Japanese-born comedian Tamayo Otsuki said she learned English from "Sesame Street," but some of the language in her stand-up act didn't come from Big Bird and the gang.

"I've gotten expensive, but a little cleaner," she said this week in Honolulu before the start of a series of island concerts. One will be filmed for a video and album."I used to use the bad word, like many comics, because it got laughs. Still use them. But, you know, comedy is becoming more social consciousness."

Otsuki was a regular on the just-canceled "Davis Rules" on CBS and before that ABC. She is far from afraid to speak her mind.

View Comments

Commenting on television executives, Otsuki said: "Many of the heads of studios don't know a thing. Really! And size of ego so big! But you cannot burn bridges. These people provide work."

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.