Louie Anderson has been a comedy staple for decades, but hasn't exactly stuck to stand-up comedy. He's hosted Family Feud, had his own cartoon, written books and appeared on television shows.
But through it all, he still gets laughs with his formula of personal comedy revolving around family. We spoke with Anderson about his humor, his history and what's left to accomplish.
CL: You've been doing stand-up comedy for more than 30 years. How do you keep yourself interested and challenged on stage?
Anderson: After 30 years of doing something you might think that's old hat, but if you do you're cheating yourself and your fans. You have to bring it every night.
Before every show I ask God and the comedy saints — Rodney (Dangerfield), Johnny (Carson) and now Joan (Rivers) — to give me some help. I owe this to them, my audience and myself.
Not many comedians can say they've had their own animated series ("Life With Louie" in the 90s). What did you enjoy about that experience?
I didn't have an easy childhood. Many of us didn't. What I enjoyed about "Life With Louie" was I got a chance to re-create my life, this time as a much happier child. What a gift I received!
Throughout your career, fans have been able to enjoy your books, movies, television shows and stand-up specials, in addition to game show hosting and the animated series. Now you're involved in ABC's diving show "Splash" as well. Other comedians simply do stand-up and almost nothing else. What pushes you to try new outlets?
When my team brought me the "Splash" show, I knew it was a chance for me to return to gym class and finally climb that rope and touch the ceiling. Also I love to try things that nobody thinks I can do!
Family is an important running theme in many of your creative endeavors. How did your upbringing influence your comedy, and do you think your fans identify with the high points and struggles from your past?
Everyone thinks they have a crazy family and mine seems to resonate with my fans. I try to make everyone in my family the stars in my show. People love my Mom and Dad characters and so do I. Plus, it keeps them alive and well to me! We all have ups and downs and I try to infuse humor into mine.
How has your stand-up material changed over the years? What's stayed the same?
My material changes all the time, but the core is the same. All the F-words:
Fat, Family, being over Fifty. I always paint with the same pallet — red, white and Lou.
What's left for you to tackle? Do you have any unrealized ambitions at this point?
I'd like to bring my book, Dear Dad, to the stage. It changed my life. I was able to forgive my dad, see him in a clear light and appreciate all he was able to do.
What can fans expect from your show if they've never seen you live?
We will all take a ride in a big Bonneville with Mom and Dad in the front seat, and all of us hanging on for dear life!
Tickets are $30-$42. Showtime is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at The Capitol Theatre. 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Info: atthecap.com or 727-791-7400.