By Nicole Rapp
Carl Strong, a Wisconsin native, comedian and entertainer of more than 30 years has shared the stage with such entertainment luminaries such as Gladys Knight, Chaka Kahn, Dionne Warwick, Guess Who, and Smokey Robinson. His universal appeal is reflected by the varied venues in which he has performed; “An Evening at the Improv”, and the BET Network to “Politically Incorrect”, “Comedy Central,” “Full Frontal Comedy” and MTV’s “Half Hour Comedy Hour”, Carl Strong has the ability to entertain anyone!
From his descriptive Walmart shopping experiences to driving on the freeway (as Midwesterners like to call the highway), getting lost from confusing signage and mergers to sharing the humor of aging, Carl will have you cracking a rib from laughter, peeing your pants from laughing so hard, or sporting laugh lines the day after one of his performances!
Recently my friends and I were able to see one of Carl’s shows at the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, where the wait staff does everything they can to make their guests feel comfortable and accommodate their needs. Carl greeted his audience members after the show, took selfies and showed off his big gracious grin for the cameras. He spent a great deal of time chatting with us as he was getting ready for his next showtime, engaging in friendly banter and laughing at our amateur jokes. Carl has a personality that is easy to talk to and you instantly feel like you’ve known forever, even though you’ve just met. This is why his comic acts are so relatable and hilarious. Come to find out he has been performing at Funny Stop for years and considers the owners his friends.
In 2010, Carl was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Initially he underwent an ablation, cardioversion, placement of a pacemaker and internal defibrillator, all of which only helped for a short duration. With hear functioning only at 15%, Carl amazed his doctors by carrying on his work, traveling across the country doing what he loves the most-making people laugh with his unique brand of comedy. With his heart function continuing to deteriorate and the days on the waiting list for a heart transplant increasing, a benefit was held for Carl amidst a wave of prayers and support. On May 8, 2013, Carl underwent a second major surgery, having his much-awaited transplant.
About a year and a half after the surgery, Carl reflected on how he had been given the greatest blessing imaginable. He was deeply motivated to be connected with the national stage once again, and sharing his comedic message of hope and inspiration.
From Carl’s friendly dialogue we learned that my very good friend Cheryl shares a connection with Carl; they both are heart transplant recipients. Like Carl, Cheryl was also sick for some time before receiving her transplant on August 15, 2015 at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic. Much like many people we meet and connect with in life, this was not a chance encounter. Both Carl and Cheryl are extremely grateful and feel blessed by this chance at life that was given to them by their organ donors. Donating organs is truly giving a gift of life to others. Thinking of my new friend Carl, and my longtime friend Cheryl, these two are also a gift.
As for Funny Stop Comedy Club, we will be back to see other comedians as Cuyahoga Falls is easily accessible from one of those “freeways”, and if you do happen to get lost on your way there, perhaps you will find yourself grabbing a bite to eat downtown on Front Street before a show. The Butcher and The Sprout offer half priced appetizers during happy hour, or grab a top-shelf cocktail inside the uniquely designed Tiki Underground bar, which makes you feel like you just got casted for the next Indiana Jones flick!
Info and bio gleaned from: https://carlstrong.com Visit his website for cruises he will be performing on, as well as tour dates and locations.
Also visit https://funnystop.online for live comedy performances available Wednesdays through Saturdays and to purchase tickets.
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