Wild Card with Rachel Martin Chris Fleming
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Mar 12, 2026 Chris Fleming, a comedian and physical performer known for manic movement and vivid observations, shares stories about his career, dance roots, and creative rituals. He talks about pushing past industry skepticism, the theatrical choices behind his stage persona, and why certain symbols like birds keep showing up in his work. Short, lively, and full of eccentric charm.
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Country Club Caddy That Ended With Sunbathing
- Chris Fleming's first job was greeting and caddying at a country club where he lost a pitching wedge and was later fired for sunbathing topless on a green.
- He recounts being told "God made you and he threw away the mold," which set an early tone for his outsider persona and comedy path.
Costume As Performance Tool With Tony Sartino
- Fleming teamed with Tony Sartino (Prince's tailor) to design his purple plunging bodysuit, butterfly brooch, and ruby-red dance shoes that define his stage persona.
- He explains sleeves had to come off early for movement and audience reaction, making costume part of the performance mechanics.
Admiring Bluntness While Learning Boundaries
- Fleming admires bluntness but identifies himself as deferential and people-pleasing; he sees bluntness as a New Jersey trait he's learning with age.
- He links growing directness to maturity and setting boundaries.