His favorite movie is Caddyshack; he’s never killed anyone, and is a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Rob Riggle has also acted in numerous movies and television series, is an athlete, and is a fan of AC/DC. When he’s not rocking out or playing sports, Riggle can be seen in such films such as The Hangover and Step-Brothers. He will also be in Larry Crowne (July 1, 2011), The Lorax (March 2012) and 21 Jump Street (March 2012, filmed in New Orleans). To add to this already-full plate, this Sunday, June 19 he will be going back to his roots as a stand-up comedian at House of Blues.
Riggle was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Overland Park, Kansas. He went to school at Shawnee Mission High School, where he started his acting career and was voted “Most Humorous.” He received his B.A. in Film and Theater from the University of Kansas. Riggle said his degree came with limitations, but he was still passionate.
After college, he joined the Marines and was eventually promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in April 2009. He earned his pilot’s license, but right before he received his “wings” he decided that he really wanted a career in comedy. “When I got to New York, I didn’t really know where to start with comedy, so I took classes.” Riggle had five-minute sets doing stand-up, but realized he “hated the experience.” However, Riggle’s relief came when he saw the improv group the Upright Citizens Brigade at their theater in New York. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said Riggle. He didn’t have much success and his friends and family were skeptical. “You have to have thick skin and severe determination [if you want be successful]. I didn’t get paid for seven years, but I paid to take classes because I loved [acting] and couldn’t imagine not doing it,” Riggle said. He happily added that he was getting enough positive feedback to continue. He said that if he wasn’t acting he’d probably be back in the Marine Corps.
Riggle’s break came after his seven years with the Upright Citizens Brigade when he landed first paid appearance on Conan O’ Brian. After being on the nighttime talk show, Riggle joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. “I was on SNL for one year and I have no regrets, it was a dream come true, but it was tricky,” Riggle said.
After doing stand-up, Riggle began acting in movies such as Step-Brothers and The Hangover. “I worked on Step-Brothers with Will Ferrell and had the hardest time trying to make him break, but when I did it was great,” said Riggle, explaining how actors don’t laugh while filming. “It’s not easy; that’s why we have blooper reels,” joked Riggle. With the recent release of the Hangover Pt. 2, Riggle reflected with fondness on his role in the original movie, in which he played an intense Las Vegas cop who interrogated the main characters. “I had a blast. Ed Helms is a good friend of mine from Upright Citizens Brigade.” He had never met Bradley Cooper, but he was “nice and charming.” He is also a fan of Zach Galifianakis, Riggle said when describing his co-stars. “Todd [Phillips], our director, understands acting and comedy, so [the actor]) had a lot of leeway in the script,” said Riggle warmly.
This coming summer, Larry Crowne starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts will also feature Riggle. “I’m lucky to have worked with Tom [Hanks]. Acting with him is surreal,” Riggle said when describing his time with Hanks, who also co-wrote the script with Nia Vardalos and is directing the film. Riggle said he did not film any scenes with Julia Roberts but had fun making the movie.
The versatile actor has also been in animated television series such as FOX’s American Dad and the Adult Swim series Children’s Hospital on the Cartoon Network. “Working in animation is different than working on a movie because it’s you with a mic, in a room, alone, doing a vocal performance. Good producers paint a picture for you,” said Riggle. He said he was lucky to have good producers, since there is no one to “bounce things off of.” In March of next year, he will be appearing in the animated film adaption of the Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax. “I’m excited. I couldn’t be happier. I can’t wait to see what they do with the character,” said Riggle when talking about his character O’Hare and the movie.
Riggle was working on 21 Jump Street, a comedy/action movie shot in New Orleans starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum when he learned about the House of Blues gig.
Riggle loves New Orleans and is a little nervous about performing, but nevertheless is “looking forward to it”. Riggle hopes that the audience laughs, and that both Riggle and the audience have fun at the show. “It’s been a while since I did stand-up because I was acting in films and television,” said Riggle when asked about his upcoming performance. When asked how he deals with any pre-show jitters, Riggle said he jams out to AC/DC and takes deep breaths like he’s “a football player psyching myself up before a game.”
Rob Riggle will be performing with comedian Sean O’Conner at House of Blues in New Orleans Sunday, June 19. Doors are at 6:30, show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $27.50.
