Barry Crimmins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barry Crimmins
|
|
|---|---|
Crimmins performing in Oslo, January 2017
|
|
| Born | July 3, 1953 Kingston, New York, United States
|
| Died | February 28, 2018 (aged 64) Syracuse, New York, United States
|
| Occupation | Political satirist, comedian |
| Years active | 1980–2018 |
Barry Francis Crimmins (born July 3, 1953 – died February 28, 2018) was an American comedian and writer. He was known for his stand-up comedy and for making jokes about politics. Barry also worked as an activist, which means he tried to make positive changes in society. He owned comedy clubs and wrote for a radio network called Air America Radio.
Contents
Early Life of Barry Crimmins
Barry Crimmins was born in Kingston, New York. His mother was Margaret Hooe, and his father was Phillip "Phil" Crimmins. When Barry was six years old, his family moved to Skaneateles, New York.
After finishing high school in 1971, Barry started doing stand-up comedy. He performed at a place called Under the Stone. Later, he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, to continue his comedy career.
Barry Crimmins' Comedy Career
Founding Comedy Clubs
In the 1980s, Barry Crimmins started two comedy clubs in Boston. These clubs were called The Ding Ho and Stitches. Many famous comedians performed at these clubs.
Some of the comedians who performed there included Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, and Bobcat Goldthwait. Other well-known comedians like Kevin Meaney and Jimmy Tingle also performed.
Comedy and Writing Style
Barry Crimmins used his comedy and writing to talk about important issues. He focused on the need for political and social changes. His jokes often made people think about serious topics.
He also wrote a book called Never Shake Hands with a War Criminal. This book shared his ideas and views.
Film and Television Appearances
Barry Crimmins appeared in several films and television shows. He was in When Stand Up Stood Out in 2003. He also appeared on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour from 1988 to 1989.
He released two comedy albums during his career. One was called Strange Bedfellows, and the other was Kill the Messenger. Barry also wrote articles for newspapers like the Boston Phoenix.
A documentary film called Call Me Lucky was made about his life. It showed his work in comedy and politics. The film was directed by his friend, Bobcat Goldthwait, and came out in 2015. In 2016, Barry filmed a special comedy show called Whatever Threatens You.
Barry Crimmins' Personal Life
Barry Crimmins married Helen Lysen in August 2017 in Chicago. Helen is a photographer and a font designer. They lived together in Syracuse, New York.
In January 2018, Barry was diagnosed with cancer. He sadly passed away from cancer on February 28, 2018. He was 64 years old when he died in Syracuse.
Awards and Recognition
Barry Crimmins received several awards for his work and activism. Boston Mobilization for Survival gave him the "Peace Leadership Award." This award recognized his efforts to promote peace.
Community Works honored him with the "Artist for Social Change Award." This was for his many years of working to make society better. The famous historian Howard Zinn also presented him with an award. Barry received "The Courage of Conscience Award" from Wellesley College and The Life Experience School.
Images for kids
-
Crimmins with Bobcat Goldthwait in May 2015
