Who says stand-up comics are competitive and only out for themselves? Not only is Amber Klear funny; she is also generous, thoughtful, compassionate and a true team player. Through her successful company, Amber Klear Entertainment, she develops and books a variety of comedy shows featuring many of her talented friends and fellow stand-ups. Amber also helps non-human animals (except fish), including her dog, whose social media fame is pretty much all thanks to Amber. And when Amber found out about a terrific writers’ workshop opportunity with NBC, did she hoard the information for herself? Nope. She spread the word to her stand-up, sketch writing and improv pals, including yours truly. (No, I didn’t get in, but I didn’t want to anyway). …

Meet Amber Klear.

What is your name?
Amber (like the alert) Klear

How long have you been a non-vegan?
Over 760 fortnights.

Why have you decided not to be vegan?
Turns out, adventure makes me hungry.

Where do you get your protein?
Hunting trips, farmer’s markets and grocery stores.

Is it hard being a non-vegan woman in comedy?
I just joined N-VWIC, so I don’t feel so alone anymore.

Do you think it’s true that non-vegan women aren’t funny?
I don’t find myself funny at all. I find it incredibly hard to laugh at extremely attractive people.

Do you eat fish? You eat fish, right?
Do goldfish count? Just kidding. Goldfish are gross. But I love salmon. I love going fishing. Does anyone out there want to take me fishing?

Are there any animals in your life, such as pets or funny neighborhood squirrels? Tell us a story about them.
Does my little brother count? He smells like a barn and sounds about the same… I grew up with goats, cows, horses, ducks… I have pet chickens and a dog now. My dog is my life. Have you seen my Instagram? It’s like an homage to my dog. I wish I could love people as much as I love dogs. My dog once peed on a Jehovah’s Witness who was at my door. The guy didn’t even notice. We go to visit old people and he is so much nicer to them. My dog is perfect. I’m sure other people SAY that, but my dog really is. My dog pees in the bathtub if it’s too cold out or if I want to sleep in. How cool is that?

What do you do for fun besides eating meat and dairy?
Comedy, kayak, motorcycle, BINGO, work with animals, aerial arts, fishing, anything in a National Park, drag shows, wineries, Cards Against Humanity, people watching, hugging people, gardening, taking photos, sewing, cooking, pretty much anything. I like to do stuff.

Do you have any upcoming projects you want to plug?
YES! Friday, Feb. 21st, I am hosting my “Not So Newlywed Game LIVE at Walker’s Bluff Winery, and Friday, Feb. 28th, I am in Effingham at the Effingham Performance Center. I’ve got 2,983 other projects coming up, so people should just follow me on Facebook or check my website. I’m always up for trying new things and meeting new people.

Make up a question of your own and answer it.
What do you want out of life?
I want people to smile. Smile at strangers. Smile at someone who you normally wouldn’t smile at. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Appreciate life.

Song: ZZ Top’s Gimme All Your Lovin’
Recipe: Vegan Goldfish Crackers