Tony V
Tony V started his stand-up comedy career in 1982 after attending several shows at Boston’s prestigious Comedy Connection. He wandered in one night, quite by accident, looking for a little stress relief from a high-pressure job as a caseworker at the Somerville Mental Health Center. Tony was working his way toward a Masters degree in social work having graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a B. S. in Psychology. It was not long after that he took to the stage himself. Tony’s streetwise humor tempered with a genuine feel for the human condition quickly propelled him to headliner status on the national comedy club circuit.
In 1986 Tony V was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by ® Showtime television. He followed this achievement with several performances on HBO, the Arts and Entertainment Network, Comedy Central and MTV. From 1987 through 1992 Tony V became the “spokesperson” for American Tourister Luggage. Remember the suitcase smashing gorilla? It was Tony that gave the ape its distinct voice and temperament. Touring extensively in and out of his high tech forty-five thousand dollar yak hair gorilla suit, both Tony and his alter ego had many interesting adventures. If you get a chance ask Tony about a meeting between The Gorilla, Spuds MacKenzie, and Ronald McDonald. You won’t believe your mind.