Comedian, musician, actor Pete George joins host Rich Stein

Pete George is one of those guests who comes on and just wins you over immediately. He is a fount of energy and enthusiasm. Every comedian has their own story which is what makes doing this podcast so exciting and entertaining for me, and hopefully for my listeners as well. 

Pete came from a musical background as his Dad played the accordion, which has spawned its share of jokes over the years but he was the first accordion soloist at West Point, and in the course of his duties he played for Presidents and heads of State.

While Pete could play the accordion, he gravitated more towards the guitar and being from Cleveland ( the future site of the Rock and Roll HOF, which he also helped campaign for to be in his home town) he ended up being in many bands in his formative years and always figured the rest of his life would be playing music professionally. 

Well, he was certainly half right. He still plays music professionally but it is presented in the context of his stand up comedy, which he is happily in the thirty plus year club in that profession.

Pete's Uncle, Don George certainly was a big deal in music as he worked for big music companies for his entire career including: A&M, Universal, MCA, Mercury Records and many more. He gave Pete some jobs before he started comedy which gave him invaluable experience on the Business side of show business.

Pete has great stories of coming into comedy and winning a fifty dollar contest on his first shot. He had talent from the start but is quick to point out that luck and good fortune didn't hurt either. Kerry Pollock, a seasoned Comedy/magician took him under his wing early on and from there he was introduced to weeks of continuous work on a circuit above what an opening act would generally be immersed in. He just put his head down and worked hard while keeping his eyes and ears open to what a Pro like Kerry could do with an audience night after night and week after week.

He has quite a story on how being cast ( as a principle extra) in the Film: The Shawshank Redemption, pretty much gave him better experience than he might've gotten had he spent the money and years getting a degree in film.  

Plus some sordid tales he witnessed but never really embarked in from Ye Ole Comedy Road and how he still loves doing comedy but is also enjoying continued acting parts.

Pete never turns down a gig but his management has requested he stay in town ( LA ) more so he can be available for casting in the many streaming series which have really become the best delivery system for comedy and short form episodic shows.

Please welcome my guest: Pete George to the CUWC microphone today!