Kurtis Matthews

Biography

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.

Read Kurtis’s First Interview
Read Kurtis’s Second Interview

Videos

What they’re saying…

Kurtis was a big hit at our Convention. He was not only hilarious, but very professional, and represented himself, your agency, and also recovery itself in a positive way. I really appreciated how genuine Kurtis was in sharing his personal recovery. He has a true talent for bringing the humor out of just about any subject. Truly funny! Wanted to let you know people were still talking about him today up at the Center. Please give him our thanks, and thank you to Recovery Comedy as well. We will of course keep yall in mind, it was a very good experience.

Texas Tech University Event Coordinator, Lubbock, TX

Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for agreeing to be the featured entertainer at Recovery Revolution’s 2012 Annual Fundraiser. Your show was an absolute knock out and had everybody in the house splitting a seam. Honestly – the dry humor, the riotous life story tie-ins and amazing heartfelt sharing you pulled off ranged from touching to hilarious in seconds flat. The post-show chatter about your performance was unanimous and sincere in praising it, recounting the details with new laughter, and every face in the place was wearing a smile. You are a top-shelf talent, you made my event a uniquely memorable success, and I simply cannot over-express my sincere gratitude to you for coming. You are an amazing entertainer and a wonderful human being.

Jana Morris | MS, CAADC, LPC, Executive Director Recovery Revolution, Easton, PA

It was GREAT !! Kurtis did a great job. A good man he is, not only in comedy but in recovery. He saw me at my worse, exhausted and as tired as I could be. It was hard work but everything went as smooth as anyone could want.
Thanks again for all your help…

58th Georgia State Pre-Paid Convention Organizer, Gainsville, GA

I just wanted to say Thank you so much for the amazing Show! We loved working with you and hope to see your guys at the Round up in the future!

Salt River Group Roundup Organizer, Scottsdale, AZ

He was great. Not just on stage but all around to work with. It was a great experience for me and I got great feedback on his performance.

Salt River Group Roundup Chairperson, Scottsdale, AZ

He was an absolute pleasure to work with!

The Bridge at Cornhusker Place - Fundraiser Organizer, Lincoln, NB

Kurtis Matthews is not only a sober guy who’s got a great program and lifestyle, he’s one of the funniest humans on the planet.

Mark Lundholm, Recovery Comedian

God bless you guys for not only making us laugh at ourselves, but also carrying the message!

Dwight Divelbiss - Entertainment Chair, Tulsa, OK

Our dinner and comedy show featuring Kurtis Matthews was a hit as it sold out and easily could have sold 50 – 75 more tickets. Kurtis created a lot of laughter to our 50 year celebration and we received many compliments from attendees who shared they had a great time. Rich and Kurtis were great to work with and we look forward to partnering with Recovery Comedy again in the future! Thanks!

Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, Grand Island, NE

Omg he was awesome and yes thank you for sending us a bad ass.

Del P. - Entertainment Chair NA Convention, Burley, ID

Thanks Recovery Comedy! Kurtis was great and whole process was easy and professional! I will definitely recommend you!

Coni P. - Entertainment Chair NA Convention, Burley, ID

Thank you so much for working with us, it went so smoothly! We had REALLY good feed back from the show.

Tiffany K. - Entertainment Chair NA Convention, Mankato, MN

Kurtis was amazing and the group really responded well. Our community has had a bit of a struggle in recent years and I think the upbeat, positive nature of the show really helped a lot of people. We needed this.

Jessica A. - Event Organizer, Chambersburg, PA
Kurtis Matthews

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