He’s no stranger to Buffalo.

D.L. Hughley is very familiar with the Anchor Bar, a place he has frequented on past visits to the Queen City for comedy shows. “I used to get the wings there when I was in town, back when my cholesterol would cooperate,” the comedian said in a phone interview on Tuesday. “I haven’t been able to have wings in awhile.”

Known for his political commentary and television roles on shows including “The Hughleys” and “The Parkers,” Hughley will be coming to Helium Comedy Club for a five show stint taking place Thursday through Saturday.

We chatted with the comedian prior to his trip to Buffalo about wings, his new book and the people that make him laugh the most. Check out the interview below.

We’re looking forward to having you in Buffalo this weekend. Ever been here before?

D.L. Hughley: Several times, yeah. First time I was there, I went to Melody Fair. My opening act was Steve Wilson, a comedian from Buffalo. And of course, I’ve been to the Anchor Bar.

When did you first realize that comedy was going to play a major role in your life?

DLH: I knew the minute I picked up a microphone. That’s when I knew. I’ve never known a lot, but I always know what I know—I never un-know it. And I knew from the moment I grabbed that microphone.

What has kept you up on that stage?

DLH: It’s less about the audience reaction and I now gravitate more to the creative aspect of it. I like adding opinion and forming an idea. I watched Rick Perry yesterday [talk about gun control] and he said all we need is more prayer. If that’s the case, then why is the Popemobile bullet proof? I find irony in a lot of things going on in America and like to talk about them.

Who are the people that make you laugh?

DLH: My family makes me laugh a lot. But think powerful people make me laugh too. Donald Trump makes me laugh and other people who take life extremely seriously.

Tell us a little about your book.

DLH: The book “I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up” is coming out on paperback now. It’s a look back on the way we see ourselves and the way we actually are. Just like how ironic it is that “Django” is one of the top movies right now, while America just inaugurated our black president for a second term. It’s a comical look at all the irony that exists in America.

What other projects can we expect from you in 2013?

DLH: We’re actually working on an animated series and a family show for a network right now. They are developing. For the animated one, it will take a look at how I grew up and how things are different.

When you can have them, how do you like your wings?

DLH: I like them straightforward. There used to only be hot and mild, now they have all these other flavors. But I do like the hot ones too.

You’ll have to bend the rules a bit when you visit.

DLH: I’m going to have to!

You can catch D.L. Hughley from Thursday through Saturday at Helium Comedy Club in downtown Buffalo this week. Tickets are on sale from $27.50 to $32.50 and can be purchased through the comedy club’s website. For more information on the shows, head over to Helium Comedy Club’s page.

Photo courtesy of Helium Comedy Club.