Michael Goudeau
Encyclopedia
Michael Carey Goudeau is a juggler and an ex-circus clown
who graduated from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College
. He was an Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer for the Showtime series Bullshit!
.
Goudeau juggled for the Lance Burton
Show at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
in Las Vegas
.
Goudeau served as co-host of Penn Radio
with Penn Jillette
which aired weekdays on Free FM
until March 2, 2007.
Goudeau is married to Theresa Goudeau and is the father of two adopted children, Joe and Emily. Goudeau divorced and remarried his wife. Their second wedding ceremony was performed in a Vegas drive-thru church. Goudeau says "I got married in a drive thru. My mother-in-law and my mom were in the backseat of my Suburban
. We had classical music on the radio. My wife had a Subway
napkin taped to her head as a veil. As crazy as all that was, we turned around to our mothers and they were still crying."
Goudeau also designs and sells decorative barbecue covers. He has a patent application related to his novelty barbecue covers filed with the US Patent office.
On the 24th of August 2006 episode of the Penn Jillette Radio Show, Goudeau was asked, if he had to change his name, what would he change his name to. He answered "Danny Salamander". On the 5th of October 2006 episode of the Penn Jillette Radio Show, Goudeau revealed that he has a mild allergy to newspaper.
, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He took up the craft of juggling at the age of 15, after his father bought him a book for Christmas on how to juggle. He started performing for sidewalk crowds and at Renaissance Fairs with a group of friends, who later became known as Fly By Night Comedy Review.
Goudeau graduated from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College in 1979 where he was voted class clown, then toured with the circus from 1979 to 1981. In 1982 he traveled with a circus in Mexico
, for only one season due to certain undisclosed problems. As a clown he also appeared on Romper Room
and the Chicago version of Bozo the Clown
.
Goudeau then moved to Houston, Texas
, and took a job as a writer/performer in a sketch comedy
group. Unable to make a financial go, Goudeau found himself in Canada
doing more juggling and riding a 6 feet (1.8 m) unicycle
on what Goudeau describes as "fake ice that was sprayed with vegetable oil". Goudeau and his partner Frank were booked to work a cruise ship but Frank was injured in a paragliding accident, leaving Frank unable to perform. Goudeau quickly wrote a one man show that evolved into the current act at the Lance Burton Show.
From there, Goudeau began his solo career, and landed a gig at the Folies Bergere in Las Vegas, Nevada where he met both his wife Theresa Goudeau and Lance Burton. (Burton himself was also only a short variety act at the time.) From there Goudeau worked with Melinda, The First Lady Of Magic until he was fired (on Christmas Day).
On July 3, 1991, Goudeau began a juggling act for the Lance Burton show at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas. Goudeau took a short time off in 1995/1996 during summer months to become a Gag Instructor at the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College. At the Lance Burton Show, Goudeau does 12 minutes of comedy/stunt juggling. Atop yet another unicycle he tells jokes and juggles a wide variety of items both dangerous (chainsaws, fire, knives) and seemingly un-juggleable (bean bag chairs).
performance. Penn seemed impressed by the entirely normal street attire Goudeau wore when he wasn't performing.
Penn and Goudeau hooked up again when the Penn & Teller show moved out to Vegas. Both being part of Vegas's small variety arts community, they began to do lunch. Eventually Penn offered Goudeau a job doing warm-up juggling for his act as well as doing some comedy consulting for the TV show "Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular
".
Goudeau was slated to work with Penn on a Sci-Fi Channel television show called "Penn Jillette's Fi-Sci." Sci-Fi did not pick up the show, however.
While working with Penn as a writer for Penn & Teller's "Bullshit!
" show, the two kicked around an idea for a daily talk radio show, based largely around their shared skepticism
, atheism
, and libertarian
beliefs. On January 3, 2006, Penn Radio
began broadcasting from Penn's personal studio, Vintage Nudes Studio
, in his home "The Slammer".
It was while cycling with Penn that Goudeau conceived an idea for novelty barbecue covers.
exercise program. Penn referred to Goudeau as a "Secret Tour de France rider". Goudeau cycled a leg of the tour every day on a stationary cycle. He matched the time (albeit not the speed/distance) of the fastest rider for each leg. He estimated he rode about a third of the race's actual distance and lost about one pound for every ten hours he spent on his bike. He lost 12 pounds in total. He biked roughly 4 to 6 hours each day the race was held. The final day of the race Goudeau seems to have not ridden the full leg as he claimed he won the race roughly an hour ahead of the fastest ride. Goudeau also noted he had not changed his diet.
The early part of his ride caused him some problems with his stage performance. In front of a show attended by many of the casino's executive staff, he crashed a unicycle
on stage when he didn't have the energy to jump onto it properly. Many people in the audience assumed this was part of the act and found it hilarious.
. Goudeau showed Flay how to prepare shark tacos.
Season Three: Life Coaching
Goudeau plays a ventriloquist.
Season Three: Holier than Thou
Goudeau an irate letter writer and is seen in a photo "flipping the bird".
