I grew up loving comedy.  As a kid, besides watching reruns of classic sit-coms like the Honeymooners, I Love Lucy and The Beverly Hillbillies, I watched old silent movie classics by Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy.  Using my dad’s old eight millimeter film camera, I would make slapstick shorts.

In college, I took a video production course where I wrote and produced a comedy mocking the current events of my school.  It was publically screened at the school pub with positive reviews.  

Afterwards I would complete a video production course at the now defunct “Center For The Media Arts” in New York City.  I completed a course for editing using Final Cut Pro at New York University and took screen writing workshops at U.C.L.A.

I almost convinced a public access station to give me air time.  After “Garbageman Gus” was shot, the station manage quickly changed his mind.  Hoping that lost copy turns up someday.

The first stand up comedian I ever watched was Chris Rush.  I saw him perform numerous times in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  I was proud of myself when I crashed his backstage room between shows at the “Bitter End” in New York City.     

                                                       Chris Rush

Living In the Los Angeles for fifiteen plus years, I have the pleasure to be at the epicenter of live comedy.  

I ran into Dean Delray at the “Comedy Store” in Los Angeles and nervously asked him for advise in regards to becoming a stand up comedian. 

He was more than happy to give me pointers and recommeded a beginners course which I took.  I ended up taking courses with L.A.Standups, Greg Dean and Second City.

It was a great thrill to perform at the World’s Famous “Comedy Store” on November 28, 2019.

Afterwards,  I ran into Theo Von, one of my all time favorite comedians who had headlined the main room at the “Comedy Store” the same night.  More than gracious, he made me feel like I belonged.

A few months later I watched Theo perform the New Year’s Eve show at the “Comedy Store” and later had some laughs with him after the show.

Another influence on my comedy is the legend Bill Burr.  His story about buying a gun in Reno is one of the best stories of all time.  I had the fortunate opportunity to run into him after a performance at the “Comdey Store.”  Besides being humble enough for Burr to still do the small clubs, he has been known to drop in at an open mic in the Los Angeles area on occasion.  

Both Theo Von and Bill Burr have inspired me to be a better story teller.  I have been working on stories about growing up in New Jersey, college and my twenties.  I hope to be sharing those stories with live audiences again.

In August 2019, a friend of mine introduced me to Dat Phan, the original winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”  He offered to give me private coaching lessions.  Dat taught me the basics and the complexiites of stand up that would have taken me at least a decade to learn on my own.  Besides coaching, he practices what he preaches by actually going with his students to open mics on a regular basis.  Dat has been generous by letting me open up for him (along with other students and friends) at comedy venues such as “The Ice House” billed as “Dat Phan and Friends.”    I thank Dat for the coaching, mentoring and friendship.  I look back at the videos of myself before coaching with him and cringe at my lack of timing and stage presence. 

Thanks to T. K. Matteson for giving the opportunity to perform with his “Rebels of Comedy.”  His advice and encouragment has been duly appreciated!