There’s something to be said for a man that made it through ten seasons of Saturday Night Live. A show with a grueling schedule and a burn out rate that leaves former cast members to be uber-successful comedy legends like Dan Aykroyd, Billy Murray, or Tina Fey; or to be tragic cautionary tales like John Belushi, Chris Farley, or Phil Hartman.
Tim Meadows doesn’t really fall into either of those post-SNL scenarios – he floats right there in the middle, recognizable to most as: “That guy from…” or as his iconic character from the show Leon Phelps "The Ladies Man." Star-making success has alluded him in the years since he left the show, leaving somewhat in the shadow of his former castmates, resigning himself to small roles and cameos in movies driven by A-list friends like Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, or Will Ferrell.
Raised in Detroit with normal parents and a normal childhood, Meadows doesn’t seem to have the usual damaged pedigree of most comedians. He began working in Chicago with the legendary Second City Improv troupe, where he honed his skills as a writer and character actor. This led to him being offered a spot on Saturday Night Live, the most legendary comedy vehicle in the history of network television.
Since leaving the show he made a film based on his SNL alter ego Leon Phelps called “The Ladies Man”. He also made a memorable appearance in the film “Mean Girls” with Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, and Rachel McAdams; the film was written by and starred his friend and former castmate Tina Fey. He also popped up in the straight to DVD sequel “Mean Girls 2.” Meadows also appeared in Adam Sandler’s “Grown Ups 2” and “Jack and Jill.”
Meadows began doing stand-up about five years ago to strengthen his comedy muscle, and this weekend he will be bringing that muscle to The Laughing Derby.
Tim Meadows will be performing July 24th- 26th at The Laughing Derby. Tickets are $15 and showtimes vary.
