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Louis C.K.

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Louis C.K.
Louis C.K. at the 2012 Time 100
Birth nameLouis Szekely[1]
Born (1967-09-12) September 12, 1967 (age 56)[1]
Washington, D.C., U.S.
MediumStand-up, Television, Film, Radio
NationalityAmerican
Mexican
Years active1985–present
GenresObservational comedy, Black comedy, Surreal humor
Subject(s)Everyday life, Self-deprecation, Pessimism, Sexuality, Old age, Economic materialism
SpouseAlix Bailey (1995–2008; divorced; 2 children)
Notable works and rolesThe Chris Rock Show
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Pootie Tang
Lucky Louie
Louie
Websitewww.louisck.net
Template:Infobox comedian awards

Louis Szekely (born September 12, 1967)[1] known professionally as Louis C.K. (/[invalid input: 'icon']ˈluː.iː siːˈkeɪ/) is a Mexican-American[5] Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian, television and film writer, director and actor.[6] He is the creator, star, producer, writer, director (and, until December 2012, the editor[7]) of the FX comedy series Louie.[6][8]

Early life and career

C.K.'s stage name is derived from an approximate English pronunciation of his Hungarian surname, Székely (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈseːkɛj]). C.K. was born in Washington, D.C., the son of Mary Louise (née Davis), a software engineer, and Luis Szekely, an economist.[3][9] C.K.'s paternal grandfather, a Jewish Hungarian, had emigrated to Mexico, where he met C.K.'s paternal grandmother, who was a Catholic Mexican of Spanish and Mexican Indian ancestry.[10] C.K.'s father was born in Mexico, while C.K.'s mother is an American of Irish Catholic ancestry, originally from a farm in Michigan.[11] The two met at Harvard University while his father was trying to finish his degree during a summer-school program.[2] Although C.K. was born in D.C., he lived in Mexico City until the age of seven.[3] His first language is Spanish, and he still retains Mexican citizenship.[12]

Upon moving from Mexico to suburban Boston, Massachusetts, C.K. discovered he wanted to become a writer and comedian, citing Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, and George Carlin as some of his influences.[2] When he was ten years old, his parents divorced. He and his three siblings were raised by their single mother in Newton, Massachusetts.[13] His mother watching bad TV inspired him to get into acting. "I remember thinking in fifth grade, 'I have to get inside that box and make this shit better'" he told The Observer in April 2005. "Because she deserves this. It made me mad that the shows were so bad."[13]

After graduating from Newton North High School, C.K. worked as an auto mechanic in Boston while summoning the courage to try stand-up.[3] His first attempt was in 1984 at a comedy club's open-mic night; he was given five minutes of time, but had only two minutes of material.[14] The experience kept him away from comedy for two years.[15] He and then best friend Marc Maron, early on, reminisced about their early twenties on Maron’s WTF Podcast.[16] C.K. gradually moved up to paid gigs, opening for Jerry Seinfeld and hosting comedy clubs[3] until he moved to Manhattan in 1989.[14]

Career

Writing

C.K.'s credits as a writer include the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Dana Carvey Show and The Chris Rock Show. His work for The Chris Rock Show was nominated for an Emmy Award three times, winning "Best Writing in a Variety or Comedy Series" in 1999. He was also nominated for an Emmy Award[17] for his work writing for the talk show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The feature film born from the Chris Rock sketches, Pootie Tang, which C.K. wrote and directed, received largely negative reviews from critics but has become a cult classic.[18][19] He also wrote and directed the independent black-and-white film Tomorrow Night (1998) (which premiered at Sundance)[20] and several shorter films, including six short films for the sketch comedy show Sunny Skies (1995) on the Showtime cable network.[14] He was nominated for an Emmy Award for writing on his 2008 special, Chewed Up, and again in 2011 for the Louie episode "Poker/Divorce."

C.K. has co-written two screenplays with Chris Rock, Down to Earth in 2001, and I Think I Love My Wife in 2007.

Stand-up

Louis C.K. first took the stage in 1984 at an open-mic in Boston, Massachusetts, during the apex of the comedy boom. He was so discouraged by the experience that he didn't perform again for two years. As Boston's comedy scene grew, he gradually achieved success, performing alongside acts such as Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke.

