Speakers

Wayne Cotter is a favorite of the talk shows, having appeared dozens of times with both David Letterman and Jay Leno. A top, nationally touring comedian, Wayne hosted the Fox Television Network series, Comic Strip Live for many years. He has been nominated as "Best Standup Comedian" in the American Comedy Awards. Wayne also served as host of the Discovery Channel's, Amazing America, and has appeared in feature films such as Spy Hard and The Aristocrats.

After studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and beginning a career with a New Jersey computer company, Wayne began moonlighting as a Philadelphia comedian. He continued this double life for some time, until he ultimately came to the visionary conclusion that the computer industry was going nowhere and left town to pursue show business full time. Almost immediately, Wayne became a frequent guest of Jay Leno and David Letterman and a fixture on the national comedy circuit.

He was also honored to be one of the last new comedians to debut with Johnny Carson and appeared on Carson’s last two anniversary specials. Wayne became a familiar face on television and, ultimately, the host of his own shows for both Discovery Channel and The Fox Network. According to Variety, Wayne’s comedy “draws on the everyday, but in a manner which is anything but mundane.” From observations about daily life to personal stories of his varied experiences as an engineer, entertainer, and parent, Wayne is known for his clever, original humor and his warm and engaging persona. David Letterman calls him “one of our favorites” and has remarked on-air about his “personable” style.

Wayne continues to perform in clubs and theaters and has also become a highly sought-after entertainer and master of ceremonies for corporate events.