Bobby Collins, BA '73

Buffalo’s got heart

Nationally known stand-up comedian Bobby Collins, B.A. ’73, absolutely loves the University at Buffalo and Western New York, and thinks its residents should too. “It bothers me, the sense Buffalonians have of being disadvantaged,” he says. One of his favorite maxims is “Your vulnerability is your strength,” which he believes holds true for the home of his alma mater.

Collins was the headliner for UB’s Homecoming festivities in October 2003, playing to a sold-out audience at the Slee Concert Hall on the North Campus in Amherst. While in town, he spoke to an alumni relations representative about his fondness for UB.

The native-New-Yorker-now-Californian says, “Buffalo’s got heart – you’re ahead of the game from a sense of community. New York City has the backbone and the hustle, but it means nothing without the heart.”

Collins has earned a name for himself as one of today’s leading comedic talents. Whether it’s a local comedy club or the main showroom in Las Vegas, Bobby brings heartfelt humor to all of his audiences. His charismatic charm enhances a standup act that blends with witty characterizations and hilarious observations. Not afraid to poke fun at his own family and friends, Bobby recently released his third comedy CD, “I Wanna Go Home.”

His stellar debut CD “Bobby Collins: On the Inside” is currently available in stores, and his second CD, “Out of Bounds,” was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Former Calvin Klein executive

Collins realized he was destined for the comedy stage when his mother answered a question that many children ask of their parents: “Why did you name me Bobby?” His mother replied, “because of Bob Hope.” It was as if the proverbial light bulb went off above Bobby’s head and his true calling in life was realized. Although in just a year and a half, Bobby had climbed the corporate ranks of Calvin Klein to become a vice president, gone were the days of hocking wares in the garment district of New York City.

Knowing the bartender at one of New York City’s premiere comedy clubs and with Bobby’s innate ability to schmooze, he found himself on the stage of Catch a Rising Star. From that point on, he continued to perfect his act until he arrived on the stages of Las Vegas.

Now that his career is in full swing, he travels nearly every weekend of the year, a task he dislikes but which gives him good fodder for his act. “I tell stories based on real life and exaggerate them,” he says. Take jury duty, for example: “Have you ever seen a jury of your peers? They vote and reproduce – cop a plea!” Airline travel and having children are also two of his other favorite subjects. “I improvise, to a degree, but I try to hold up a mirror [to life’s circumstances] and let people see things for themselves.”

“Hollywood alumnus” prefers home

Collins keeps in touch with several of his UB friends, and has been back to UB twice since he graduated. The first time was in 2002 as part of a reunion for “Hollywood alumni,” where he took part, along with several other prominent alumni involved in the entertainment business, in several teaching opportunities with current UB students.

Even with being on the road nearly every weekend, Bobby is a very dedicated husband and father. Another of his maxims is “God first, family, and career” – that’s the order in which Collins prioritizes his life. “It can’t be any other way for me.” Bobby believes in strong family values and his dedication to family was put to the test with the birth of his second daughter, Madison.

As Bobby explains, “When God gives you an angel with a clipped wing, what an honor. He doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle.” Collins continues to support the special needs of his own daughter as well as those of other children with his involvement with various local and national charities.

Written by Barbara A. Byers, APR
January 2004

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