Joe Rogan: Difference between revisions

 

== Career ==

{{Quote box|width=25em|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|style=padding:10px;|align=right|"I didn't have a direction until I became a stand-up comedian. I was pretty nervous about my future. I couldn't imagine myself working a 9-to-5 job."| source =—Joe Rogan on his career.<ref name=herald2009/>}}

Rogan had no intention of being a professional stand-up comedian and initially considered a career in kickboxing.<ref name=shecky/><ref name=herald1999/> He was a fan of comedy as a youngster and his parents took him to see comedian [[Richard Pryor]]'s film ''[[Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (film)|Live on the Sunset Strip]]'' at thirteen, which affected him "in such a profound way. Nothing had made me laugh like that."<ref name=schneider2002/> Rogan's friends at his gym and taekwondo school convinced him to have a go at stand-up comedy as he would make jokes and do impressions to make them laugh.<ref name=schneider2002/> At 21, after six months preparing material and practising his delivery,<ref name=comedycouch>{{cite web|url=http://www.comedycouch.com/interviews/jrogan.htm|title=The Comedy Couch - Joe Rogan Interview|first=Guy|last=MacPherson|date=30 April 2007|publisher=The Comedy Couch|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref> he performed his first stand-up routine on August 27, 1988 at an open-mic night at Stitches comedy club in Boston.<ref name=boston2008/><ref name=shecky>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheckymagazine.com/rogan.htm|title=The SHECKY! Interview! Joe Rogan|date=2000|first=Brian|last=McKim|work=Shecky!|accessdate=May 29, 2016}}</ref> While he worked on his stand-up, Rogan took up several jobs to secure himself financially by teaching martial arts at [[Boston University]] and [[Revere, Massachusetts]], delivering newspapers, driving a limousine, doing construction work, and completing duties for a private investigator.<ref name=boston2008/><ref name=rollingstone2015/> His [[blue comedy]] style earned him gigs at bachelor parties and strip clubs.<ref name=schneider2002/> One night, Rogan convinced the owner of a comedy club in Boston to allow him to try a new, five-minute routine. At the show was talent manager Jeff Sussman, who liked Rogan's act and offered him to become his manager, to which Rogan accepted.<ref name=schneider2002/><ref name=herald2000/> In 1990, Rogan moved to New York City as a full-time comedian; he was "scratching and grinding" for money at the time, so he stayed with his grandfather in Newark for the first six months.<ref name=rogan2007>{{cite web|url=http://joerogan.net/blog/living-the-dream|title=Living the Dream|publisher=JoeRogan.net|date=30 November 2007|first=Joe|last=Rogan|accessdate=4 February 2017}}</ref> Rogan later cited [[Richard Jeni]],<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://vimeo.com/94257121 |title=JRE #496 – Nick Cutter on Vimeo |website=Vimeo.com |date=May 6, 2014 |accessdate=March 3, 2016}}</ref> [[Lenny Bruce]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjeV2_hKLao |title=Joe Rogan Experience #463 – Louis Theroux |publisher=YouTube |date=January 6, 2012 |accessdate=March 3, 2016}}</ref> [[Sam Kinison]] and [[Bill Hicks]] as comedy influences.<ref name=shecky/>

