A North Philly funnyman

Kevin Hart's new film Laugh at My Pain, which opens Friday, captures his record-breaking 90-city stand-up tour this year. It also contains documentary-style footage of the celebrated comedian revisiting his roots in North Philadelphia.

We talked with Hart, 33, about the unusual hybrid project.

Question: Why did you put the homecoming in the film?

Answer: I took a risk. I wanted to show you guys where I come from, what I stand for. Going back to Philadelphia where I grew up at, where I lived, where I went to school at.

Q: What did you learn growing up in North Philadelphia?

A: Protect yourself at all times [laughs]. It's not your average place to grow up in, but it builds character.

Q: Why'd you decide to pursue comedy as a career?

A: It was seeing the reaction of family and friends from watching Eddie Murphy, Tommy Davidson, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle. . . . all the attention and affection they were getting. Everybody loved them just because they were funny. I said, "Hey, I'm just as funny as them."

It took my friends daring me to get up on the stage for amateur night at the Laff House on Second and South. Once I got on stage, I said, "This is where I want to be" and I haven't looked back since.

Q: You went to Temple, right? Did you ever meet its most famous alumnus, Mr. Cosby?

A: No, someone wrote in Wikipedia that I was at Temple. I never went there. I went to community college. For two weeks. Then I said, "I can't do this."

I met Bill Cosby once. It was brief. A polite handshake. He had no idea who I was or how much his storytelling style of comedy had done for my career.

Q: What was it like breaking into comedy in Philadelphia?

A: I've taken some of the worst verbal beatings of my career in Philadelphia. I got booed in places like Champagne on Germantown Avenue, Lakey's, and the NewMarket Cabaret. But I looked forward to going back. If they don't boo me, I figure I must be getting better.

I can honestly say Philadelphia prepared me for the big stage.

Q: You were great hosting the BET Awards this summer, making fun of a lot of hip-hop stars. Could any rappers make it in stand-up?

A: Fabolous and Nelly. Without a doubt. Those are two funny guys.

Q: What are comedy groupies like?

A: Just like any other ones. Except they like to laugh instead of dance.

Q: Laugh at My Pain is opening in Africa. Does comedy translate well?

A: I wasn't aware of this until recently but I have a big following over in Nigeria. I have no idea why. But I hope it keeps happening.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren't a comedian?

A: I can't even think like that. There is no other option. There was only Plan A. I put all my eggs in this basket.