Louis C.K. performing in Kuwait, December 2008

In 1989, he moved to New York City. Now in the heart of the comedy world, he performed his act on many televised programs, including Evening at the Improv and Star Search. In 1996 HBO released his first half-hour comedy special.[21]

C.K. has performed his stand-up frequently on shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Lopez Tonight, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In August 2005, C.K. starred in a half-hour HBO special as part of the stand-up series One Night Stand.

Inspired by the work ethic of George Carlin, the comedian who had committed to dropping all of his existing material and starting over every year,[22] C.K. launched his first hour-long special titled Shameless in 2007, which aired on HBO and was later released on DVD. In March 2008, he recorded a second hour-long special, Chewed Up, which premiered on Showtime Network on October 4, 2008 and went on to be nominated for an Emmy for "Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Special."

On April 18, 2009, Louis recorded a concert film titled Hilarious. Unlike his previous specials, which had all been produced for television networks, Hilarious was produced independently, directed by C.K. himself, and sold to Epix and Comedy Central after it was complete. Because of this it was not released until late 2010, and published on DVD and CD in 2011.[23][24] It is the first stand-up comedy film to be accepted into Sundance.[25]

In a 2010 interview, C.K. described returning to stand-up and doing specials after his divorce as a year and a half working "to catch up to" the breakup of his marriage which, although portrayed in the HBO series Lucky Louie as fractious, had nonetheless been central to the show and his life. One element in his preparation for stand-up was training in the boxing gym, including with Lowell, Massachusetts fighter Micky Ward, trying to "learn how to ... do the grunt work and the boring, constant training so that you'll be fit enough to take the beating."[26]

On December 10, 2011, Louis C.K. released his fourth full-length special, Live at the Beacon Theater. Like Hilarious, it was produced independently and directed by C.K., but unlike his earlier work, it was distributed digitally on the comedian's website, forgoing both physical and broadcast media. C.K. released the special DRM-free for $5.00 USD, hoping these factors and the direct relationship between the artist and consumer would effectively deter piracy. The end of the film also mentions the release of a new album, recorded at Carnegie Hall the previous year. As of December 21, 2011, the sales of the special from C.K.'s website has earned him over US$1,000,000.[27] The success of the special prompted other comedians, including Jim Gaffigan and Aziz Ansari, to release their own specials with a similar business model.[28] On May 11, 2012, C.K. additionally made two audio-only downloads available for $5.00 USD each: WORD – Live at Carnegie Hall (and the audio version of his first HBO stand-up special, Shameless), as well as an audio-only version of Live at the Beacon Theater.[27]

Acting

In June 2006, C.K. starred in Lucky Louie, a sitcom he created. The series premiered on HBO and was videotaped in front of a live studio audience; it was HBO's first series in that format. Lucky Louie is described as a bluntly realistic portrayal of family life. HBO canceled the series after its first season. Other roles include a security guard in Role Models and a potential love interest for Amy Poehler's character in a multi-episode story arc on NBC's Parks and Recreation.[29]

C.K. has also appeared in the films Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Diminished Capacity, and The Invention of Lying.

Acting, writing and directing

In August 2009, FX picked up his new series Louie, which C.K. stars in, writes, directs and edited 5 episodes during the first season.[30] The show features his stand-up routines blended with segments based somewhat on his offstage experiences.[31] The show premiered on June 29, 2010. Each season of Louie contains 13 episodes. The series has been renewed for a fourth season.[32] It addresses life as a divorced, aging father: "It's hard to start again after a marriage," he states in one of his early routines on the show. "It's hard to really, like, look at somebody and go, hey, maybe something nice will happen.... Or you'll meet the perfect person, who you love infinitely, and you even argue well, and you grow together, and you have children, and then you get old together, and then she's going to die. That's the best-case scenario."[26] In season three, a date with Liz (played by Parker Posey),[33] a "doomed chase after Letterman’s gig," an attempted visit to estranged father and a dream-reality "New Year's Eve"[34] engaged the title character and made critic Matt Zoller Seitz's top 25 comedy episodes list for 2012.[35] Actor-director David Lynch, who appeared in the Letterman episodes, came to seem to Seitz to be receiving more a "fan's tribute" from CK in "New Year's Eve." The episode was "truly audacious," leaving the viewer "unmoored, uncertain what to trust, or how to see"[34] and "captur[ing] the sensation of dreaming better than any half-hour comedy episode I’ve ever watched."[35]

C.K. has been nominated twice for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2011 and 2012) for Louie.[36]

Other work

As a voice actor, C.K. portrayed Brendon Small's estranged father, Andrew Small, in Home Movies, and appeared several times on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.