From 1995 to 1999, Rogan starred in the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[NewsRadio]]'' as Joe Garrelli, an electrician and handyman at the show's fictional news radio station.<ref name=schneider2002/><ref name="tbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs.com/stories/story/0,,88782,00.html |title=News Radio – Joe Rogan |accessdate=June 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027171707/http://www.tbs.com/stories/story/0%2C%2C88782%2C00.html |archivedate=October 27, 2011 |df= }}</ref> The role was originally set to be played by actor [[Ray Romano]], but he was let go from the cast after one rehearsal and Rogan was brought in.<ref name=shecky/><ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18665739.html|title=Standup comedian Ray Romano waiting to see if everybody loves 'Raymond'|first=Steve|last=Hall|date=12 September 1996|newspaper=Indianapolis Star and News|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> The switch caused Rogan to work with the show's writers to help develop the character in time before show was set to launch,<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-25033900.html|title='Newsradio' The next big thing?|first=Phil|last=Rosenthal|date=5 March 1996|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> which he later described as a "very dumbed-down, censored version" of himself.<ref name=herald2000/> Rogan befriended fellow cast member [[Phil Hartman]] who confided his marital problems to him. Rogan claimed he tried to persuade Hartman to divorce his wife five times, but "he loved his kids and didn't want to leave". In 1998, Hartman was murdered by his wife.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-56377185.html|title=Pal urged Hartman to dump 'loser'|first1=Gayle|last1=Fee|first2=Laura|last2=Raposa|date=14 June 1998|newspaper=The Boston Herald|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> The loss affected Rogan's ability to perform stand-up and cancelled a week of scheduled gigs.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-56377357.html|title='NewsRadio' co-star remembers Hartman|first=Dean|last=Johnson|date=12 June 1998|newspaper=The Boston Herald|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> Rogan later saw acting as an easy job, but grew tired of "playing the same character every week"<ref name=globe1999>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-8551323.html|title=Rogan can make light of `NewsRadio' demise|first=Michael|last=Blowen|date=21 May 1999|newspaper=The Boston Globe|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> and only did it for the money.<ref name=oc2008/> He later viewed his time on ''NewsRadio'' as "a dream gig" that allowed him to earn money while working on his stand-up as often as he could.<ref name=shecky/><ref name=boston2008/> During the series he worked on a pilot for a show named ''Overseas''.<ref name=globe1999/>

 

[[File:JoeRogan-USMCPhoto-Cropped.PNG|thumb|right|upright|Rogan commentating for the UFC in 2006.]]

Rogan began working for the [[mixed martial arts]] promotion [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] as a backstage and post-fight interviewer; his first show took place at ''[[UFC 12|UFC 12: Judgement Day]]'' in [[Dothan, Alabama]] on February 7, 1997.<ref name=cagepotato>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagepotato.com/exclusive-interview-joe-rogan/|title=Exclusive Interview: Joe Rogan|date=30 January 2009|publisher=CagePotato|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref> He became interested in [[jiu-jitsu]] in 1994 after watching [[Royce Gracie]] fight at ''[[UFC 2|UFC 2: No Way Out]]'', and landed the position at the organization as Sussman was friends with its co-creator and original producer, [[Campbell McLaren]].<ref name=bullz2007/> He quit after around two years as his salary could not cover the cost of travelling to the events, which were in more rural locations at the time.<ref name=si2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.si.com/mma/2012/04/21/joe-roganufc|title=Rogan the unlikely, but perfect voice for UFC broadcasts|date=21 April 2012|work=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=5 February 2017}}</ref> After the UFC was taken over by [[Zuffa]] in 2001, Rogan attended some events and became friends with its new president [[Dana White]], who offered him a job as a [[color commentator]] but Rogan initially declined as he "just wanted to go to the fights and drink".<ref name=bullz2007/><ref name=rollingstone2015/> In 2002, White was able to hire Rogan for free in exchange for prime event tickets for him and his friends.<ref name=cagepotato/> After about fifteen free gigs as commentator Rogan accepted pay for the job, working alongside [[Mike Goldberg]] until the end of 2016.<ref name=rollingstone2015/> Rogan won the [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter Award]] for Best Television Announcer twice, and was named MMA Personality of the Year four times by the [[World MMA Awards]].<ref name="MMAAwards">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineawards.co.uk/fightersonly/winners2011.asp | title=Fighters Only Awards 2010 |accessdate=February 22, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309033217/http://www.onlineawards.co.uk/fightersonly/Winners2011.asp |archivedate=March 9, 2012 }}</ref> In 2006, Rogan hosted the weekly UFC television show ''Inside the UFC''.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-153168147.html|title='Grudge match' has to wait|date=22 October 2006|newspaper=The Boston Herald|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref>

