Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Berger

Claire, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I moved around a lot as a child, sometimes transferring to a new school in the middle of the school year. So I learned how to hit the ground running by making friends through humor. I was crushed at Middle school graduation to be named Most Likely To Succeed. I campaigned hard for Class Clown. As a theater major in college, I realized that a sense of humor would be great self marketing. Once I graduated I started writing my own act and booking myself in Chicago comedy clubs, I caught the eye of one of the producers at The Second City and joined them in the eighties, while simultaneously developing my career as a stand-up. For over four decades, I earned a living as a comedian, improv actor and writer. I earned acclaim as a warm-up comedian on over 65 of your favorite sitcoms, including Seinfeld, Murphy Brown and Mad About You. in front of the camera, I was the first comedian HGTV hired to host a series (Fantasy Open House).

Transitioning from the sitcom soundstages to the corporate boardrooms, I helped businesses have fun while getting the job done with memorable, bespoke events and my book “Funny Works: 52 Ways To Have More Fun at Work, 52 Ways To Have More Fun In Life.”

I have always found humor in unlikely places, including Italian kitchens where I served as resident writer, ambassador and cookbook contributor for two popular culinary immersion programs, Tuscan Women Cook and Italian Culinary Adventures.

I began writing “How Much Is Enough?”, my interactive memoir, to give voice to the ever-present conversation we’ve all been having in our heads. How much is enough… Exercise? Religion? Sex? Shoes? Family? Food? Through 22 engaging chapters, readers are invited to join me on an exploration of the concept of “Enough” in all aspects of their lives..

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I don’t know anyone who has travelled a smooth road, personally or professionally. And I honestly believe it’s the bumps, the struggles that deepen our character and sense of self. I grew up with a very loving mother who was Bi-Polar, so days were unpredictable and I learned at an early age to be independent because my mom was often overwhelmed raising four rambunctious kids. My dad was a typical 60’s dad; very much the company man and gone a lot for work.

Creating a sense of self sufficiency has serve me well my whole life. I believe that struggles are not necessarily a bad thing. They made me who I am. Growing up with my mom certainly deepened my compassion, my patience and made me be extremely vigilant about my own mental health. I also observed that my dad really missed much of our childhood and through his absence I came to understand how important it is to be present for your kids. I am proud to say I crafted a career that gave me the best of both, time with my kids and steady work in comedy.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Humor has always been my professional currency, as both a writer and performer. I look back at my forty plus years working as an improv actor, speaker and writer with great pride because for me it was all about the pivot. Being flexible enough to reinvent has been deeply satisfying and I believe I have set a good example for my kids. Change is not only possible, it is probable, so embrace new opportunities as a chance to grow, both personally and professionally.

What sets me apart from my fellow comedians is that I chose to be a present parent and stayed home while my colleagues hit the road. I worked hard to establish myself one of the first female warm-up comedians and it turned out to be the perfect mom-job. I could be with my kids during the day and work at the studios at night on many of the most popular sitcoms, including Seinfeld, Friends and Murphy Brown. Looking back on those years I see how many of my friends went on to become famous and earn lots of money but for me, the balance I was able to strike meant so much more. It was enough.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I am probably the least competitive comedian. I was never jealous or covetous of any one else’s’ success, I am always willing to celebrate, promote and help other comics and I know my reputation for being kind and supportive has served me well.

Pricing:

• My book, “How Much is Enough? Getting More By Living With Less” is $17.95
• My Audiobook is $19.95
• My EBook is $5.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.claireberger.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4claireb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2034107663612081