C.K. is a frequent guest on the Opie and Anthony radio show, which also features his Lucky Louie co-star Jim Norton, and was also a part of Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour with other comedians in 2007. He makes frequent appearances on Raw Dog Comedy on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and in 2007 hosted a three-hour phone-in show on the service at the request of Opie & Anthony, during which he advised callers on their relationship troubles.[37] As of May 2011, Louis has hosted over 107 hours of radio with Opie & Anthony. In the episode "Barney / Never", Opie, Anthony and Norton (along with comedian Amy Schumer) play the on-air talent of a stereotypical wacky morning radio program in Kansas City into which Louis's character is calling to promote a nearby gig.

During an interview with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the Opie and Anthony radio show, C.K. asked Rumsfeld whether he is in fact a reptilian space alien who "eats the poor".[38] Rumsfeld declined to comment.

He is also an occasional guest on the Bob and Tom radio show which is a popular showcase for comedians and he frequently works with Robert Smigel on TV Funhouse shorts exclusively for Saturday Night Live, with topics ranging from politics to surrealism. C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live on November 3, 2012.[39]

Personal life

C.K. married Alix Bailey in 1995; they divorced in 2008. He has two daughters from the marriage[40] and shares joint custody.[26]

C.K., raised Catholic, occasionally pokes fun at religion in his comedy, leading some to believe he is an atheist. However despite the fact that he "[doesn't] believe in god" in any traditional sense, C.K. does not identify as an atheist.[41]

Discography

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1993–1994 Late Night with Conan O'Brien Nicknames for Conan Guy / Various Also Writer
1996 The Dana Carvey Show Various 3 Episodes / Also Head Writer
1996 HBO Comedy Half-Hour Himself Stand-Up Special
1996–1997 Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist Louis 4 Episodes
1997 The Chris Rock Show Various Also Writer
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program
2001 Comedy Central Presents Himself Stand-up Special
2002 Home Movies Andrew Small 5 Episodes
2005 One Night Stand Himself Stand-up Special
2006 Lucky Louie Louie Creator / Writer / Executive Producer
2007 Shameless Himself Stand-up Special
2008 Diminished Capacity Stan
Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins Marty
Role Models Security Guard
Chewed Up Himself Stand-up Special / Director / Editor
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program
2009 The Invention of Lying Greg
2009–present Parks and Recreation Dave Sanderson 6 Episodes
2010–present Louie Louie Creator / Producer / Writer / Director / Editor
AFI Award for TV Program of the Year (Top 10) (2011)
Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (2012)
Satellite Award for Best Actor – TV Series: Musical or Comedy (2011)
TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy (2012)
TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy (2012)
Nominated – Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (2011)
Nominated – Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Comedy Series (2011)
Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy (2012)
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2011–2012)
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (2012)
Nominated – Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy (2011)
Nominated – TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy (2011)
Nominated – TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy (2011)
Nominated – Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay – Comedy Series (2012)
2011 Hilarious Himself Stand-up Special / Writer / Director / Editor
Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Special (Single or Multi-Camera)
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program
2011 Live at the Beacon Theater Himself Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
2012 Saturday Night Live Host 1 Episode
2013 Blue Jasmine[42]

Non-performance credits

Year Title Notes
1998 Tomorrow Night Screenwriter / Director
2001 Down to Earth Screenwriter
Pootie Tang Screenwriter / Director
2007 I Think I Love My Wife Screenwriter

