GetOut Magazine

Actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan hits stand-up clubs
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
Jan. 9, 2003

Hes starred in more than 200 commercials (Saturn, Rolling Rock), appeared on television shows ("Law and Order: Criminal Intent," "Sex and the City" and "The Ellen Show") and movies ("Road Trip," "Igby Goes Down," "Super Troopers"), but actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan says people still dont know his name.

"Im kind of like one of those guys where people dont know the name but kind of know the face, he says during a call from Cleveland. "People dont know the name but theyll recognize me and say, Oh, that dopey white guy.

Though hes an actor, Gaffigan wants you to know that hes a darn good comedian, too.

"As an actor, I also wanted to be known as a comedian because theres stages in my career where people will go, That guy does stand-up, he says. "And then theres other stages where theyll go, That guy acts. I wanted to make sure people knew that I wasnt some perversely soap opera star thats like, Im a stand-up comedian now.

"Its weird how people remember you from certain things. Some people know me as the guy from Sex and the City who was the open-door dumper. Some people know me as the Rolling Rock guy from the beer commercials. Some people know me as the guy who played Ellens old boyfriend on her show.

Now people will begin to recognize Gaffigan for his appearance on NBCs "Ed," which airs Wednesday.

"I date Carol Vessey, he says of Eds longtime love interest. "I kind of get dumped in that episode. She wants to go out with a regular guy, and Im the regular guy. . . . (Ed) was a really fun experience.

Gaffigan who says people describe him as "Brian Regan with a dirty mouth warns readers that his upcoming performance this week at Tempe Improv will be a memorable one.

"It will be the best show of their lives, he says. "Hopefully my stand-up is a little bit surprising.

Contact writer Kelly Wilson at or .

COMEDY PREVIEW

Jim Gaffigan
Where: Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive
When: 8 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
How much: $14-$17
Info: