Lenny Clarke

Date: 2019-03-25 | Duration: 2h 13m

Category: Comedy

Episode Overview

Lenny Clarke shares candid stories from his decades-long career in comedy, touching on the grueling early days of working weekend gigs outside Boston and the challenges of breaking into television. He recounts his experience playing Rosie O’Donnell’s love interest on a short-lived show and reflects on the ups and downs of navigating Hollywood, including the harsh realities of being cut from projects despite early success. Clarke also opens up about his struggles with addiction, describing moments of chaos and the turning points that led to sobriety, highlighting the importance of support from friends and sponsors in his recovery journey. The conversation delves into the evolving comedy scene, with Clarke discussing the fierce competitiveness of clubs in the past and the impact of new platforms like YouTube on emerging comedians. He shares memorable anecdotes about legendary figures like Sam Kinison and Rodney Dangerfield, illustrating the camaraderie and rivalry that shaped his career. Clarke also touches on personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and how physical fitness became a vital part of his life. Throughout, he offers insights into the resilience required to sustain a career in comedy, balancing humor with honesty about the industry's challenges and the value of staying true to oneself.

About Lenny Clarke

Lenny Clarke is a legendary Boston comic and actor, renowned for his sharp wit and dynamic stage presence. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to the comedy scene, earning acclaim for his stand-up performances and memorable roles in television series such as "The John Larroquette Show" and "Rescue Me." Clarke's unique blend of humor and storytelling resonates with audiences, making him a beloved figure in the comedy world. Known for his authentic Boston charm and ability to connect with fans, he continues to influence a new generation of comedians while remaining a staple in live comedy venues across the country. Clarke’s engaging personality and deep roots in the Boston comedy scene make him a fascinating guest and a true icon in the entertainment industry.

Key Moments

– Stand-up Comedy
– Addiction Recovery
– Television Industry
– Comedy Clubs
– Drug Culture
– Health and Heart Conditions
– Comedy Tours
– Comedy Writing
– Comedy Sponsorship
– Comedy History
– Comedy Specials
– Comedy Mentorship
– Comedy Scene Evolution
– Comedy Rivalries
– Comedy Performance Techniques
– Comedy Industry Challenges
– Comedy and Fame
– Comedy and Personal Life
– Comedy Podcasting
– Comedy and Social Issues
0:00:00 – Introduction and early career struggles
0:02:29 – Playing Rosie O'Donnell's love interest
0:04:27 – Discussion of heart transplant experience
0:07:56 – Stories about drug use and cocaine culture
0:10:32 – Phil Barano as a sponsor and sobriety journey
0:12:46 – Negotiating pay and early comedy gigs
0:13:42 – Locked in cooler during shows
0:16:19 – First time lying and honesty in comedy
0:17:18 – Friends who are billionaires and career reflections
0:23:07 – Helping others and industry relationships
0:26:08 – Getting screwed in the industry and career setbacks
0:31:01 – Dealing with failure and public perception
0:35:16 – Discussion on accusations and second chances
0:40:28 – Handling difficult audiences and crowd work
0:43:25 – Touring with other comedians and mentorship
0:48:16 – Early comedy struggles and advice from peers
0:53:25 – Respect in comedy and career longevity
0:56:47 – Comedy at the Charles theater memories
1:01:25 – Moving to Los Angeles and career growth
1:06:43 – Working with Roy Orbison and music connections
1:15:40 – Legal issues and lawsuits in comedy
1:24:44 – Performing with Rodney Dangerfield
1:30:47 – Comedy club dynamics and audience challenges
1:37:49 – Stories about fearless comedians
1:45:37 – Handling police and club incidents
1:50:03 – Weight struggles and personal health journey
1:52:18 – Staying clean and mental health
1:56:50 – Learning from past comedians before YouTube
2:00:02 – Golfing with Blue Angels and military stories
2:05:56 – Apartment overlooking bay and Cuban encounters
2:08:13 – Political commentary and personal opinions
2:09:17 – Closing remarks and life reflections

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 five four three two one Starting point is 00:00:35 And you did too. Starting point is 00:00:52 So you'd be in the middle of this punchline. Starting point is 00:01:15 go anywhere within like an hour two hours outside the city and work basically every weekend yeah Starting point is 00:01:32 Cash. Starting point is 00:01:45 well you might have been the only guy everybody else got hamstringed yeah noxie got killed kenny Starting point is 00:02:11 Just this? Starting point is 00:02:29 And I played Rosie O'Donnell's love interest Wow Starting point is 00:02:39 And the show got cancelled Starting point is 00:02:47 Someone behind Starting point is 00:02:52 canceled for that. Starting point is 00:02:59 doing time. Starting point is 00:03:07 we do every year. Starting point is 00:03:15 and we've been in touch Starting point is 00:03:22 It's supposed to be beautiful. Starting point is 00:03:47 well thank God Starting point is 00:03:53 yeah a lot of Starting point is 00:04:01 at the Pentagon Starting point is 00:04:13 guard, marine or whatever, Starting point is 00:04:27 He's got somebody else's heart inside of him. Starting point is 00:04:44 Why do I have to do all this stuff? Starting point is 00:04:58 because he had this crazy pump that would just circle the blood, but there was no dun-dun-dun-dun. Starting point is 00:05:12 In a monster movie. Starting point is 00:05:25 oh my god he goes what he goes you feel okay I feel great your heart is beating 283 beats a minute Starting point is 00:05:57 I go, if I don't have this job, I don't want to live. Starting point is 00:06:18 are you there is no future oh jesus Terminator? They finally did the ablation Starting point is 00:06:32 On the table Starting point is 00:06:41 And puts it up to his chest Starting point is 00:06:49 It's really creepy. Starting point is 00:07:00 But I didn't know. Starting point is 00:07:08 He goes you'd have to do Starting point is 00:07:15 Well that fucking whole crew Starti...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1270?

Lenny Clarke was the guest on JRE #1270. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1270?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1270 with Lenny Clarke, topics include Stand-up Comedy, Addiction Recovery, Television Industry, and Comedy Clubs.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1270?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1270 with Lenny Clarke is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.