Comedian Mark Knope has the distinction of getting divorced and doing his first stand up comedy spot, while he was training for his insurance license in Albuquerque, New Mexico way back in 1986.

That sounds more like the start of a Farrelly Brothers comedy film but for Mark it was the start of a new life and his comedy career has been going strong for 40 plus years.

Mark had been working as an insurance salesman for Liberty Mutual, but once he found comedy he attacked it with the type of perseverance that one truly needs to not only make it but have a sustained career as a comedian. I first ran into Mark at the Newport Beach LAFF STOP where they ran a Monday ZOO nights for the up and comers, first timers, and guys like us who had a little experience but needed a room to practice and work on " The Act!"

We kind of fell out of touch until social media came around, but we reconnected as Fbook friends and it was easy to see that he has worked his entire adult life as a stand up in comedy clubs, colleges, and on the corporate circuit, which is a very coveted and niche market for any comedian to maintain.

I always remember Mark as a friendly and good guy who always had a smile on his face and it seems like his confident and friendly demeanor has served him well throughout his professional life.

We catch up and chat about the glory road days of the eighties and nineties and how he stays closer to home now and in addition to headlining clubs and opening shows for big name stars, he also does many benefits and shows for causes to help out folks who need some assistance or a little more attention to their programs.

Mark was also happy to bring me up to date to his son Drew and daughter in law Lauren and their three children who have made him a proud Grampa.

I only wish the hour didn't go by so quickly but it was great to catch up with not only a great comedian but just a great guy; Please welcome to the CUWC's mics this week:

Mark Knope