While many will remember him as Damian Leigh, Janis Ian’s fiercely loyal best friend in the iconic – and very quotable – 2004 comedy Mean Girls, Daniel Franzese is now forging a new path on the comedy circuit.
The 48-year-old actor has dedicated the last several years to performing stand-up across the United States. He is currently preparing for a return to the legendary Comedy Store in Los Angeles this September, following a string of shows in August.
The New York native frequently keeps fans updated via Instagram – and after twenty years since he shot to fame as cultural icon Damian, the actor looks totally different.
In a recent fitness update, Daniel – who now sports a moustache – showcased his toned biceps and shared his enthusiasm for kettlebell training. “Tbh kinda feeling good about these progress pics,” he wrote. “The chesticles are hittin today. Doing a lot of Kettle bell stuff and enjoying it. Swipe for the reality check still got work to do.”
Keep reading to find out more about Daniel’s comedy career.
Daniel Franzese’s comedy career
Daniel’s comedic roots trace back to his childhood in Brooklyn, where he would perform for friends and family in their living rooms.
“Comedy was always a part of me,” he told the talent agency Innovative Artists. “It’s been there throughout my life. I used laughter to battle everything I dealt with growing up. When I came out of the closet, it allowed me to be fully authentic, and authenticity is exactly what you need to be a comic. For the first time in my career, I feel like I’m being who I’m supposed to be. This is the real version of me.”
© Getty ImagesWhile he might be best recognised for his on-screen work, Daniel has written, directed and performed several live comedy productions. His comedy career spans stand-up tours like Yass! You’re Amazing!, which toured for two years in various clubs, theatres and college campuses.
In 2011, his rock opera show, Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin Rock Opera!, premiered in New York at The Fringe Festival, and was followed by his one-man Off-Broadway show, I’ve Never Really Made the Kind of Money to Become a Mess, which debuted at The Players Theater in 2013.
Meanwhile, he’s performed stand-up comedy at clubs in America, including Stand Up Live in Phoenix and the Comedy Store in Hollywood.
Daniel Franzese’s acting career
Daniel has appeared in a string of films and TV shows since Mean Girls, including the legal drama Conviction, the teen series Recovery Road, and the HBO comedy-drama, Looking.
© Getty ImagesMost recently, he appeared in the comedy disaster film, Stop! That! Train!, alongside drag performers Ginger Minj, Jujubee, and RuPaul Charles.
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