New Recovery Comic Icon
"If
you want a complete onslaught of non-stop, knee-slapping, in-your-face
comedy, then Bob Perkell is your man," raves California State
University of Fullerton Entertainment Director Eddy Burgos. Burgos
went on to say "Bob is the terminator of comedy!" Others
share in the opinion of Burgos. "Bob Perkell is hysterical," claims
Orange County Register writer Barry Koltnow. "That guy is a machine
gun of laughter," says Improv Manager Jeff Jena. Bob Perkell has
heard superlatives like these throughout his 17-year comedy career.
Unfortunately, Bob hit drugs and alcohol as hard as he hit the stages around
the country. "My life was a cloud of parties, porn stars, and hangovers," said
Perkell on the set of the movie "Night Creep," which he is co-starring
in. Many in the industry considered Perkell to be a rising star 6 years ago,
when he was using his physical talents on stage to dazzle audiences from coast
to coast. It was the drugs and alcohol that would eventually be
his undoing.
Four years ago, Bob decided it was time to live or die. "I was near death
and in the hospital, "said Perkell. The charismatic comic checked himself
into an intensive rehab center and began going to 12-step
meetings. It has been a struggle that Bob is winning each and every day.
Bob has managed to turn his haunting past into heart pounding inspiration.
In just two years, Perkell has become an icon to the 12-step fellowship as
one of its most revered and best performers. "Virtually every member went
away with a little more humor in their lives and a lot more reasons to stay
sober," said a sobbing Tracy Streichert, after the very successful Rocky
Point Roundup Comedy Show. Streichert, who produced the event said," This
guy is a hero to a lot of people." Last month, Bob electrified 2,000 members
in Sylmar, CA. That night, he received a well deserved standing ovation.
Bob is looking to continue his nation wide "Detox" tour. "Entertaining
members of the fellowship has a real purpose in my life," said Perkell.
At this rate, Bob won't be forced to look for very long. His demand and his
price are rising quickly. "Bob is hotter than a summer day on Venus.
To Hell and Back!
Los Angeles, May 6, 2001: Fans cheered, reporters clamored, and some veteran comics actually shed tears, as they watched the re-emergence of a forgotten star. Bob Perkell absolutely floored a sold out crowd at the Improv last night. "It is great to see Bob on top of his game again," said club Manager Jeff Jena.
Perkell, a recovering drug and alcohol addict brought his personal horror stories to life on stage and the inspired crowd poured out cheers for the man who was on the verge of stardom just five years ago. Near Death just a year ago, Perkell checked into rehab and slowly pieced his life back together. "I'm on a journey of recovery that will never end," said an exhausted Perkell after the show. With only a year of being clean and sober under his belt, it is obvious that the results have affected his comedy in a most positive way. Craig Markley of Publicity Whore Magazine said "I was laughing so hard that my face and stomach were cramping up on me." Most of the audience members had a similar experience. "My face is totally numb right now," said Newport Beach resident Sherri Pollock after the show.
Perkell is hoping to parlay his new success to recovery conventions around the World.
" This fellowship is saving my life and its time to give back to these people, who have been so supportive," said Perkell. The comedian with renewed vigor has already booked 12-step shows in Atlanta, New York, and Miami. " He's going to be one of the biggest recovery entertainers in history," claimed Jeff Jena.
