Jim Labriola

Jim Labriola, born and raised in Queens, New York, discovered his passion for comedy early in life, often entertaining at family gatherings. Although he grew up in a Catholic family that seldom attended church, a childhood experience with the Bible profoundly influenced him, leading to a lifelong commitment to nightly prayer.

During his youth, Labriola spent countless hours absorbing the works of comedy legends like Pat Cooper, George Carlin, and his idol, Don Rickles. His persistent pursuit of comedy led him from performing short gigs in Brooklyn and Manhattan to touring nationally, becoming a staple in comedy clubs across the United States. His career received a significant boost in 1989 when he opened for Tim Allen at Governor’s comedy club on Long Island. This pivotal performance sparked a friendship with Allen and a recurring role on the ABC sitcom "Home Improvement" as Benny Barony. Additionally, Labriola appeared in the film "The Santa Clause" and guest-starred in various network sitcoms.

After a profound personal transformation following his marriage, Labriola committed to performing clean comedy, aligning his acts with his faith. This shift led to his DVD project "Heart Improvement," filmed live and designed for all audiences. Currently, Labriola resides in both Florida and Tennessee, frequently engaging in television appearances and hosting duties for conferences and events, continuing to share his humor in a manner accessible to a broad audience.