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A knack for firing off cutting-edge, observational humor at a hyper pace took Dane Cook from small comedy clubs to the forefront of modern-day standup comedy in the 2000s. Born on March 18, 1972, the Boston native spent his teens studying the routines of past and present comics, honing the skills that would eventually help him issue the highest-charting comedy album (2005's Retaliation) in nearly 30 years. In 1998, a somewhat inexperienced Cook attended an open-mike event hosted by David Cross; he had no intention of taking the stage that night, but when Cross called out for "Earnest Glenn" and no one answered, Cook suddenly had a change of heart and presented himself as Glenn. The short set went extremely well, and thanks to the real Glenn's absence, Cook found the confidence to take his act public. Cook strengthened his standup skills by learning the art of improv with Al and the Monkeys, a group he has described as being "like most improv groups, but funny." His solo act eventuall...