The Secret Life of ... Mindy Lipton
By day, she sits behind a desk. By night, she stands in the spotlight.
Upon entering the President’s Office, the welcoming smile of Mindy Lipton, receptionist, is the first thing you see. She sits at her desk, answering phones and greeting visitors.
But, Lipton lives a double life.
Lipton is constantly working to perfect her stand-up routine, and performs across San Diego County.
“I’m following my dreams, only this time I’m staying awake,” Lipton quipped about her new comedy career.
Starting in stand-up
Mindy Lipton performed in several plays throughout high school and college.For Lipton, it all started earlier this year when she read an article in The Daily Aztec about a stand-up comedy workshop for women organized by comedienne Lisa Sundstedt. But, it was Lipton’s singing teacher that got her attention.
Evidently, the singing coach thought Lipton would make a great stand-up comedienne.
“No joke that my vocal coach suggested that I take up comedy,” Lipton said. “I do have the gift of timing and it's now the time to use it.”
Soon after completing the workshop, Lipton gave it a go at an open mic in La Jolla.
“I began Pretty Funny Women Comedy workshop in April and I believe I first got up at the Comedy Store in La Jolla sometime in June for my first three minutes of fame—thank goodness it wasn't shame!”
Born performer
This isn’t Lipton’s first time under the spotlight. She’s practically been performing all her life, with her biggest claim to fame as lead dancer in a show with Rodney Dangerfield.
As a child, Mindy Lipton, center, loved to entertain.
As a child, Mindy Lipton, center, loved to entertain.
“I love performing and making people laugh,” Lipton said.
“I started entertaining at the age of 3—the usual tap, ballet jazz classes. … When I finished school I took classes in New York and once I came to California on a vacation I was bitten by the show biz bug badly. Eventually, I moved out, took film-acting classes at Burbank Studio for two years and sang and showcased, and went on auditions whenever I could.“
Back from a break
Now, Lipton jokes that she’s only taken a long break from performing in order to raise her triplets, Rachel, Dan and Jami.
“My triplets are 21 years of age, so it's time for me to get back to my ‘passion’ and get back on the stage,” Lipton said.
“All the years of trying to make it in show business, I always put marriage and children on hold. Well, I did marriage, children, divorce and now I have a whole life's worth of very funny material to share.”
Lipton's next show is Oct. 7 at The Comedy Store in La Jolla.
This article is part of a new series for SDSUniverse. Are you, or do you know, an SDSU or auxiliary employee with an interesting passion or hobby? Then nominate them for a “Secret Life of…” profile by e-mailing [email protected].
