A native of the vibrant city of New Orleans, Alan Donnes embarked on an entertainment career that would span multiple decades and various mediums. Initially, he made his mark as a comedian, honing his craft in the often-ridiculed world of "bad dinner theatre". However, after growing tired of being relegated to comedic roles, he returned to his stand-up comedy roots and quickly found success as the opening act for some of the biggest performers of the 1980s and 1990s.
Notably, he shared the stage with legendary acts such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many others, solidifying his reputation as a talented comedian. His stand-up career was marked by appearances on Showtime's Comedy Club Network and several other cable shows, further cementing his status as a rising star in the comedy world.
In 1990, Alan Donnes entered The Johnny Walker Red Comedy Search, a prestigious competition that attracted thousands of comedians. Although he was one of the top five finalists, he surprisingly retired from stand-up comedy once again. This time, he decided to pursue a career in radio, launching a sports network that focused on the National Football League.
As his network grew to become one of the largest covering the league, Alan Donnes' unique blend of comedic timing and sports knowledge made him a sought-after boxing commentator. This unexpected career turn took an even more surprising turn when he became part of the management team for Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. However, after dealing with the infamous boxing promoter Don King, he secured the rights to The National Lampoon Radio Hour, including the classic library.
Teaming up with head writer Tanner Colby and executive producer/host Richard Belzer, Alan Donnes revitalized the show, transforming it into a powerhouse of comedy once again. In 2011, he was appointed President of National Lampoon, leading the company in a remarkable turnaround.
Today, Alan Donnes is an accomplished producer, overseeing a slate of film and television projects that showcase his diverse talents.
