Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame inducts Frank O’Donnell

Pam Schiff
Posted 10/8/14

Frank O’Donnell is one of the most well-known names in Rhode Island comedy. His career spans over 30 years of stand-up, teaching, writing, acting and mentoring.

That made him a natural …

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Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame inducts Frank O’Donnell

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Frank O’Donnell is one of the most well-known names in Rhode Island comedy. His career spans over 30 years of stand-up, teaching, writing, acting and mentoring.

That made him a natural selection for the Comedy Hall of Fame (CHOF) by “Rockin’” Joe Hebert, the hall’s founder and owner.

“I’ve known Frank for a very long time. He is a good, kind man who will go out of his way to help people,” Hebert said.

Playing to a sellout crowd of 175 at the Vets Auditorium ballroom on Oct. 4, comedians, politicians, celebrities and family members of the night’s honoree took turns trading barbs for a good cause.

“There are some very cool people on the dais, all of whom I’m proud to call my friend. And everyone knows I get the final word, and I will be taking notes,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell admits that he was not a “joke-in-your-face” comedian.

“I was always one of those quiet funny guys. I enjoyed making my friends laugh, starting in grammar school. But people who didn’t know me didn’t know I was funny,” he said.

How did that translate into 32 years of writing and performing comedy?

“I always wrote, and my turn toward comedy happened in 1982 when I sent a parody newspaper clipping in to ‘The Mike & Jeff Show’ at the old JB-105, and they used it on the air. That turned into some regular appearances on their show – either written or phone-ins. And then Mike Waite convinced me to try stand-up at this talent night the station was sponsoring at a restaurant in The Arcade. And I’ve been at it – writing and performing – ever since,” O’Donnell said.

Master of Ceremonies Charlie Hall – coincidentally a former classmate of O’Donnell’s at Classical High School – got the evening off on the right tone by skewering the guests on the dais and O’Donnell.

Hebert was the second performer, and took his turn digging at the presenters. He also acknowledged the friendship he has shared with O’Donnell over the years, and how much he admires O’Donnell.

Connie Anderson, who works with O’Donnell at Theatre Works in Woonsocket, teased him about his obsession with Facebook. She also praised his generosity.

Steve MacDonald – also known as “Jim Shorts” – joked about the weight problems he and O’Donnell have faced.

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis said he has been a friend of O’Donnell’s for many years, dating back to when he was mayor of North Providence.

“I am really out of my element here,” he joked, adding, “I unfortunately had no good excuse not to come.”

Frank’s younger brother, Jim, spoke to what it was like growing up in the O’Donnell household.

“For those of you who don’t know, Frankie is Gaelic for ‘first-born son, can do no wrong,’” he said.

Turning serious, Jim spoke to the heartache and tragedy that befell the O’Donnell family when they lost their beloved Keri in a July 2010 car accident.

“Frank is fighting life’s greatest loss, and turning it into life’s greatest purpose, to make people laugh and be happy,” he said.

Rhode Island State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell, also a brother of Frank, wasted no time burning fellow roasters Hall and Hebert. He spoke briefly and gave his brother heartfelt congratulations on the induction.

A surprise part of the evening came when Hebert received a special e-mail from Danny Smith. He is a writer for the show “Family Guy” and a friend of O’Donnell’s.

“Coffee milk. Johnnycakes. Narragansett beer. Del’s lemonade. Olneyville hot wieners. Caserta’s pizza. Barbecued chicken from Wes’ Rib house. And clam cakes by the dozen from Aunt Carrie’s. All of these are just a part of what Frank O’Donnell eats for breakfast,” read part of the letter.

Friends Brian Mulhern and John Morris spoke of special times spent with O’Donnell and what he means to them. Mulhern compared the CHOF to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, and Morris shared stories of very bad shows in which the two had performed.

Kitty Litter, Rhode Island’s premier drag queen, was the last roaster of the night.

O’Donnell called induction into the CHOF a “fun honor.”

“I’ve worked hard at the art of comedy, and I’ve made some amazing friends along the way,” he said. “I’ve had incredible opportunities because of it, and in a way, being inducted into the Hall of Fame is frosting on the cake of my career.”

O’Donnell recognized that the work he does is not for awards or honors.

“We do it for the laughs. I have been fortunate in my career to have lots of support. Tonight is a wonderful recognition of my life’s work,” he said.

The proceeds from the roast will go to the Keri Anne O’Donnell Memorial Fund.

“Her passion was for performing; she loved to sing and act, but most especially to dance. Money from her fund is used to provide scholarships and grants to young people who show a passion for performance who also need help pursuing their dreams,” O’Donnell said.

To date, the foundation has helped young performers with dance and singing lessons, as well as to attend programs like Camp Broadway at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Trinity Rep’s YASI program, Ocean State Theater’s summer camp, the Gamm’s Summer Intensive and more.

“I’m happy to put my feet to the fire if it allows us to help more kids in Keri’s name,” O’Donnell said.

The event raised more than $3,500 for the scholarship fund.

For more information on the RICHOF, visit www.

richof.org.

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