The politically incorrect is alive and well, thanks to Lisa Lampanelli. The "Queen of Mean" makes Don Rickles blush. Lampanelli is a prickly pear who's an ace put-down artist. No wonder Lampanelli is arguably the most popular of Comedy Central's myriad roasters. Lampanelli has delivered devastating one-liners at the expense of Chevy Chase, Pam Anderson and Jeff Foxworthy. Lampanelli has jumped levels over recent years and recently headlined Carnegie Hall. She spoke about playing the famed venue in a recent phone interview. — Ed Condran

What was it like playing Carnegie Hall, the most hallowed venue in the world?

It's a big deal playing where Jap cello players play their boring shit. I could joke about it, but it's awesome [to play Carnegie Hall]. Who doesn't want to play there? I've played New York forever. I used to play tiny clubs and to play the Carnegie Hall is amazing. But it's also great to play theaters around the country. I've been loving that.

But you're missing the intimacy of a club show.

I love clubs, but it's so nice playing theaters. What's great is that people are actually listening to you. There's no distractions in theaters. There are no waitresses carrying food and drinks. It's just comedy. I love it.

Why do you do so well at roasts?

I over-prepare for the roasts and I don't pull any punches. I know the roasts are why I'm at this level.

You were the only comic who killed during the Chevy Chase roast.

That was huge for me. Everybody else bombed. I got the right manager and agent because of that.

Where is the most fun place to play?

There is nothing like playing Las Vegas. I love going there because all of the money I make and I get to see some of my favorite homo fag singers like Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond who have yet to come out of the closet. I love Vegas. I love the comps at the great restaurants in Vegas.

Speaking of eating there, Heidi Fleiss is talking about opening up a stud farm to service women. Will you be there?

I would pay for sex. Why not? There's so much talk about that and I'm excited. I don't want some guy sleeping over. Why should guys have all the fun? I want some fun too.

If Pam Anderson's life was a VH1 show what would it be called?

"I Fucked the '80s."

Most men don't dig women comics. Why do you think?

Women comics stink. All they talk about is dating, PMS and shopping. Nobody cares about that and the audience doesn't want to hear it. The audience doesn't want to sleep with you. They don't want to hear it. I can't tell you how grossed out I am by Rita Rudner and other women comics who talk about that stuff. But some women are funny. Catch Kathy [Griffin] or Sarah [Silverman]. Or catch my show.

Your Blue Collar Comedy pal Ron White told me that he respects the fact that you let black guys have their way with your butt. You get some great comedic mileage out of your interracial relationships.

Why not have an interracial relationship? A few years ago I realized that I could go out of bounds. I lost 60 pounds and realized that I could go after hot guys. I realized that there was more to the picture than fat, ugly guys. It's great to go out with a hot guy who most importantly gets me.

Any closer to doing a sitcom?

Wouldn't that be great if I got one? I would love to be on a show that took on some real issues and was funny. But that's the thing. I wouldn't just do a show just to be on television. I would want to take some risks. My career doesn't depend on television. I have no problem being a comedian. I make more than my father ever did. The great thing about what I do is that if I don't get parts in a show, I can always do stand-up. It beats a day job. That's something that I wasn't cut out for.

Weren't you a journalist early in your career?

I was cut out for journalism but I needed something more. I could always make my family and friends laugh, especially when I insulted them. I took that and made a career out of it. It's the best thing I ever did.

Lisa Lampanelli: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, 330.872.7598. Tickets: $36.75.