A different audience for comedian Brian Regan

Critics and peers agree, Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations. On May 11, he’ll play to an audience of a different type.

One of the college’s most recognized alums, Brian will give the commencement address to the Heidelberg Class of 2008. Beginning this year, the college plans to showcase successful alums as role models to graduating seniors.

Brian’s Heidelberg career is well-documented. Recruited from Miami, Fla., to play football, he found his first comedic success in a speech class. An injury ended his athletic career, but that may have been a blessing in disguise. On campus, he gained notoriety as a columnist and cartoonist for The Kilikilik. He left college a few hours short of graduation in 1980 to pursue his career in stand-up comedy. About 15 years later, at his 15-year Heidelberg reunion, Brian reconnected with some former professors who convinced him to finish the coursework needed to complete his degree. He returned to campus in 1997 and received his diploma on the same stage where he’ll deliver this year’s commencement address.

When he left Heidelberg, he tried stand-up at a Fort Lauderdale club. Touring the country through the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he began to develop quite a following. He won the 1996 American Comedy Award for Best Comedian, starred in two Showtime specials and performed on all the leading late night shows, including his life-long dream, "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."

Today, his comedy, recorded on CD and DVD, is popular among all age groups, including college students. Through prolific writing and tireless touring, Brian is the rare comedian to make the leap from comedy clubs to theaters without the exposure of his own TV show or film.

Most recently, fans have seen Brian in a one-hour special on Comedy Central, with a second one-hour special scheduled to air this spring. Both performances will be released on DVD.

Posted on Jan. 29, 2008