Wynn Reichert wasn’t supposed to be a stand-up comedian. It came into his life when he was auditioning for a sitcom and the casting director asked if he did stand-up. “I was like, ‘No, I didn't know I was supposed to,’” Reichert said. “I was so focused on being an actor, doing stand-up never crossed my mind. But I guess if you get enough people saying the same thing, you start to listen.”
Born in Peoria, IL but raised in California, the comedian, also known as “The Naked Guitar Guy,” currently makes his home in Nashville. “I was doing some new promo shots, messing around when I said to the photographer, ‘hey, I got an idea.’ Then I stripped down and she started snapping. We came up with some really great, funny pictures,” said Reichert.
Hence, the naked guitar guy moniker.
Although his nickname suggests a naked guitar player, his act doesn’t, much to the disappointment of some. “I've had people call the clubs wanting to know if I do in fact get naked. Had one lady actually get mad and want her money back after a show when I didn't drop my drawers,” Reichert said. “I guess she thought I was doing a Chippendale’s show. Amazing what alcohol can do when it falls into the wrong hands.”
Instead, his act can be compared to “Barney Fife with a guitar.” His material, self-depreciating similar to the late Rodney Dangerfield and fearless like Don Rickles, Reichert’s main influence is the late Johnny Carson. “I grew up watching the ‘Tonight Show.’ Had an actor friend back in the 80's who worked part time at NBC so I was able to go to the ‘Tonight Show’ and hang out backstage,” said Reichert. “Johnny Carson was the king.”
Reichert, even though he is a successful comedian, would eventually like to make his mark on screen. “If I ever get the opportunity, I’d love to have the opportunity to work in films that are Oscar caliber,” Reichert said. “Would love to be in that rarified air and get nominated for my work. I’d love to be in a sitcom that runs for years. Love to have an opportunity to act in great projects and do stand-up in between.”
So far, people may have seen Reichert in country music star Sara Evans’ “Suds in the Bucket” video, where he played the preacher. “It was a #1 CMT video. They did an article on the video in Country Weekly, May (2004), and had a picture of me with Sara Evans,” Reichert said.
With credits involving a Sara Evans video and a movie filmed in China, Reichert still finds time to tour the clubs. His live CD can be found at www.nakedguitarguy.com.
BYLINE:
Jason Tanamor is the Editor of Zoiks! Online. He is also the author of the novels, "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous." Email Jason at jason@zoiksonline.com.
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