler through those trying years.

“Looking back now it makes sense that I was a comedienne,” she said.

Today, her comedy has matured and is definitely for adults. Tyler describes herself as a really outspoken, “ballsy” lady.

“I think when guys come to my show, they think this is a girl I could hang out and get a beer with,” she says. “I always tell people that I’m not Chris Rock, but this show is for grown-ups.”

But don’t let that dismay you, because Tyler’s shows are couple friendly, perfect for a Valentine’s Day outing. She will be in Charlotte for a performance at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at the McGlohon Theatre at the Blumenthal Center, 345 North College St.

“It’s a show for both men and women,” Tyler said. “I think laughter is the best aphrodisiac.”

Born and raised in San Francisco, Tyler attended improv classes to strengthen her acting and comedy while in high school.

Before she even arrived in Hollywood, she had focused on acting.

Tyler had her first major break with the E Channel’s “Talk Soup,” in 2001. She was the first woman and African American to host the program.

Some other major television credits of hers include “Friends,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “24.”

“I was a big fan of ‘24,’“ Tyler said. “It was exciting to watch the show and then be on it; it was a great experience.”

The comedienne and actress credits her success to shows like the “CSI” franchise to her strong academic background.

She graduated from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where she earned a degree in environmental policy.

“I seem to get typecast as a scientist,” Tyler said jokingly. “With ‘CSI’ (in the audition) I pronounced OxyContin correctly. Being able to convey the qualities of the character make them feel real.”

These days, Tyler is the voice of Agent Lana Kane on FX’s animated series “Archer,” which airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays.

“I’m very, very proud of ‘Archer,’“ Tyler said. “I’m just thrilled to be a part of that show.”

Additionally, Tyler has a DVD, called “Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live at the Fillmore,” which is in stores now.

As for the future, Tyler says she is working on directing short films and writing another book.

“There’s a lot of stuff that I want to do, I’m always on the grind,” she says.

And of course, you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

For tickets or for more information, call (704) 372-1000.

On the Net:
www.blumenthalcenter.org

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