COlumnist Joe Delaney: Anderson lives up to billing - ‘Gentle Giant’

Joe Delaney

Friday, March 14, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

LOUIE ANDERSON came to Las Vegas originally as part of Mitzi Shore's Dunes Comedy Store in the 1980s. ... There was a warmth and quality that set him apart from the other young comedians with their cookie-cutter comedic approach. ... We asked him to perform, that first time in, at a "Nite of Stars" for St. Jude's Ranch for Children at Caesars Palace, a lineup that included Sinatra and 15 other top headliners.

Anderson more than held his own that night. ... He has been a headliner here ever since, the last eight years at Bally's, where he is appearing in the Celebrity Room through March 26. ... We make it a point to see his show even when not reviewing him.

Nearly two decades ago, working as a counselor for abused children in Minneapolis, Anderson accepted a dare and went onstage at a tiny comedy club. ... An instant hit, he knew he had found his calling.

Trying his luck

Anderson's first invasion of the West Coast was not a success. ... Undaunted, he and his friends financed the taping of a comedy special, which was eventually sold to the cable's Showtime network. ... This led to numerous "Tonight Show," David Letterman, Arsenio Hall and "Comic Relief" appearances, plus more hour-long cable specials.

Appearances on "Remington Steele" and "Grace Under Fire" led to film roles plus a tour with Roseanne, another Mitzi Shore project. ... In Anderson's spare time on tour, he started writing imaginary letters to his now-deceased father. ... This led to a best-selling book, "Dear Dad -- Letters From an Adult Child."

This was followed by a second book, "Goodbye Jumbo, Hello Cruel World," plus an animated Fox-TV series, "Life With Louie," No. 1 rated, and No. 2 rated in children's programs, live or animated.

Louie today

Louie Anderson, known as the "Gentle Giant," has the quiet demeanor of the late Jack Benny, plus great takes and body punctuation, subtle but most effective. ... He has progressed well beyond fat jokes; his stories of his family strikes an universal chord but his best feature is his ability to just chat with people in the audience, a comedic art form in which he has few peers.

Weekend events

The Friends of Rhyolite will celebrate Rhyolite Days this Saturday and Sunday, starting with a 9 a.m. parade in Beatty on Saturday, day-long activities in Rhyolite both days, and events, contests and prizes Saturday evening in the Beatty Community Center. ... We'll be there as Grand Marshal on Saturday.

St. Patrick's Day is Monday. ... The annual Sons and Daughters of Erin Parade starts at 10 a.m., same time as the Maxim Block Party. ... Parade participants reconvene at the block party as quickly as possible. ... Check elsewhere in Accent for a complete listing.

Note the good jazz locations in the Accent Show Guide -- especially those with Marv Koral's All-Stars, the Jazz Organ-ization and Don Menza & Friends. ... Comedian Bernie Allen will be at the Maxim next week and the Riviera Comedy Club the week after. ... John Mendoza and Mitchell Walters are at the Riviera, March 17-23. ... Happy St. Patrick's Day. ... See you next Thursday.