In 2002, he appeared on the episode "A Beautiful Mind" of ''[[Just Shoot Me]]'' as Chris, Maya Gallo's boyfriend.<ref name="gonzalez">Gonzalez, Erika (April 5, 2002). Now 'Fear' This: Joe Rogan uncensored. ''[[Rocky Mountain News]]''</ref> In December 2002, Rogan was the emcee for the 2002 Blockbuster Hollywood Spectacular, a Christmas parade in Hollywood.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9010227.html|title=Hollywood gets the spirit 71st annual parade to be bigger, brighter|first=Phillip W.|last=Browne|date=30 November 2002|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> In February 2003, Rogan became the new co-host of ''[[The Man Show]]'' on [[Comedy Central]] for its fifth season from August 2003 with fellow comedian [[Doug Stanhope]], following the departure of hosts [[Jimmy Kimmel]] and [[Adam Carolla]].<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-98156397.html|title=Small screen buzz on television|first=Valerie|last=Kuklenski|date=22 February 2003|newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref><ref name="Chocano">Chocano, Carina (August 15, 2003). [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,476099,00.html The Man Show.] ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''</ref> A year into the show however, the hosts began to disagree with Comedy Central and the producers over what content was removed and kept in. Rogan said, "I was a little misled ... I was told: 'Show nudity, and we'll blur it out. Swear and we'll bleep it out.' That hasn't been the case".<ref name=heraldnews2003>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-0FEBFE4103C04E50.html|title=Joe Rogan new host of 'Man Show'|date=22 August 2003|newspaper=The Herald News|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> The show ended in 2004. Around this time, Rogan entered talks to host his own radio show but they came to nothing due to his already busy schedule.<ref name=heraldnews2003/>

 

In 2005, actor [[Wesley Snipes]] challenged Rogan to a cage fight. Rogan trained for the event for five months before Snipes backed out following an investigation by the [[IRS]] for his alleged tax evasion. Rogan believed Snipes needed a quick payout to alleviate his debt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mensfitness.com/leisure/entertainment/ufc-host-joe-rogan-trains-like-a-fighter|title=UFC Host Joe Rogan Trains Like a Fighter|work=Men's Fitness|accessdate=December 2, 2013|first=Sean|last=Hyson}}</ref> In May 2005, Rogan signed a deal with the [[Endeavor Talent Agency]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133186514.html|title=Joe Rogan|date=27 May 2005|magazine=Daily Variety|first=Justin|last=Chang|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref> Two months later, he used money he earned from hosting ''Fear Factor'' to film his second stand-up comedy special ''Joe Rogan: Live'', in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]. The special premiered on ''[[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]'' in 2007.<ref name=rocky2007/> Rogan hired a camera crew to document his comedy tours which he posted on his website for his ''Joe Show'' web series.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-7921552.html|title=When it comes to speaking his mind, he has no fear|date=30 September 2005|magazine=The Boston Globe|first=Mick A.|last=Zaino III|accessdate=3 February 2016|via=Highbeam Research|subscription=yes}}</ref>

 

Rogan was raised [[Catholicism|Catholic]], having attended [[Catholic school]] in the first grade, but has since abandoned following any [[organized religion]] and identifies as an [[Agnosticism|agnostic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=137XHWdGTNg |title=Joe Rogan and Rosie Talk 9-11 Conspiracy Theory – The Rosie Show – Oprah Winfrey Network |publisher=YouTube |date=February 6, 2012 |accessdate=November 13, 2013}}</ref> He is highly critical of the [[Catholic Church]] and, drawing from his experiences as a former member, believes it is an institution of [[oppression]].<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://hollowverse.com/joe-rogan/ |title=Joe Rogan’s Religion and Political Views |publisher=The Hollowverse |date=December 1, 2012 |accessdate=March 3, 2016}}</ref>

 

Rogan is not affiliated with any [[political party]] but has been described as having mostly [[Libertarianism|libertarian]] views.<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref>Joe Rogan podcast with Gavin McInnes</ref> He endorsed [[Ron Paul]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2012|2012 U.S. presidential campaign]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2011/12/16/joe-rogan-of-fear-factor-endorses-ron-paul |title=Joe Rogan of 'Fear Factor' Endorses Ron Paul |first=Paul |last=Bedard |publisher=US News |date=December 16, 2011 |accessdate=November 13, 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113082502/http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2011/12/16/joe-rogan-of-fear-factor-endorses-ron-paul |archivedate=November 13, 2013 |df= }}</ref> and [[Gary Johnson]] in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 U.S. presidential campaign]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thedesertlynx.com/gary-johnson-snags-joe-rogan-endorsement/|title=Gary Johnson Snags Joe Rogan Endorsement - The Desert Lynx|date=2016-08-01|newspaper=The Desert Lynx|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-24}}</ref>

 

== Filmography and discography ==

 

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* [[List of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners]]

 

{{Reflist|30em}}