Comedian Jim Gaffigan will headline Gator Growl pep rally

July 7, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Comedian Jim Gaffigan will headline the University of Florida’s 83rd Gator Growl pep rally Oct. 6 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Gaffigan’s performance will be among many highlights of Gator Growl 2006, including appearances by University of Florida athletic teams, the traditional student skits and the annual fireworks show.

“I think Jim Gaffigan really epitomizes what we are trying to do with this year’s Growl, which is to put on an amazing pep rally from start to finish,” said Gator Growl producer Eric White. “We want fans to look forward to the comedy act just as much as they look forward to cheering for the teams and celebrating what it means to be a Florida Gator.”

The theme of this year’s rally is ‘Relive the Tradition,’ and one of the greatest traditions behind Gator Growl is introducing Gators to rising talent like Jerry Seinfeld, Dane Cook and Jim Gaffigan, White said.

As a stand-up comedian, Gaffigan’s clever, quiet style has earned him numerous appearances on “Late Show With David Letterman” and “Late Night With Conan O’Brien.” His “Comedy Central Presents: Jim Gaffigan” half-hour special remains one of the most highly rated of all stand-up specials on the network.

Gators may also recognize Gaffigan from his recurring role as “Roy” on “That 70′s Show,” his cameo in “Super Troopers” as Larry Johnson or his guest-starring role as an uninhibited boyfriend on HBO’s “Sex and the City.”

Gaffigan has also played an integral role in many award-winning commercial campaigns, including Rolling Rock, ESPN, Saturn and Sierra Mist. His commercial presence has had such an impact that Business Week declared him “Salesman of The Year” in 1999.

Gaffigan will join the ranks of past Gator Growl comedians including Robin Williams, Dennis Miller, Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle and Dane Cook. Gator Growl is the largest student-run pep rally in the world and has been a University of Florida and Gainesville tradition for 83 years.

For more information, contact Rachel Connors, Director of Public Relations for Gator Growl, at 352-494-2025 or bettie@ufl.edu.