Sure, we adore Craig Ferguson. I mean, what’s not to like? He’s smart, sexy and funny, totally bonkers, and very attractive. I bet even you straight guys out there think he’s pretty cute.
But how much do we actually know about the Insomniac’s Vent Hole’s eponym? Well, quite a bit, giving his penchant for self-deprecating humor, but probably not enough. So herewith is a biography of Craig Ferguson.
Newbies are encouraged to read the Cactus Boilerplate. Hell, all of y'all should read them to ensure everyone behaves.
This vent-hole (hereafter known as IVH), if lost or stolen will not be replaced or purchase price refunded. Violation of IVH rules will result in expulsion without refund. A copy of IVH rules can be obtained from one or more members wearing tie-dyed oxford shirts after written requests. Admission to certain functions within the IVH may require additional innuendo, enter at your own risk. Frivolity and silliness are highly recommended for all riders. Flamewars are expressly forbidden and political ranting is strongly discouraged. Please consult your counselor, magistrate or religious functionary before usage. Thank you and have an IVH night.
Craig was born May 17, 1962, in Glasgow. He dropped out of high school to play drums and drink. His first public performances were with a rock band called Exposure, then a punk band called The Bastards from Hell, which performed regularly from 1980-82 and received quite good notices.
In his comedic beginnings, Craig did the alternative circuit performing under the name "Bing Hitler," then toured in the late ‘80s under his own name. In a 1992 London production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Craig played Brad Majors; on February 18 of that year, he went sober. It's unclear if these events are related.
In 1993, he created a series called "Dirt Detective," in which he traveled through the country examining archeological history. Performing at the Edinburgh Festival (which I had the privilege of attending many years ago, and it rocked) led Craig to television appearances.
Craig moved to Los Angeles in 1994, and was cast in "Maybe This Time," a sitcom that quickly crashed and burned; but it was during this show that he met Betty White (as well as Marie Osmond, who, as we know, collapsed on the very same floor from "Dancing With the Stars" that now graces Craig's studio). Then he joined "The Drew Carey Show," playing Mr. Wick from 1996 – 2003.
During this period he wrote and starred in The Big Tease and Saving Grace. I’ll Be There, which he also directed, won the Audience Award for Best Film at the Aspen, Dallas, and Valencia film festivals; Craig was also named Best New Director at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Other films include Niagara Motel, Lenny the Wonder Dog, Lemony Snickets, Chain of Fools, and Born Romantic.
In 2006, Ferguson published his first novel, "Between the Bridge and the River;" he’s now writing a sequel to be titled "The Sphynx of the Mississippi." He also wrote "American on Purpose," a memoir tracing his transformation from punk rocker to American citizen and late-night host.
Craig has been married three times, and has a son, Milo Hamish Ferguson, who was born in 2001.
The first episode of The Late Late Show aired on January 3, 2005.
[The above information is paraphrased from Craig’s Wikipedia entry.]
Congratulations! You are now an official Fergusonologist.
Tonight’s show features Paris Hilton, Alan Furst, and Ray LaMontagne, unless MTmofo says otherwise.
I must give a tremendous shout out to rfall, who - in response to my urgent computer needs - sent me the best computer I've ever had. YOU ROCK! My thanks also go to Oke, who arranged all the details.
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Thanks for joining in tonight’s IVH, and I hope y’all have a good time.
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For your consideration, a visual poll! That means you vote for your favorite picture of Craig from those below, which are arranged in what I believe to be chronological order. [The first one, I must admit, may not be Craig, as it was labeled too ambiguously to be sure, but he is wearing the same kilt pattern and colors.]
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If you have any favorite pics of Craig, please post them!