Steve Sweeney (born September 5, 1949) is an American comedian.
Sweeney was born in Charlestown, a section of Boston.[1] His Boston accent and idiosyncratic mannerisms are featured in his stand-up act. He has headlined in several comedy clubs including Caroline's Comedy Club in New York City.[citation needed]
A graduate of Charlestown High School, he earned a BA in Theatre Arts at the University of Massachusetts Boston (1974) and an MFA from the University of Southern California.[citation needed]
During the early 1970s, a group of Boston comedians regularly performed at a comedy club started by Martin Olson and Barry Crimmins in a back room of Ding-Ho, a Chinese Restaurant near Inman Square in Cambridge, MA. The group included Don Gavin, Lenny Clarke, Kevin Meaney, Jay Leno, Bobcat Goldthwait, Bill Sohonage, and Steven Wright.[2][3] Sweeney became known for his use of dialects and commentary on the New England political scene in his act.
Sweeney had a role on Park Street Under, a Boston-based sitcom which has been cited as a potential inspiration for successful television show Cheers.[4] He has appeared on shows such as the Late Show with David Letterman, Evening at The Improv, and Comics Come Home.[5] Sweeney has also appeared in over 20 films,[5] including Rodney Dangerfield's Back to School, Judd Apatow's Celtic Pride, and There's Something About Mary with Ben Stiller.[6]
For a short time Steve was on the morning show on 100.7 FM WZLX, first with "Mornings with Tai and Steve Sweeney", followed by "Steve Sweeney's Neighborhood" after Tai left the station.[7]
On November 3, 2005, Steve opened Steve Sweeney's Comedy Club in Boston's Copley Square with longtime friend Dick Doherty.[citation needed]
Currently, along with doing stand-up, he is also a guest judge on the local talent show "Community Auditions".[8]
On March 29, 2013, Steve Sweeney appeared on Scorch PFG TV.[9]
Steve performed a 5-minute act opening for J. Geils Band at the Boston One Fund concert.
Steve Sweeney and Joe Malone, the former Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, co-host a podcast called "Sweeney and Malone" on Boston Herald Radio.[10]