DENNIS BLAIR Is a true Renaissance man. He is an accomplished screenwriter, award-winning songwriter and comedic actor. Yet
he is probably best known for the caustic observations and
musical satires of his live comedy performances.
Early in his career, Rodney Dangerfield made him his protégé, and
together they toured the United States and Canada for over three
years. Dennis conceived and co-wrote Rodney’s hit movie, “Easy
Money”, and also played two cameo roles. He co-wrote and was a
featured actor in two Dangerfield specials on ABC, and was
creative consultant for the album “Rappin’ Rodney”. The title song
(which he co-wrote) was nominated for a Grammy Award.
His post-Rodney career has seen him opening for a multitude of
celebrities such as Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, Garry Shandling,
Joan Rivers, Gloria Estefan, Jackie Mason, and George Carlin,
with whom he toured for over eighteen years. He appeared on
“The Tonight Show” several times. He won an Emmy Award for
both writing and voiceovers for the animated film “Confessions of
a Standup”. He has a book, “Me First”, about his experiences
opening for some of the most famous celebrities in show
business. He has released two standup comedy CD’s, “Live
Performance Anxiety”, and “Words, Music and Drunks” as well
as an album of original songs called “I Sleep Naked in the Rain”.
He has also dabbled in theater, starring in Los Angeles in his self-penned, one-man musical comedy entitled “Also Appearing…”,
about the ups and downs of his career as an opening act. And his
new screenplay, “The Money Trail”, is being optioned by a
production company in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, he continues to headline in comedy clubs and at
corporate events and open for major celebrities, and also
appears from time to time in the road production of “The Rat Pack
is Back” as comedian Joey Bishop.
Movies, TV shows, theaters, comedy clubs, comedy and music
albums, a book, a play…has he had his fill? “As long as there are
jokes to be written,” says Dennis, “and as long as my bank
account remains at zero, I’ll be around.”
