Comedian: Never too late to laugh

June 21, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

For all those folks who hate their job and dream about, well, living their dream, part-time comedian Kirk Bogos is living proof you can do it.

More than a decade ago at the age of 48, the national sales manager by day made a decision that changed his life forever.

“I was sitting on an airplane thinking about my bucket list, but at that time the term wasn’t part of our lexicon,” Bogos said. “I was thinking, ‘What are some of the things I always wanted to do that I haven’t done yet?’ I’m too old to be a cowboy and I’m not going to be able to be an astronaut, but I’ve always been funny around my friends, and I’ve always been funny around work. I had always in the back of my head had the inkling that I would really like to try stand-up.”

Soon, Bogos took a stand-up-comedian class at The Cleveland Improv. The weekly classes culminated with a five-minute set at the venue. Bogos said in his mind it was going to be nothing more than crossing a life experience off a list. He’d get it out of his system and never return.

Though the first-time experience was a disaster, as they say in show business, Bogos was hooked.

“I got off the stage and I wanted more,” Bogos said. “I couldn’t wait to get back on the stage. And what’s funny, they tape it and every once in a while, I’ll go back and watch that tape. Every time I get a little cocky, I’ll watch it and remember how terrible I was. I wasn’t funny.”

However, Bogos said the funny and stage presence came later as he spent the next few years going to as many open-mic nights as possible. Eventually, he developed a story-telling style that opened doors. In fact, he ended up striking up a friendship with Blue Collar Comedy veteran Ron White, who offered advice and insight that still guides Bogos today.

“He taught me the art of picking up a drink and drinking it when it’s right, when it’s the appropriate time, and when it’s not,” Bogos said. “He drinks scotch, and I have a bottle of beer. He said that bottle of beer can be one of your best tools if you know how and when to use it, and the look you have in your eyes when you use it. Those are the little things I learned from him that are so huge in my act now.”

Bogos’ act now takes the funnyman around the country. While he recently returned from performing at a Burbank, Calif., club, the 60-year-old just showcased for the talent booker from a cruise-ship line. He also has booked a Saturday show at The Funny Farm in Liberty.

Considering he’s been married four times, Bogos said he’s not short on material. In a larger sense, he’s hoping his story acts as an inspiration to those folks hoping to cross something off their bucket list.

“You don’t have to settle for what path lies in front of you; you can make changes,” Bogos said. “Here’s a case where I’m doing something that probably provides me more enjoyment than almost anything I do. Other than really good sex, there’s just nothing more fulfilling to me than standing on a stage and making people laugh and watching them gasping for air because they’re laughing so hard.”