References

  1. ^ a b c Parker, James (May 2012). "The Filthy Moralist – How the Comedian Louis C.K. Became America's Unlikely Conscience". The Atlantic. Retrieved August 19, 2012. "All of which suggests that Louis – born Louis Szekely on September 12, 1967 – has struck a nerve."
  2. ^ a b c d e Vogel, Laura (May 27, 2007). "Louis C.K." New York Post. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e Knutzen, Eirik. "Louis C.K." Copley News Service. Archived from the original on 2006. Retrieved November 10, 2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |archivedate= (help)
  4. ^ "Interview with Louis C.K." One Night Stand. HBO. 2005. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
  5. ^ http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/comedian-actor-louis-c-k/
  6. ^ a b "Louis C.K." emmys.com. 2011 [last update]. Retrieved August 24, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  7. ^ Hepburn, Ned. "Louis CK fires own self from show". Death and Taxes Magazine. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  8. ^ Kelly, Brendan (March 8, 2011). "Just for Laughs to fete Louis C.K". Variety.
  9. ^ "June Wedding Was Held In Traverse City". Owosso Argus-Press. June 27, 1961. p. 4. Retrieved January 24, 2011. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ Opie & Anthony: Louis C.K. Explains...His Origin. YouTube. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  11. ^ Louis CK Q&A. jonahweiner.com. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
  12. ^ Comedian-actor Louis C.K. Interview at PBS.org. September 25, 2009. Excerpt @ 07m40s: "I lived in Mexico. My dad's Mexican. I have a Mexican passport. I have citizenship there." Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  13. ^ a b Hagan, Joe (2005). "Can HBO Save the Sitcom? Louis CK Says Yes". The New York Observer. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  14. ^ a b c "Louis CK's Bio". louisck.net. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  15. ^ Bromley, Patrick. "Louis CK – Biography". About.com. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  16. ^ Nussbaum, Emily, "One-Man Show: No, really. Profane comic Louis C.K.’s unique experiment in television making", New York, May 15, 2011, web page 2. Retrieved 2012-12-31.
  17. ^ Louis C.K. Emmy Nominated. Emmys.com. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  18. ^ Tobias, Scott. "A.V. Club; The New Cult Canon: Pootie Tang". Retrieved March 21, 2011.
  19. ^ Raab, Scott (23 May 2011). "Louis C.K. Interview". Esquire. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  20. ^ Tomorrow Night (1998) – Release dates
  21. ^ LouisCK.net. LouisCK.net November 4, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  22. ^ Louis C.K. “I’m Doing Exactly What He Taught Me To Do” | Metro Comedy Entertainment. Metrocomedy.com. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  23. ^ Pabst Theater Show Gallery, http://pabsttheater.org/_galleries/louisck_pabst_041809/louisck.html
  24. ^ IMDb Hilarious Page, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1421373/
  25. ^ Rabin, Nathan (June 29, 2010). "Louis C.K. | TV | Interview". The A.V. Club. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  26. ^ a b c "Finding Laughs Post-Divorce", transcript, Louis C.K. interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air, July 7, 2010. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  27. ^ a b LouisCK.net | News. Buy.louisck.net. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  28. ^ "Inside the Reddit AMA: The Interview Revolution That Has Everyone Talking". Forbes. Retrieved May 5, 2012.
  29. ^ "Louis C.K. Gets Another Shot at Television". /Film. August 7, 2009. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  30. ^ CK's tweet
  31. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (August 19, 2009). "More laffs in FX lineup". Variety.
  32. ^ Hibberd, James (July 28, 2012). "FX renews 'Louie'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  33. ^ Seitz, Matt Zoller, "Parker Posey Has Revealed the Even Greater Show Hiding Within Louie", New York, 7/27/12. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  34. ^ a b Seitz, Matt Zoller, "On Louie, ‘New Year’s Eve,’ and Respecting the Mystery", New York, 12/31/12. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  35. ^ a b Seitz, Matt Zoller, "Favorite Comedy Episodes of 2012", New York, 12/11/12. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  36. ^ "63rd Annual Pimetime Emmy Awards".
  37. ^ Louis CK hosts a radio show (1/11). YouTube August 15, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  38. ^ McGlynn, Katla (February 25, 2011). "Louis C.K. Asks Donald Rumsfeld: Are You A 'Lizard From Outer Space'?". huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  39. ^ "Louis C.K. To Host SNL With Musical Guest Fun November 3". Huffington Post. 2012-10-21. Retrieved October 29, 2012.
  40. ^ Singer, Matthew (November 17, 2008). "Louis CK talks America off the ledge—then kicks it in the balls". Willamette Week. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  41. ^ "Louis C.K. Reddit AMA". Advance Publications.
  42. ^ "Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine". Sony Pictures. January 8, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.

External links

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