Bill Kirchenbauer's experience with making people laugh goes back to his
early childhood. Rumor has it that he sold out sandboxes across the country
with his pre-pubescent standup routine. A long run in a variety of schools --
his father was in the military -- gave him the diversity of experience.
While others studied marketing strategy, Kirchenbauer studied mime,
ventriloquism, and improvisation, leading up to his winning the first Stand Up
Competition in Los Angeles in 1978. Soon after that victory, Kirchenbauer
appeared on Late Night With David Letterman and The Tonight Show Starring
Johnny Carson. Carson liked Kirchenbauer so much he booked him for 10 more
appearances.
He has appeared in many film projects, including Airplane, National
Lampoon, and Stoogemania, as well as regular starring roles on television
series including Fernwood Tonight, Mork & Mindy, Night Court, and Totally
Hidden Video.
It was during the popular series Growing Pains that ABC executives decided
it was time for Kirchenbauer to have his own television show, and created Just
the Ten of Us. It proved to be a ratings hit, and Kirchenbauer is known
worldwide as the irascible, but lovable, "Coach Lubbock". The show is
currently seen in many foreign countries, as well as in the United States on
the USA Network.
Kirchenbauer's true love has always been the stage - making live audiences
convulse with laughter. He has appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show, Comic Strip
Live, Evening at the Improv, and hosted Into the Night.
Kirchenbauer is known for his ability to tailor his act to fit any
occasion. He can deftly integrate the company or function into his routines,
and his skills as an improviser allow him to run with the ball, no matter what
the event.
