Smuggly!!!

Comedy Central talent brings laughs on tour


By Douglas Wernert
Daily Arts Writer
October 17, 2003



"I feel like the youth of America needs to be educated, and I'm the man to do it," said Ed Helms, the 29-year-old comedian and one of the stars of the "Comedy Central No Class Tour," which will roll into the University this weekend. Helms, a correspondent on the Emmy-winning "The Daily Show," teams with Doug Stanhope ("The Man Show") and Christian Finnegan ("Premium Blend") for a night of laughs at the Michigan Theater.

A Georgia native, Helms admits he "was kind of a nerd" during his college days at Oberlin College. While performing stand-up in New York, he also began doing voiceovers for advertisements, ranging from "Say What Karaoke" to product commercials for Efferdent, Tums and Doritos. His favorite, however, was being the voice of an animatronic lobster in a Snuggles commercial. "I named him Smuggly," he fondly recalls.

Now, still living what he calls "the crazy bachelor lifestyle," Helms admits, "I couldn't be happier (to work for "The Daily Show")." Calling colleagues Jon Stewart, Steven [sic] Colbert and Rob Corddry "damn funny," Helms has great respect for his fellow comedians, naming Jerry Seinfeld and David Cross as some of his favorites.

Doug Stanhope, one of Helms' counterparts, has enjoyed much success as well. Releasing his third live CD last year, Stanhope has been called one of the Top Ten Comedians to Watch by The Hollywood Reporter. Despite his brutally honest and uninhibited material, he is widely adored, making appearances on many comedy shows. Last summer, he wrote and produced "Invasion of the Hidden Cameras" on FOX, and now, with his new gig on "The Man Show," Stanhope looks to be a steady performer for years to come.

Christian Finnegan has had his share of experience in comedy. With countless appearances on programs such as "The Chappelle Show," Finnegan brings a cutting-edge style to his comedy. His status as a mainstay on VH1's "Movie Obsession" can only mean bigger and better things for this New York City native.

When Helms' clever, cynical observations are mixed with Stanhope's brashness and vulgarity and Finnegan's savvy and experience, the end result will be a fun night of comedy for all who attend. "College kids are such an awesome audience," says Helms. "It couldn't be more fun to perform at colleges."

"I don't know what a gynecologist would say, but its like 'woah, where's your vagina?"

Jose, Turn Off The Damn Phone!

Can I gush for a second?




The look on Ed's face during that scene in his "Weakend Getaway" story last Monday was priceless.

Is is wrong that that turns me on?

Yes...I got the Stop Smiling Magazine today. I'll try to scan some more in tomorrow or Wednesday after I get home from classes.