date published: January 14, 2008

Colin Quinn
by Josh B. Wardrop

Comedy fans know gravel-voiced funnyman Colin Quinn from the 1980s MTV game show “Remote Control,” his years anchoring “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live” and his Comedy Central talk show “Tough Crowd.” Quinn brings his hilarious stand-up act to Boston on January 25 & 26 at the Comedy Connection.

Q: For a New Yorker, you’re very popular with Bostonians, don’t you think?
A: People here seem to think I’m from Boston, so, when they find out I’m from New York, they feel very betrayed. Boston vs. New York is way out of proportion here—it’s getting to be like the Hutus and the Tutsis. We need Don Cheadle to come and broker peace.

Q: Has the Writers Guild strike hit you hard?
A: It sucks. I’ve spent the last few years working on movie screenplays, and now I can’t send them out. I actually spoke at a WGA rally, which was tough— you don’t want to bomb in front of an audience of angry writers.

Q: You spent five years on “SNL.” What was that time like?
A: Overall, the most amazing experience of my life. The daily grind was intense—I should’ve done it 10 years earlier—but if you’re committed to it, it’ll make you a better performer.

Q: What’s the most memorable celebrity encounter you’ve had?
A: I’ll tell you...I have absolutely no psychic abilities, but I met O.J. Simpson back in the ’80s. And when I shook his hand, I distinctly felt a chill of evil.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re visiting Boston?
A: I like to stand out in front of the (24-hour) Bova Bakery in the North End at all hours, eating bread. Mostly, I walk around a lot—Boston’s a great city for walking, feeling the energy of the colleges…meeting fellow miserable Irish people. It’s my favorite city to perform in.