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Unlike most Americans, Lavell Crawford embraces his weight problem. The "big-boned" comedian has never minded when people sling insults at him about being a big guy. It's constantly being mistaken for the equally robust (and slightly more famous) Bruce Bruce that sends him over the edge.
"Bruce Bruce thinks he's sexy; I think I'm handsome," Crawford said during an appearance on Comedy Central. "There's a difference— he's got me by at least five pounds."
Crawford will spend Independence Day weekend in Columbus for the second year in a row, bringing his giddy brand of comedy to the Funny Bone Comedy Club from July 3-5.
The St. Louis native has made his way up the comic success ladder, appearing earlier in his career on the legendary "Def Comedy Jam," then getting his own segment on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and a headlining spot on "Laffapalooza," which was presented by Jamie Foxx.
He's also released his own CD and DVD, titled "Takin' A Fat Break," but Crawford is best known for his appearance on NBC's "Last Comic Standing." He nearly took the trophy but was beat out by the feisty Jon Reep, ultimately finishing as the runner-up for Season Five.
Crawford has also been featured on "Chelsea Lately," Martin Lawrence's "First Amendment Stand-Up" and on his own hour-long special, which is in heavy rotation on Comedy Central.
Channeling Bruce Bruce, Cedric the Entertainer and a touch of Richard Pryor, Crawford deftly takes on meaty issues such as rising gas prices, the "War on Terror," racism and parenting, all while constantly including self-deprecating material, focusing on how people view his weight and how he dealt with it growing up.
Crawford headlines at the Funny Bone July 3-5. Tickets are $22. For more information, call 614-471-5653 or visit the Funny Bone Web site.
