2008 Woodie Awards
Alumnus brings the laughs
Courtney Walden
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: Arts and Entertainment
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Returning to Boston's stand-up scene after a seven-year absence, Clark was near his old Emersonian haunts this past weekend at the Comedy Connection in Fanueil Hall.
Known for his starring roles in NBC's tragically short-lived sitcom "Boston Common" and CBS's "Yes, Dear" and hosting the successful reality competition "Last Comic Standing," Clark reminisced about the city and college where it all began.
"It was fun coming back," he said in a phone interview with The Beacon, referring to his participation with fellow comedic alumni in Emerson's "30 Years of Innovation in Comedy" show held during the Boston Comedy Festival in September.
A self-described "mountain kid" from Virginia, Clark said, "I've always had my eye on exactly what I wanted to do, which was acting and comedy."
"When I look at the resume, I'm really kind of amazed," he said of his work, which also includes several films (The Rock, Say Uncle) as well as acting on Broadway.
Though he cannot choose a favorite among acting, hosting, or stand-up, Clark emphasized the fundamental difference of touring, saying, "There's no director.
There's no producer. There's no writer. It's just you. You can do or say whatever you want, and it's great to be back in front of a live audience."
With new material he calls "more mature" and "edgier," Clark nonetheless feels that his humor is for everybody and is anxious for audience response.
His Southern modesty, however, makes him question his success: "I don't know what the recipe is. I don't really get what they're laughing at sometimes, 'cause it's just my life, you know?"
Having graduated with a degree in mass communication, Clark describes his experience at Emerson with genuine pride and contentment.
"I loved Emerson. I'm really proud of the school," he said. "It was a beautiful choice for me to make. I feel very lucky."
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