Craig Shoemaker, "The Lovemaster"

Craig Shoemaker is a modern day renaissance man. He has shot multiple stand-up specials for TV, starred in numerous films, written two children’s books, performed for U.S. Presidents, has a doctorate degree and is even an ordained minister. His comedy stylings have earned him numerous awards throughout his extensive career, including Comedian of the Year at ABC's American Comedy Awards.

It's been proven many times over that with laughter comes healing, and Craig is passionate about using his celebrity… Show more to help those in need. In 2003 he founded the Laughter Heals Foundation, a nonprofit group dedicated to raising awareness of the healing powers of laughter. The Foundation conducts programs in hospitals and after-care facilities.

Currently, Craig is producing and writing a feature documentary called Live to Laugh along with Mark Harris (Crash, Gods & Monsters) and Dr. Michael Beckwith (The Secret, Oprah). Craig also recently taped his latest one-hour special, Daditude, to a sold out crowd at the Webb Theatre in Orange County and wrapped a co-starring role in the feature film Should’ve Been Romeo.

A natural storyteller with keen observational instincts, Shoemaker's performances are informed by the hilarious and often shocking twists and turns of his own life. He's been skydiving, hang gliding, and scuba diving; he's piloted a fighter jet and completed the LA Marathon. Where a feat like bungee jumping is a point of pride for most, Craig ruins the curve by doing so from a hot air balloon.

He isn't just a daredevil, however; he's earned his reputation as one of the smartest and funniest comics working today. Craig has had his own syndicated radio show, which after only ten months on the air won the prestigious Communicator Award “Crystal” prize. Two of Craig’s stand-up comedy routines made it to the Top 10 list on XM Radio, with “Playing Army” ranking #1. His “Lovemaster” routine was voted Most Popular Comedy on XM Radio.

His film and television credits read like a who's who of Hollywood A-listers. “Shoe” has shared both the big and small screen with luminaries like Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin and Reese Witherspoon. Craig played Will Smith’s ghost guide in Fresh Prince, Neve Campbell’s professor in Scream 2, Patrick Stewart’s best friend in Safe House and Daryl Hannah’s lover in Dark Honeymoon.

Craig’s special, Unzipped, aired on Comedy Central, and the CD was on the Billboard Top 20 for six straight weeks. His half-hour Comedy Central special was voted by viewers as one of the “Top 20” stand-up specials of all time. He and Wayne Brady co-hosted Comic Relief in New Orleans, and Craig was a part of the Showtime All Stars with Tim Allen. This year, he had a knockout performance on The Late Late Show, and a fourth appearance on The View.

In May 2010, Craig received a doctorate in Humanities from California University of PA, recognizing his humanitarian work he has performed over the last several years. Craig is happily married to his wife Mika and has three sons, Justin, Jared and Jackson, and is an active father, coaching his son’s teams and volunteering in the classroom.

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