When Kevin Nealon takes the stage Friday for “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” — the non-profit’s annual fundraiser — the Los Angeles-based comedian will be returning, well, home.
Nealon — the “Saturday Night Live” veteran who also acted in TV series like “Weeds,” and now concentrates on stand-up — grew up in Bridgeport.
He graduated from Trumbull’s St. Joseph High School, and Sacred Heart University. He remembers rowing out to Cockenoe Island in Westport’s wacky Great Race, and performing at the old Treehouse Comedy Club here.
Nealon also quarterbacked Fairfield University’s club football team, while taking night courses. And he played rugby for the Connecticut Yankees.
He may or may not reference — or make jokes about — those places and times on Friday. The event at Fairfield University’s Quick Center is sold out.
But he’s sure to put on a memorable show.
Kevin Nealon
And it’s absolutely for a great cause. Founded in 1983, Homes With Up provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid re-housing, diversion services, a community kitchen, food pantry, youth development programs and mentoring.
The other day, Nealon chatted with “06880” about his local roots, his career and his life today.
His father spent nearly 4 decades as a Sikorsky engineer. He drew up plans for the family’s home, then built it with 2 off-duty firefighters.
Nealon worked at Dunkin’ Donuts, and Herman’s Sporting Goods in the Trumbull Mall. He was a lifeguard at Seaside Park.
He does not get back to this area much. (He did receive an honorary degree 4 years ago from Sacred Heart. “I make other people call me doctor,” he says.)
So Friday night will be special. It will also be less stressful than a corporate gig he did for Microsoft. Bill Gates was there — and several executives had to vet Nealon’s material beforehand.
The world of comedy has changed since Nealon anchored SNL’s “Weekend Update” with Dana Carvey. Social media has opened up opportunities for anyone — “doctors, lawyers” — to be comedians, and have their acts seen by millions.
But, he notes, “funny is still funny.”
Kevin Nealon will be very funny on Friday. It will be a fun evening at the Quick Center.
And — quite seriously — all the money raised will help relieve homelessness and food insecurity.
That’s nothing to laugh at.
