From packing comedy venues across the globe to regular television appearances on shows like “The Tonight Show,” and “Last Comic Standing,” Claude Stuart has come a long way from his down home southern roots. By his own admission, he was “paddled on more than one occasion for being the class clown.” Claude’s explosive, in-your-face, rapid-fire, madman stage style is truly an exhilarating assault on the senses and has evoked comparisons to golden era physical comedians such as Steve Martin, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. Claude’s unique brand of Don Rickles-esque crowd interaction, coupled with clever well-written jokes makes him not only the world’s first physical insult comedian but a “comedy triple threat!”
Claude’s decision to pursue a career as a comedian was not well received by his family. Born in deep south tugboat town, Greenville Mississippi, Claude’s attorney father and school teacher mother were not initially thrilled their only son chose stand-up over law school. Growing up, there was a lot of judgement. “Most kids got in trouble; I got cross examined and would hear things like, ‘This is what you did wrong and here’s why,’” says Claude. Instead of taking the criticism personally, he transformed the experience into the unique style his fans have come to know and love. He likens his comedy to legal arguments focused upon proving a point, which clearly comes from growing up in a family full of lawyers. Now, even his parents agree: comedy was the right choice.