Photo by JL Anderson
Lynn native and comedian Jamie Camire performing at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy Arizona.
BY DILLON DURST
SAUGUS — Jamie Camire used to watch legendary Boston comedian Lenny Clarke perform at Giggles Comedy Club in Saugus. In a few weeks, he’ll be the opening act for his idol.
The 39-year-old comedian, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and Salem State University, lives in Phoenix. But the Lynn native is traveling more than 2,700 miles to Massachusetts on Friday, June 3 to open for Clarke.
Camire said he was inspired to become a comedian after watching Clarke perform when he was in his 20s.
“He just had such a great stage presence,” Camire said.
He recalled that it didn’t matter what topic Clarke was talking about while performing, he had the audience in stitches.
Clarke is best known for his acting roles in “Rounders,” “The John Larroquette Show” and “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” according to IMDb, an online source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Clarke has also appeared in “Ted 2,” “Fever Pitch” and “There’s Something About Mary.”
Last year, Camire performed with actor and comedian Deon Cole, who is well known for his roles in the TV series “Angie Tribeca,” “Black-ish” and “Conan,” at the House of Comedy in Phoenix.
While he’s become known for his comedy, Camire considers it a hobby. He doesn’t support his family through it and works at PetSmart’s corporate offices doing merchandising.
Camire, along with his wife, Amy, and their 8-year-old son, Jack, will make the trip. His parents are looking forward to spending time with their grandson, who they haven’t seen in a year.
A few years ago, Camire and some fellow comedians, performed at Giggles to help raise awareness for child brain trauma and disease.
Camire called his chance to perform with Clarke “surreal” and expects the event to sellout.
“Growing up watching him for 15 years, I never thought I’d be sharing a stage with him,” he said.
Giggles Comedy Club is located inside Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 South in Saugus. Doors for the June 3 event open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30. Tickets are $27.50 each and can be reserved by calling (781) 233-9950.
Dillon Durst can be reached at: [email protected].
