The Story of Comedian Russ Gerard
by Patricia Proven

When Russ Gerard was drafted into the army, he got into a lot of trouble for laughing. Years later, he earns a living making others laugh, continually adding to his arsenal of “customized characters.” Russ Gerard zapped his audiences with his contagious energy and exuberant hand gestures.

Sporting an earring and a pinkie ring, he delivered his longest skit on his Italian background portraying The modern “guido” and “guidette” as well his great moment in history reenacting “Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel.” “Comedy becomes part of who you are {and vice versa,}” said Gerard. Having grown up Catholic in Queens and Brooklyn, many of his characters also have Brooklyn characteristics. He defined himself as an “observer of life” gathering ideas from experience.

I thank God, because half the time I don’t even know where the material comes from.” On stage, the comedian said he gauges the tone of a crowd within the opening minutes of his act. “ Sometimes, I get burned,” explained Gerard, who said he rates his own shows from one to ten. “But to become better I keep writing.” His topics range from mall shopping to Chinese restaurants to the Internet. Recent shows have included his eight - minute skit called “21 first century love story” In this computer-oriented spoof on “Casablanca.” Gerard as a comedian for over 10 years has performed in various venus for fundraisers, fire departments, rotary clubs, comedy clubs, corporations and gambling ships. “I love people, so it really  doesn’t matter where I perform I just have to make people laugh.” He started out his career as Russ Gerard Ritirato but people couldn’t pronounce his last name so he went with Russ Gerard. Whether it’s Russ Gerard Ritirato or Russ Gerard He is a very funny Guy.
 

I was born in a log cabin. No, that was Lincoln. I was born on a mountaintop in Tennessee. No, that was Davey Crocket. I was born postage due. I was born under the sign:

“All Employees Must Wash Hands.”

When I was born the doctor said “You have got to be kidding.” That started my career. I was the funny guy in school. When there was trouble in the lunchroom the teachers would have me stand up and entertain the kids to stop the trouble. In the military the sergeants would have me entertain the troops to ease tension.

While doing comedy on NBC radio I met Rob Bartlet who taught me how to convert my comedy into a stand-up act and I have been going ever since.

Thanks Rob Bartlet.