Being Jim Gaffigan: 2019 Poised to Be Big Year For Comedian/Actor

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan about his: busy 2019, connection to Chicago and new movie, BEING FRANK.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek sits down with comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan.

“So, when she got better, I was like, I’m going to go do this stuff that there was a realistic possibility that it was going to disappear. I definitely gained a deeper appreciation for stand-up and acting. I always loved it, but when you think something’s gone, and you might not be able to do it, then you appreciate it even more.” - Jim Gaffigan talking about how his wife’s illness and subsequent recovery gave him a better appreciation for certain opportunities.

WDCB’s Gary Zidek and Jim Gaffigan

Twenty-nineteen might just be the year of Jim Gaffigan. Not only is the comedian slated for an international stand-up tour, that will include five performances in Chicago this October, Gaffigan is in over 7 films being released this year.

This isn’t an over-night success story, Gaffigan has been winning over fans with his style of observational comedy for almost 30 years. But 2019 stands out for the sheer number of projects coming out. Gaffigan was in 3 films that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and his latest movie, BEING FRANK, will hit theaters on Friday June 21.

Jim Gaffigan, Alex Karpovsky and Logan Miller in BEING FRANK.

“It really come down to the material, the opportunity to work with people who are there for the right reasons. Because I have a career as a comedian, which I love, I don’t have to view acting as an income source, so I can turn down a lot of things that I think some of my friends might do to pay the rent. So, I can be picky.” - Gaffigan talking about his approach to selecting acting projects at this point in his career.

Jim Gaffigan

In BEING FRANK, Gaffigan plays Frank, a man hiding a pretty big secret … he’s the husband and dad for two separate families.  Frank has been able to keep his two lives separate for over 15 years by claiming to go on business trips to Japan. But then his 17-year-old son Phillip (played by Logan Miller) stumbles upon the truth and everything begins to unravel.

“The dynamic between the father and son is what I really connected with, and ultimately what I really wanted to do as my first firm (as a director).” - Miranda Bailey talking about what drew her to BEING FRANK.

Director Miranda Bailey

BEING FRANK will open in select theaters on Friday June 21. For more info on where it’s playing click here.

Alex Karpovsky and Jim Gaffigan in BEING FRANK.

Beyond BEING FRANK, Gaffigan will have some other movies coming out in 2019. His first stand-up special for Amazon will also debut on the streaming service later in the year. You can find more information about Jim Gaffigan at this webiste, jimgaffigan.com.