Fans of TruTV's Impractical Jokers know James Murray as the 'clever one' of the shows four stars.
To Murr each challenge is a puzzle to be solved. But of course some of his biggest laughs come when his schemes backfire, usually to the delight of his co-stars.
But Murr's imagination isn't limited to his hidden camera TV show or the Jokers' arena-rocking live tours as the Tenderloins; he's also a best-selling author who's latest novel, Obliteration, is available now.
"It's more thriller than anything. You don't have to have read the first two books to pick up the third one, Obliteration, and love it and understand it. We'll catch you right up," he tells Q104.3 New York's Jim Kerr. "It's about the former mayor of New York teaming up with his arch nemesis, Albert Van Ness, who's this shadowy evil figure. And they have to team up to take down these deadly underground creatures that are rising up and threatening to take over the world. It's great fun. It's great summer reading is what it is."
Murr says his career as a novelist is one of many opportunities that opened up once Impractical Jokers was solidified as a hit. The first book in his horror/thriller trilogy was written 16 years ago — long before the show took off.
He says that at the time he couldn't get a publisher to open his manuscript, let alone consider printing it. Nine years later, the Jokers have four series to their name and Murr is well-established as an author, with plans for a lot more writing.
Listen to the full conversation in the player above or here via iHeartRadio.
Celebrate the release of Obliteration by joining Murr at the virtual launch party for the book today (Tuesday, June 23) at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Go here for admission!
While the Jokers' season is on pause due to coronavirus, you can catch the Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party every Thursday at 10 p.m. on TruTV.
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