A Stand-Up Guy

Crunching numbers doesn’t usually provide many opportunities to be funny. Maybe that’s why Gary Gulman ’93 left the accounting profession years ago. It all started at an open mike night at Nick’s Comedy Stop in Boston. “It went okay for a first try,” explains Gulman, “but I got hooked and began performing wherever I could.” He soon switched to substitute teaching—often trying out his routines on his classes—while earning his comedic chops on the New England club circuit.

Gulman’s observational humor (covering topics like sports, family life, and junk food) began to give him some notoriety, and he was invited to perform at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival in 1999. Appearances on The Tonight Show and the Late Show with David Letterman followed, and in 2004 he was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

Gulman continues to perform nationally and this summer will host NESN’s Comedy All-Stars, a stand-up comedy show on the New England Sports Network.

Below, the funnyman tries to keep himself in check:

What is the most satisfying moment in your professional life?
My first appearance on The Tonight Show in October 1999.

In your personal life?
Getting my driver’s license in high school. I had a girlfriend, and it was great not having my mom drive us around.

What is your next goal?
I used to set goals, but they often didn’t work out. Now, I just try to work very hard and to be open to new things that come along.

What was the last book you read?
Daddy’s Boy by Chris Elliott.

What is your best BC memory?
Senior Week.

What is the most important lesson in life?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What do you look forward to each day?
Breakfast. I love it. Ninety-five percent of the time, I have Kashi cereal. I try to eat healthy.

Who has influenced your life the most?
Dr. Tom McGinnis, who was a friend and mentor I met through the BC football program. Gulman played one year on the BC football team as a tight end and offensive lineman.

How have you changed since graduation?
I’m decidedly sexier.

What is the latest song on your iPod?
“Masters of War” by Bob Dylan.

Where do you most like to travel on vacation?
Hawaii.

Who would play you in the film version of your life?
Probably Vince Vaughn. He’s really tall, and I’m 6’6.”

Where did you live freshman year?
The first floor of Kostka.

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
(Singing) For Boston, for Boston, We sing our proud refrain! For Boston, for Boston…that’s it.

What is something your friends don’t know about you?
I smoke cigarettes.

What is the one meal you could eat for the rest of your life?
Pepperoni pizza.

Where is your favorite spot on the BC campus?
O’Neill Library. I spent a lot of time studying there as an undergraduate.

How do you relax?
I read a lot. Kurt Vonnegut is my favorite author.

What would you tell your children if they wanted to attend Notre Dame?
I’d say, “I have no son.” Honestly, I’d just be thrilled that they were attending college.

What is the one thing everyone should do?
Own a dog.