Meet Paul Mecurio, comedian
What he's known for: Being a successful stand-up comedian and an award-winning writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Mecurio is a daring and unpredictable stand-up comedian who is especially adept at living in the moment.
(Laughter is good for body and soul. Read why.)
His current age: 35
His RealAge: 21.4
How he reacted to finding out his RealAge: The master of improv was almost at a loss for words when informed that his RealAge was so young. "I was surprised that I did so well," Mecurio joked. "It was great news for me, but my wife is disappointed because she thought I was closer to death. So much for that life insurance policy."
What keeps him young: During those rare moments when Mecurio is serious, he reveals why his numbers are so good. "I think the fact that I've never been a smoker or imbibed much is a reason why my RealAge is where it is," Mecurio said. "I exercise as much as I possibly can."
(Help someone you love quit smoking by giving him this.)
As an entertainer with three television pilots on the table, having a youthful appearance definitely works in Mecurio's favor.
"It helps me to look as good and as young as possible in this industry," Mecurio said. "It's in my best interest to look my RealAge, not my chronological age. The trick is to stay looking younger."
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Mecurio dove right into his Grow Younger Plan. "I'm motivated to turn the clock back, so I checked it out," Mecurio said. He jokes, "I didn't understand why watching cartoons would help me lead a longer life. I'm pouting at least seven times a day. Now I'm looking and acting like a kid."
Mecurio, who is always on, can't help but joke. But he finally gets serious about his Grow Younger Plan. "I think such a plan is going to help me and anyone who does take the RealAge Test," Mecurio said. "I really think there is something to this."
What challenges him: The star of the HBO Web series Got No Game with Paul Mecurio admits that the toughest part of his job is avoiding the ubiquitous junk food. "That's something that has always been difficult," Mecurio said. "Junk food is easy and very tempting for comics and, well, everyone on the go."
(Boost your junk-food resistance with this simple plan.)
When the former attorney left his lucrative job for the hardscrabble world of stand-up comedy, he was audited for declaring $2,000 worth of fast-food receipts. "After hearing that I left a high-paying job for stand-up, the IRS agent told me that insanity was not a defense in an audit," Mecurio said. "That's a true story."
Mecurio kids about his diet, but he attempts to eat a troika of good meals a day. "I try to stay away from all the fried foods in clubs. I try to eat well. And I try to get my rest, which isn't easy in this business. I admit that I have my share of sleepless nights, but who doesn't in this industry? But I'll take naps if I need them. You have to listen to your body, since it's always right. If you need to sleep, go to bed. I think my RealAge is where it's at because I try to do the right thing for my body and mind."
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But Mecurio isn't perfect. A certain dessert is his personal kryptonite. "I can't stay away from chocolate chip cookies," Mecurio admitted.
