In 1984, Kurtis Matthews began his stand-up career at the Improv in Hollywood. That same year, he also embarked upon his own journey of recovery from alcoholism and drug abuse after an automobile accident resulted in his second DUI and jail time. Touring alongside such renowned comedy veterans as Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison, he learned the joys of making people laugh as well as the challenges of staying clean and sober while doing so.
After fourteen years of touring nationally and appearing on A & E’s “Evening at the Improv,” Kurtis took a five-year break to work in the software industry. Stand-up had never left his heart, though, and in 1999, he started the San Francisco Comedy College (SFCC), the nation’s largest stand-up school. The SFCC has trained over 7,000 people to be funny, attracting scouts from HBO and the Late Show with David Letterman.
Most recently Kurtis starred in the hit BBC 1 Reality Show, “Find Me the Funny” as well as Season 2 of the Popular TV Show, “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew”.
He along with Mark Lundholm are the founding members of the ‘Addicts Comedy Tour’ which continues to perform at Recovery Events all over the country.
Using his struggles with alcohol, drugs and infidelity to enrich his material, Kurtis makes audiences laugh while inspiring them to be the best people they can be.