Season Three: College
Goudeau plays a bull with pom poms. He is later is seen partially out of costume.
Season Three: Big Brother
In the opening and closing segments, Goudeau is in clown makeup.
Season Three: Hair
Goudeau is seen helping with a magic trick. He places a paper bag on the head of a model.
Season Three: Gun Control
Goudeau stands with a crowd of gun enthusiasts. He holds a submachine gun over his head.
Season Three: The Best
Goudeau juggles bean bag chairs behind Penn and Teller.
Season Three: Family Values
Goudeau wears a gorilla costume and kisses Teller.
Season Four: Abstinence
Goudeau is seen applauding a video monitor following a segment featuring a woman masturbating.
Season Five: Anger Management
Goudeau plays a chiropractor and attacks Teller.
Season Six: Being Green
Goudeau plays Smokey the Bear.
Season Six: World Peace
Goudeau plays a monkey, opposite Penn Jillette in a bear costume.
Season Six: Stranger Danger
Goudeau is seen sitting next to Teller in make-up.
Season Six: The Good Ol' Days
Goudeau is seen on the set directing Penn.
Season Seven: Violent Video Games
Goudeau gets shot by Penn Jillette during the opening sequence. The clown image in Penn's HUD
(also during the opening sequence) is Goudeau. It was taken from Season Three's Big Brother episode.
Clown
Clowns are comic performers stereotypically characterized by the grotesque image of the circus clown's colored wigs, stylistic makeup, outlandish costumes, unusually large footwear, and red nose, which evolved to project their actions to large audiences. Other less grotesque styles have also...
who graduated from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College trained around 1,400 clowns in the "Ringling style" from 1968 to 1997.-History:...
. He was an Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer for the Showtime series Bullshit!
Bullshit!
Penn & Teller: Bullshit! is an American documentary television series that aired from 2003 to 2010 on the premium cable channel Showtime. In Canada, the series aired on The Movie Network and Movie Central.- Overview :...
.
Goudeau juggled for the Lance Burton
Lance Burton
Lance Burton is a stage illusionist. He has appeared on numerous television programs, and also performed for Queen Elizabeth and President Ronald Reagan...
Show at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino is a megaresort hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, USA. The hotel is 32 stories, featuring a casino floor with over 2,200 slot and video poker machines and 95 table games. It is operated by MGM Resorts International...
in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
.
Goudeau served as co-host of Penn Radio
Penn Radio
Penn Radio was an hour-long talk CBS radio show which ran from January 3, 2006 to March 2, 2007, hosted by Penn Jillette and Michael Goudeau and produced by "Happy" Jack Landreth and Patrick DiFazio...
with Penn Jillette
Penn Jillette
Penn Fraser Jillette is an American magician, comedian, illusionist, juggler, bassist and a best-selling author known for his work with fellow illusionist Teller in the team Penn & Teller, and advocacy of atheism, libertarian philosophy, free-market economics, and scientific skepticism.-Early...
which aired weekdays on Free FM
Free FM
Free FM was a short-lived, mostly-talk-radio format and brand name for eleven FM CBS Radio stations in the United States, and was created because of Howard Stern's departure to Sirius Satellite Radio in January 2006. Free FM was given its name to highlight that its stations broadcast free-to-air,...
until March 2, 2007.
Goudeau is married to Theresa Goudeau and is the father of two adopted children, Joe and Emily. Goudeau divorced and remarried his wife. Their second wedding ceremony was performed in a Vegas drive-thru church. Goudeau says "I got married in a drive thru. My mother-in-law and my mom were in the backseat of my Suburban
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet offered a station wagon body, built on the 1/2 ton truck frame. This model was specifically built for National Guard units and Civilian Conservation Corps units. Much of the body was constructed from wood, and could seat up to eight occupants....
. We had classical music on the radio. My wife had a Subway
Subway (restaurant)
Subway is an American restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches and salads. It is owned and operated by Doctor's Associates, Inc. . Subway is one of the fastest growing franchises in the world with 35,519 restaurants in 98 countries and territories as of October 25th, 2011...
napkin taped to her head as a veil. As crazy as all that was, we turned around to our mothers and they were still crying."
Goudeau also designs and sells decorative barbecue covers. He has a patent application related to his novelty barbecue covers filed with the US Patent office.
On the 24th of August 2006 episode of the Penn Jillette Radio Show, Goudeau was asked, if he had to change his name, what would he change his name to. He answered "Danny Salamander". On the 5th of October 2006 episode of the Penn Jillette Radio Show, Goudeau revealed that he has a mild allergy to newspaper.
Pre-Penn years
Goudeau was born in LouisianaLouisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. He took up the craft of juggling at the age of 15, after his father bought him a book for Christmas on how to juggle. He started performing for sidewalk crowds and at Renaissance Fairs with a group of friends, who later became known as Fly By Night Comedy Review.
