Biography
Christian Finnegan, a standup comedian, entered New York City’s lively independent comedy circuit, though his approach drew primarily from classic traditions shaped by the comedy records he enjoyed while growing up. He first encountered that N.Y.C. scene as an acting student at NYU. Enjoyment of performance did not extend to the required auditions and networking, so he changed his major to playwriting. Even then he found himself short on the discipline needed for sustained writing, yet he still sought a creative outlet. Recalling the Steve Martin and Woody Allen albums he had treasured earlier, Finnegan gravitated toward standup and initially teamed with improv ensembles and other groups devoted to unconventional material. He soon recognized his own preference for conventional comedy and began working within those strengths. Momentum built, bringing a 2001 appearance on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. The following year he wrote for Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn while maintaining a full standup schedule. Real traction arrived in 2004 when he joined the panel of VH1’s Best Week Ever, the weekly program offering a sarcastic survey of pop culture. The show’s quick success opened doors to Chappelle’s Show and Shorties Watchin’ Shorties. He also secured a recurring spot on The Today Show and, in 2005, headlined his own Comedy Central Presents special. That special gave him a chance to move past any Best Week Ever typecasting. His debut CD, Two for Flinching, released by the Comedy Central record label in 2006, further illustrated his ability to offer more than celebrity commentary.
Albums
