Bill Engvall Continues Farewell Comedy Tour: ‘In Life, You Have to Laugh As Much As Possible’
By Movieguide® Staff
Midway through his farewell tour, stand-up comedian and former Movieguide® Award Gala host Bill Engvall said he is at peace with his exit from the stage.
“I always said that I wanted to go out on my terms,” Engvall, 64, told Variety in a recent interview. “I never wanted to be the act where someone said they should have stopped a year ago. And I say this with all humility, but I caught the brass ring. I’ve achieved every goal that was in front of me in terms of stand-up.”
Engvall’s focus on family-friendly comedy quickly made him a worldwide fan-favorite
After four decades in comedy, Engvall reflected on his comedic career.
Although Engvall confessed that he knew little about stand-up comedy when he started, he always loved to make people laugh.
“In life, you have to laugh as much as possible, otherwise you’re going to go nuts, especially with the way the world is today,” he explained. “And when people overseas responded to the material, and I saw that it had struck a chord with people outside of my home area, that’s when I realized I might have something special going on.”
Engvall’s manager, J.P. Williams, founder, and owner of Parallel Entertainment, said: “I’ve been with Bill for 25 years, and he’s the kindest, most honest, and generous human being I know. His transformation of growth has been amazing to witness, and there’s nothing false about him as a person. We’ve been close for a long time, and as you get older, you start to find your place, and he’s really found his. It won’t be the same without him on the stand-up circuit.”
Engvall said that he first thought about laying down the mic when COVID-19 halted the majority of live shows and productions.
“I’ve had my own TV show, I’ve had platinum and gold records, and I’ve been in movies. And when COVID hit, and I couldn’t work, I realized I wasn’t missing it,” she said. “I wasn’t sitting there saying I needed to get back on the road. I loved having dinner with my wife every night and spending time together, and the world has changed so much, and so fast, it just felt like the right time. And people are so sensitive in the comedy world right now which is another contributing factor.”
Engvall also gave props to his wife for her support during his comedy career.
“I have to give credit to my amazing wife, Gail, for always believing in me more than I ever did,” he said. “She made it OK for me to be myself and pursue what really made me happy. For 42 years, she never once complained that I was out on the road and missing out on things. I’ll never be able to repay her for that. The road can tear families and marriages apart, and I would never be the person I am today without her.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
The former Movieguide® Awards Gala host and Grammy-nominated recording artist announced that he plans to retire from his 40-year comedy career.
“I have been blessed with the greatest career anyone could ask for,” Engvall said. “Making people laugh is a dream job and has fulfilled my life in so many ways. I’m excited to focus on future opportunities in entertainment and spend more time with my family. I’m not going anywhere – just hanging up my hat when it comes to sleeping in the airport and in-room dining.”
Engvall previously opened up to Movieguide® about the key to his success — clean comedy.
“I really haven’t changed that much, because, for whatever reason, I picked up early that my forte was clean, family-based humor,” Engvall said. “Now, tonight, as I understand, is an audience of Hollywood people and not always your best audience for comedy, so I’m not gonna try to force it down their throat. Just gonna go out and do my little thing for a couple of minutes and then just kind of try to keep the show moving, but as far as the entertainment, you know, I’ve always done it the same way and it’s worked and so I’ve just kind of left it alone.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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