Sarah Silverman: Swing into laughter

With her namesake TV show back for its third season, a new movie starring Steve Buscemi, Saint John of Las Vegas, opening nationwide this weekend and a book due this spring, it seems that comedian Sarah Silverman is having her moment. We wondered if we could have a PG-rated chat for our family magazine with the often-shocking Comedy Central star. The answer? Mostly.

Your humor is pretty edgy. Where does it come from?

I grew up in a home of liberal East Coast Jews. The things that are taboo in most families weren't. Sex wasn't something to be ashamed of, and everything was kind of hippie dippy. Jews talk about everything. Jews get it all out.

Is there something you won't do?

I'll get offers to be "the girl" in a comedy. I have no desire to be the wet blanket -- the one who says to the guy, "You have to get your life together and get a job." If I'm going to be in a comedy, then I have to be funny, not just a girl who's in a comedy. Also, I don't like being mean.

You've gotten a lot of attention for your Internet videos, especially your viral hit with Matt Damon. Now, you're on Twitter. Is all of this exposure helping your career?

I was rolling my eyes when Twitter started. Then I started. It's an interesting way to express yourself. I have 400,000 followers. I really want everyone in my [TV show] cast to join Twitter and get as many followers as they can.

You're 39. How do you feel about that?

I feel how alcoholics don't feel like alcoholics because they surround themselves with other alcoholics who make them feel OK. I surround myself with other comics who are about the same age: We are all idiots, and we don't dress 40ish. I don't think, "I'll cut my hair and wear suits."

Are you interested in ever getting married? [Her last relationship was with talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel.]

I'm interested in having and finding that person for life, but marriage is barbaric. I wouldn't be a part of it, especially now. Why would anyone want government involved in their love? I think it's a disgusting club to be in where people who love people of the same sex aren't allowed.

Do you want kids?

I'm not stressed about not having kids. I'll want to adopt someday. I don't want to pass on my genes. I don't understand why anyone, other than for vanity, needs to have kids. There are so many children without homes.

You were fired from Saturday Night Live in the mid-'90s. What was that like?

I was a kid, 22. I was shocked. I lost total confidence for a year. But it was like a broken bone that heals stronger. I wouldn't take that experience back, ever.

How did they fire you?

They faxed my agent.