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Our Favorite Stories In Comedy: An Interview With Louie Anderson

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 01/21/2022


New Jersey Stage published its 25,000th story in December 2021. As the site approached the milestone, we posed the question on social media as how we should celebrate.  One response was to highlight our favorite stories from over the years.  We liked this idea, but could not narrow things down to just 25 favorites so we will present a favorite each day from different genres.  Today's choice is a look at comedy with an interview of Louie Anderson from 2017.

The interview was published on June 23, 2017 and is available here. We had this interview on our list for the series, but seeing the news that he passed away today made us run it now. According to his publicist, Anderson died from complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 68.

In the interview, Andersons tells Danny Coleman that he never intended to be a comedian until some friends gave him the nudge, talks about his comedic influences, and explains how his role in the Eddie Murphy film Coming to America opened doors for him.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Eric D'Alessandro, the viral comedy sensation, will return to New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. This promises to be an evening filled with laughter, energy, and irresistible charm, as D’Alessandro brings his distinct comedic perspective to one of New Jersey’s premier venues.
Debonair Music Hall presents Kevin Farley on June 19th

Debonair Music Hall presents Kevin Farley on June 19th

(TEANECK, NJ) -- Debonair Music Hall presents comedian Kevin Farley on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:00pm. Known for his bold delivery, sharp timing, and fearless physical comedy, Farley delivers a fast-paced show packed with relatable observations, larger-than-life storytelling, and crowd-driven moments that keep audiences laughing from start to finish.

bergenPAC presents Tracy Morgan on June 19th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tracy Morgan on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tracy is one of the most well-respected comedians and actors in his field. He currently stars in the tv show CRUTCH.
bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th

bergenPAC presents comedian Tim Dillon on June 20th

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents comedian Tim Dillon on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tim is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his no-holds-barred humor and incisive social commentary.

Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show at Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Punkie Johnson is known for her hilarious work as a former cast member on Saturday Night Live. When Johnson joined SNL in its 45th season, she made history as the first out Black lesbian cast member and became a featured player the following season. She will be headlining a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
Paris Sashay to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show and Afterparty at Newark Culture Club

Paris Sashay to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show and Afterparty at Newark Culture Club

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Comedian, writer, and actor Paris Sashay, known from her appearances on Comedy Central, Pause on HBO Max, and BET 50 Central, and her comedy special 'Unprotected Sets on EPIX,' will headline a lineup of LGBTQ comedians at Newark Culture Club on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:00pm.
NJPAC presents Earthquake

NJPAC presents Earthquake's Father's Day Comedy Show with Sheryl Underwood, Mr. Bishop, D'Lai, Junior, TK Kirkland, and Donnell Rawlings

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Get ready to laugh out loud as Earthquake, the iconic comedian known for his electrifying stage presence, brings his annual Father's Day Comedy Show to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. This special event promises a night of nonstop humor with Earthquake at the helm, joined by a stellar lineup of comedic talent and hosted by the incomparable Sheryl Underwood.

Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab! on June 25th

(NEWARK, NJ) -- Lauren LoGiudice brings her innovative comedy showcase to Newark! On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Newark Culture Club presents Ha! or Nah!: A Joke Lab! Showtime is 7:00pm.

UCPAC presents comedian Eddie B. "If These Classroom Walls Could Talk"

(RAHWAY,NJ) -- By popular demand, America's favorite teacher comedian Eddie B. returns to the main stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) with his "If These Classroom Walls Could Talk" tour on Friday, June 26, 2026. Showtime is 8:00pm.
The Hotspurs

The Hotspurs' Improv Troupe to Perform in Haddonfield

(HADDONFIELD, NJ) -- The Hotspurs bring their improv comedy troupe to Haddonfield Plays and Players for a performance on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are a South Jersey improv comedy troupe known for their sharp wit and the kind of unscripted chaos that only gets better with a live audience. No two shows are ever the same.

 

FEATURED EVENTS


Punkie Johnson (SNL) to Headline LGBTQ Comedy Show

Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


LGBTQ Comedy Show with Paris Sashay & After Party

Saturday, June 20, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Newark Culture Club
Newark, NJ


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Monday, June 22, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Magic Entertainment presents Gaurav Gupta LIVE

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 @ 8:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ


Eddie B – If These Classroom Walls Could Talk Tour

Friday, June 26, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ



 

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