SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Don recently became the only two-time winner in the 32-year history of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, the same competition that helped launch the careers of Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres and Sinbad. Don has continued to impress audiences and critics alike with back-to-back Martin Short episodes (a first for the show,) back-to-back appearances at Novells International Brainshare Convention (also a first, opening for the Counting Crows and the Goo Goo Dolls,) and a non-stop touring schedule as one of the most sought after headliners in the country.

Whether he’s parodying Dr. Phil, John Lithgow, or using his own life as fodder, this USC Business School grad, husband, and father-of-two consistently brings the house down with a unique blend of wit and physicality that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.

With the release of his standup concert, Inexplicable, Friesen’s stock continues to rise, furthering his reputation as one of most exciting and engaging live performers available today. His ability to deliver a wildly entertaining hour of hip and savvy, yet family-friendly comedy has led to a non-stop touring schedule that now includes cruise ships, concerts and corporate and private events.

Don got his start in comedy as a business major at the University of Southern California, when, as a senior year with some electives to burn, he took an improv class just for fun and discovered that he had quite a knack for it. He loved it so much that he founded a campus improv troupe and his comedy career was off and running.

After graduation, Don began doing stand-up at open mikes in Los Angeles. Around this time, he met his wife Jill, and in less than a year they were married. In January of 1995, he loaded up his Chevy Nova and began tirelessly touring America.

Since then Dons career has soared. He quickly became a national headliner, and in 1999, he won the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, setting the stage for a wildly successful career in comedy clubs, theaters, Las Vegas, cruise ships, and corporate events.

Friesen currently lives in South Pasadena, CA, literally 20 minutes from Hollywood, but maintains a very normal home life, spending as much time as he can with his wife Jill, and children, Fletcher and Josie. With recent appearances at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and TBS The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas, Dons career continues to flourish, keeping him in constant demand in top comedy venues nationwide.