 Being introduced by both Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, Jeff "Big Daddy" Wayne took the stage in front of 5,000 people at Universal Amphitheater in Hollywood knowing this was a defining moment in his career. His option would be coming up as it always did, but wasn't this the fulfillment of a kid's dream from long ago? At the age of 14, Jeff Wayne decided he wanted to be a professional Funnyman. Being from a non-show business family and not knowing anyone in the entertainment field, the question was how do you do this? The journey from a small town in Kentucky on the banks of the Ohio River to Los Angeles is a long way, and not only measured in miles. To become funny, and to make people laugh on demand, and to develop a distinct brand of comedy and to meet that option every time it comes up... that is the journey.
Using his background as a poor white kid from Kentucky, Wayne joined the ranks of aspiring talent at The Comedy Store in Hollywood. Working with acts like Roseanne Barr, Louie Anderson and Sam Kinison, Wayne became part of the comedy boom in the early 1980's and was soon touring on the national circuit of "comedy clubs." Writing his own material and being a gifted performer landed him on several of the stand up television shows. In 1994, Wayne made the leap to legitimate theater in his one-man show, "Big Daddy's Barbeque." The show had long runs (up to 16 weeks) and was a critical success.
As his act evolved, Wayne started addressing politics, philosophy, the environment, and the culture wars of today. Joe Delaney of the Las Vegas Sun tagged him a "counter-counter culture comedian." Wayne has five nationally released cd's, and is working on his sixth. Wayne is considered a witty and informed radio guest and has been heard on Tom Lykis, Mancow, Dennis Prager, Larry Elder and many other radio shows. "Big Daddy" enjoys the diversification of his career. As an opening act for B.B. King or Sheryl Crowe, doing his one man show, a cruise ship or appearing in Las Vegas Wayne is one of the busiest entertainers in the business. He has done two tours of Korea for the USO and does numerous charity events. The journey continues, the dream is alive, and that option keeps coming up after every joke!
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