We recently had the chance to connect with Margo Stutts Toombs and have shared our conversation below.
Margo Stutts, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Before I roll out of bed each morning, I try to grab part of my dream and record it in my phone dream folder. I suspect my next performance project will come from these dreams. Then I pour a cup of my favorite coffee (from Tyler Texas) and join my roommates for a morning chat. I love mornings!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I refer to myself as an internal humorous. I feel that more humor is needed in the world, especially now. For the past two years, I have been writing a show about my deteriorating organs – The Organ-ic Variety Show. I performed this show with my collaborators, Nicole McNeil and jhon r stronks, in August 2025. I was happy to have this production partially funded by the City of Houston through a grant from the Houston Arts Alliance. Click the link for photos and videos from the show. https://www.margostuttstoombs.com/the-organ-ic-variety-show.html
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In 2000, I met jhon r stronks in a Fieldwords Workshop. Jhon encouraged me to create a one-woman show, and he volunteered to serve as the director. My 60th birthday party one-woman show grew out of our collaboration. He continues to be my favorite collaborator.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I find as a 77-year old person, it is harder for me to remember my lines/script than it was when I was in my 20’s. I was terrified that I would forget my lines for The Organ-ic Variety Show last August. During our preview, my mind went blank a couple of times on-stage. I realized that I would have to be honest with the audience about this weakness. On opening night, I asked the assistant director to sit onstage with the script. I introduced her to the audience and said, “Sometimes I get lost in the script or forget my lines. If this happens, Kelly Ann will help me get back on track…I know several great actors my age who have stopped performing because they are afraid of forgetting their lines. I say screw that! So what if we forget our lines?” The applause was heartwarming.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
As I age, the line between the public me and the private me blurs. I find that the more comfortable I am in my own skin, the more I can relate to other people in an authenic way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
At my celebration of life, I want people will tell stories about the goofy things I have done that make them laugh. For example, I was a flight attendant (in the ’70’s), but I was afraid of flying, and I suffered from air sickness. I love to laugh at myself. I hope that other people do, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.margostuttstoombs.com/
- Instagram: margo_stutts_toombs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margo.toombs
- Youtube: @TheMargo60 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC09L7ssAcTp-Y77Fh2jhqIw
Image Credits
donna e perkins
Tina Cordona
Peter Carr
