BWF in the News
Return of the pale writer: Comic Jim Gaffigan back in Fargo tonight (In Forum)
March 19, 2012
As a stand-up comic and actor, Jim Gaffigan makes a living by what he says, most notably poking fun at his pasty-white complexion and his taste for Hot Pockets and bacon.
With his upcoming release of the comedy routine “Mr. Universe,” the funnyman is putting his money where his mouth is.
Instead of going through a label or standard physical CD/DVD distribution routes, Gaffigan paid for the production of the special and will post it on his website, www.jimgaffigan.com, on April 11. “Mr. Universe” will be available for download for $5.
That material will be similar to the new 75-minute act he brings to the Fargo Civic Center tonight at 7.
Behind the laughs, though, there is a serious cause. Twenty percent of each digital download, or $1, goes to the Bob Woodruff Foundation, which provides resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families.
The comic met Woodruff, a TV journalist who was injured while covering the Iraq War, while performing at a fundraiser.
“I saw that there was really no bureaucracy and their motives were very sincere and simple,” Gaffigan says of the foundation.
The comedian follows a model set up by GQ’s 2011 comic of the year, Louis C.K., who directed and independently produced his own comedy special, “Live at the Beacon Theater.” That show was released on C.K.’s website for $5 on Dec. 11. Within 12 hours he recovered the $250,000 in production costs. Within 10 days he said the show grossed $1.1 million, of which $280,000 was donated to a number of charities.Click here to view more
