Printable Biography of Al Franken

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Al Franken is perhaps best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. In 1975, Franken was part of the original writing staff that created the groundbreaking late night show. Franken remained with the original show until 1980 and then returned in 1985. He stayed for another 10 years, leaving after the 1994-95 season.

Franken received four Emmys for his writing on SNL and a fifth for producing. He also won recognition for his on-camera work, first as half of the comedy team of Franken and Davis, then for his Al Franken Decade persona. He also was recognized for such characterizations as the one-man mobile uplink unit and Stuart Smalley, the new age cable TV host.

Smalley was the subject of Franken's first book, I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough and Doggone It, People Like Me, which was published in 1992. It is currently in it's fifth printing and it provided the basis for a movie that Franken wrote and starred in for Paramount Pictures. The 1995 movie, Stuart Saves His Family, was directed by Harold Ramis and received two thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert.

Franken's album, You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough and Doggone It, People Like You!was nominated for a Grammy in the best comedy category.

Franken was co-writer of the Touchstone Pictures 1994 movie. When a Man Loves a Woman starring Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan. Written with Oscar winner (Rainman) Ron Bass, the movie grossed over a hundred million dollars worldwide.

Franken is also well-know for his work as a political satirist, both on SNL and off. In 1988, he provided commentary for CNN at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. And in 1992, he anchored Comedy Central's Indecision '92, winning wide critical acclaim for his coverage of both conventions and election night. In 1996, he teamed with Strange Bedfellow Arianna Huffington, again covering the party conventions and election night for Politically Incorrect, where he continues to be a frequent guest.

His performances at the 1994 and 1996 White House Correspondents Dinner demonstrated his skill as one of the nation's top after-dinner speakers.

Franken's second book, Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations hit the New York Times Bestseller List its first week in bookstores. It was number one for five weeks and spent over eight months on the list. There are now over a million copies of the book in print. Franken's recording of the book on tape won the 1997 Grammy for Best Comedy Album. Franken's latest book, Why Not Me: The Making and Unmaking of the Franken Presidency chronicles the rise and fall of Al Franken, 43rd President, was also a New York Times bestseller.Franken's television sitcom, Lateline, ran on NBC in 1998 and '99. People Magazine called Lateline the best new sitcom of the year and TV Guide gave the show a perfect ten.

In early 2003, the NY Times wrote that Al Franken is considering a radio talk show on a network for liberals, who have traditionally been shut out of talk radio. Tentatively, an Al Franken talker is being planned for the Fall of 2003.

In August of 2003, Al released his fifth book, "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them," which Franken describes as "a fair and balanced look at the right."

Franken grew up in Minnesota and is a graduate of Harvard College. He has been married to Franni Franken for twenty-five years. They live in New York City with their daughter Thomasin, 20, and their son Joe who is 16.

Franken has been a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman,Nightline,The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning,Charlie Rose, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Politically Incorrect,Inside Politics and Larry King Live.