John Heffron, winner of the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing has become the comedian to look out for. Originally from Detroit, John signed up for the challenge in the hopes of winning Last Comic Standing 2, and he did. John launched his comedy career at his Alma Mater of Eastern Michigan University and also performed his stand-up at the Main Street Comedy Showcase on the University of Michigan campus, where he was an emcee.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in communication and psychology, John began working in the field he loves. He started booking acts at various colleges around the country, performing at over 80 colleges a year. By then he had four years of experience under his belt. He was popular with the college crowd because they could relate to his type of humor, in which John includes anecdotes about his years as a college student. Through his popularity, John decided to record his first comedy CD entitled “Kid with a Cape.”

By the age of 25, John was a successful headlining comedian. He also found work as a radio sidekick to Danny Bonaduce on a highly-rated Detroit morning show. He worked on the show for five years before getting ready to progress to bigger and better things. Moving back to Los Angeles, he has since made numerous television appearances including NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," CBS's "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn," two of his own half-hour "Comedy Central Presents" specials and many more venues. John has also performed at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festivals in Montreal and Bermuda, as well as at the HBO Comedy Festival in Aspen.

I recently had the opportunity to watch one of John’s stand-up comedy shows at the San Jose Improv. I assisted him in winning Last Comic Standing 2, as I too voted for him every week. His comedy on stage mimicked his comedy on the show, and like always, he was hilarious. His comedy routine is very real and down to earth. He includes parts of his married life in it as well as experiences from his life in general.

After the show, John was waiting in the lobby to meet and greet his fans (including myself), while taking photos and signing autographs. He was very nice and I also got my photo taken with him. In fact, John was kind enough to interview with me when I asked him about his career as a comedian and his new found success.

S. Papadopoulos: What inspired you to apply for Last Comic Standing season 2?

J. Heffron: I did it on a whim. I was flying from Florida to Michigan and decided to audition in Nashville.

S. Papadopoulos: I guess that turned out to be a pretty good fluke entry. How has your life changed since winning Last Comic Standing season 2?

J. Heffron: I roll with a posse. I have a bunch of Navigators and don’t you dare even try and diss me. Before “Last Comic” I really didn’t roll that way.

S. Papadopoulos: It doesn’t hurt to have a posse. (Laughs)

Comedy is a difficult business to get into. What was the level of difficulty you had to face while “breaking” into this business?

J. Heffron: I think there’s always a level of difficulty no matter what phase you’re in. It’s like a video game - the levels just keep getting harder and harder…

S. Papadopoulos: This is very true; even while starting a new job or attending a new school, the initial beginnings are difficult, but eventually you get into the routine and you learn more of what needs to be done in order to succeed. There is always a learning process that you need to go through, and once you gain the knowledge and the tricks of the trade, things tend to get a bit easier.

Comedians have a different way of thinking than the rest of us; they find the humor in almost anything. How did your interest in comedy begin, and what inspired you to pursue this line of work?

J. Heffron: I was always into watching stand-up, and when I was old enough to get into a comedy club, I was there… then I saw an open mic show that really sucked and thought “I can do this!” The next week I was on stage and that was that…Plus there was a hot waitress there that I wanted to notice me - by the way, her name was Lucy Liu….yup, the same one – the way hot actress.

S. Papadopoulos: Wow, that’s exciting! How do you think your comedy differs from that of other comics?

J. Heffron: It differs because I talk about my life and my point of view….

S. Papadopoulos: You have performed in numerous improv venues and appeared on several talk shows. What has been the reaction from the audiences you have performed for?

J. Heffron: They all hated me…no I’m kidding. I’ve always done well, maybe it’s because I eat right, take my vitamins and help old ladies cross the street.

S. Papadopoulos: Obviously we loved your performance in San Jose. You were hilarious. How have your friends and family taken to your success?

J. Heffron: They love it….who do you think they borrow money from?

S. Papadopoulos: Hmmm…let me guess. (Laughs) You are an accomplished stand-up comedian and entrepreneur; is there something you have not yet done that you would like to pursue in the future?

J. Heffron: I would love to be a cage fighter. Maybe champ at 180 pounds in the UFC. That would be pretty cool. Even cooler if I go up a weight class and take the title in the light heavyweight division

S. Papadopoulos: Really? That's not a goal too many people would be reaching for…but someone’s got to do it! What words of wisdom would you give to fresh comics looking for their break into the industry, comedy industry – not cage fighting?

J. Heffron: I would say perform as much as you can in every type of setting and don’t waste your time talking about how much other comics suck. What anyone else does doesn’t mean anything; just worry about yourself.

S. Papadopoulos: I agree; people tend to focus on others’ mistakes in order to make themselves feel better, but in reality, the people who judge and criticize others are the ones that are insecure with their own abilities. Everyone possesses special talents, and it would be nice if people focused more on their own gifts and how they can improve in their line of work, instead of hoping for others to fail.


Thank you very much Mr. Heffron for this insightful interview and for allowing our readers into your life as a comedian. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

*For more information on John, go to www.JohnHeffron.com