Comic Darrell Comanche's Louie Anderson Meeting

In the Black community, sometimes our family name and reputation are what gets us in and out of certain situations; at times those situations can be stressful or dangerous, while at other times they can be light-hearted and interesting. Local educator and comedian Darrell Comanche once found himself in a situation where his name and reputation led him to meet a very well-known actor and comedian who just recently passed away. Comanche was given the opportunity to perform at the world-famous comedy club, Laugh Factory, in Los Angeles, California. Little did he know that he would also get to perform in front of and meet Louie Anderson, a very respected stand-up comedian and actor who passed due to complications from cancer on January 21, 2022. In 2013, Darrell was contacted by his uncle, Fred Comanche, who was living in Los Angeles at the time; he often told Hollywood executives that his nephew Darrell in Louisiana was an up-and-coming comedian. While talking with a friend, Fred stated that Darrell should come out to Los Angeles and perform at a comedy club there. The friend mentioned that he had contacts with the Laugh Factory, and that he could schedule Comanche for a performance at any time. After discussing the opportunity with his uncle, Darrell accepted the offer to perform at the Laugh Factory. After arriving in Los Angeles, Comanche met with the management at the club. It was then that he learned he would be performing as an opening act that weekend for several superstar comedians, including Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin, and Tony Rock. After meeting the three comedians before the show, Comanche was encouraged that his name and reputation had preceded him, and he performed an outstanding comedy set. Sitting in the audience was Louie Anderson, who some may remember from his cartoon series, Life with Louie, both Coming to America movies, and his four-year stint as the host of Family Feud. Anderson was scheduled to perform the next night at the club and was there to get a feel for the stage and crowd. Comanche was introduced to Anderson by the club management and the two comics sat and talked for a while about the comedy scene, and how other comics performed on stage. Anderson gave him some advice about continuing to work at the stand-up craft, and to perform at every available opportunity. Anderson showed up early on the next night to give Darrell some support and watch his set, he performed well and received hearty laughs and a rousing ovation. The two talked again after the end of the night and discussed other aspects of stand-up comedy. It was then that Comanche and Anderson were photographed together and both comics were given a print of the photo. Comanche still has his copy of the photo with Anderson, whom he talked to on more than one occasion over the last 9 years.

Comanche has performed on numerous occasions since the encounter with Anderson, including sets in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, and Amarillo, Texas. While he has focused on his job as an educator and assistant coach at Wossman High School in Monroe LA, Comanche continues to develop his craft as a stand-up comic. The Coronavirus pandemic has led to the postponing or cancellation of several events over the last 2 years, but Comanche remains focused on taking his comedic talent to the next level. He is currently working on a concept for a reality show, co-writing a pilot for a sitcom, and discussing future shows at casinos. Comanche and his production team are also looking for other comedians to work on a regional comedy tour to tour the Southeast. While the future looks bright for Comanche, he often pauses to stop and think about the late comedian who urged him to continue to have fun and make people laugh. Louie Anderson will be remembered as a genuine, down to earth person who encouraged others to reach for higher heights. Darrell Comanche will continue to use that advice and his name to find ways to make others laugh. Stay tuned and look for more to come from comedian Darrell Comanche.