Goudeau graduated from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College in 1979 where he was voted class clown, then toured with the circus from 1979 to 1981. In 1982 he traveled with a circus in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, for only one season due to certain undisclosed problems. As a clown he also appeared on Romper Room
Romper Room
Romper Room is a children's television series that ran in the United States from 1953 to 1994 as well as at various times in Australia, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom...
and the Chicago version of Bozo the Clown
Bozo the Clown
Bozo the Clown is a clown character very popular in the United States, peaking in the 1960s as a result of widespread franchising in early television.Originally created by Alan W...
.
Goudeau then moved to Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
, and took a job as a writer/performer in a sketch comedy
Sketch comedy
A sketch comedy consists of a series of short comedy scenes or vignettes, called "sketches," commonly between one and ten minutes long. Such sketches are performed by a group of comic actors or comedians, either on stage or through an audio and/or visual medium such as broadcasting...
group. Unable to make a financial go, Goudeau found himself in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
doing more juggling and riding a 6 feet (1.8 m) unicycle
Unicycle
A unicycle is a human-powered, single-track vehicle with one wheel. Unicycles resemble bicycles, but are less complex.-History:One theory of the advent of the unicycle stems from the popularity of the penny-farthing during the late 19th century...
on what Goudeau describes as "fake ice that was sprayed with vegetable oil". Goudeau and his partner Frank were booked to work a cruise ship but Frank was injured in a paragliding accident, leaving Frank unable to perform. Goudeau quickly wrote a one man show that evolved into the current act at the Lance Burton Show.
From there, Goudeau began his solo career, and landed a gig at the Folies Bergere in Las Vegas, Nevada where he met both his wife Theresa Goudeau and Lance Burton. (Burton himself was also only a short variety act at the time.) From there Goudeau worked with Melinda, The First Lady Of Magic until he was fired (on Christmas Day).
On July 3, 1991, Goudeau began a juggling act for the Lance Burton show at the Monte Carlo Hotel in Las Vegas. Goudeau took a short time off in 1995/1996 during summer months to become a Gag Instructor at the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College. At the Lance Burton Show, Goudeau does 12 minutes of comedy/stunt juggling. Atop yet another unicycle he tells jokes and juggles a wide variety of items both dangerous (chainsaws, fire, knives) and seemingly un-juggleable (bean bag chairs).
Penn years
Goudeau first encountered Penn Jillette when he was a street performer in San Francisco. Goudeau introduced himself as a working juggler to Penn after a Penn & TellerPenn & Teller
Penn & Teller are Las Vegas headliners whose act is an amalgam of illusion and comedy. Penn Jillette is a raconteur; Teller generally uses mime while performing, although his voice can occasionally be heard during their performance...
performance. Penn seemed impressed by the entirely normal street attire Goudeau wore when he wasn't performing.
Penn and Goudeau hooked up again when the Penn & Teller show moved out to Vegas. Both being part of Vegas's small variety arts community, they began to do lunch. Eventually Penn offered Goudeau a job doing warm-up juggling for his act as well as doing some comedy consulting for the TV show "Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular
Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular
Penn & Teller's Sin City Spectacular was a weekly American television variety show hosted by Penn and Teller that appeared on the FX Networks from August 10, 1998 - June 30, 1999...
".
Goudeau was slated to work with Penn on a Sci-Fi Channel television show called "Penn Jillette's Fi-Sci." Sci-Fi did not pick up the show, however.
While working with Penn as a writer for Penn & Teller's "Bullshit!
Bullshit!
Penn & Teller: Bullshit! is an American documentary television series that aired from 2003 to 2010 on the premium cable channel Showtime. In Canada, the series aired on The Movie Network and Movie Central.- Overview :...
" show, the two kicked around an idea for a daily talk radio show, based largely around their shared skepticism
Skepticism
Skepticism has many definitions, but generally refers to any questioning attitude towards knowledge, facts, or opinions/beliefs stated as facts, or doubt regarding claims that are taken for granted elsewhere...
, atheism
Atheism
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
, and libertarian
Libertarianism
Libertarianism, in the strictest sense, is the political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society. In the broadest sense, it is any political philosophy which approximates this view...
beliefs. On January 3, 2006, Penn Radio
Penn Radio
Penn Radio was an hour-long talk CBS radio show which ran from January 3, 2006 to March 2, 2007, hosted by Penn Jillette and Michael Goudeau and produced by "Happy" Jack Landreth and Patrick DiFazio...
began broadcasting from Penn's personal studio, Vintage Nudes Studio
Vintage Nudes Studio
Vintage Nudes Studio is Penn Jillette's private recording studio designed by Outside The Lines Studio and built by Crisci Custom Builders between October 2003 and June 2004 as part of his Las Vegas home, "The Slammer." The studio is named for playing cards that Penn collected, and the cards are...
, in his home "The Slammer".
It was while cycling with Penn that Goudeau conceived an idea for novelty barbecue covers.
Michael Goudeau Mondays
It was suggested to Penn in email, on his Myspace account (now inactive), and in person after his Penn & Teller show, that Penn Radio devote the occasional Monday to Michael Goudeau. Goudeau would have been given a greater opportunity to talk about his interesting life and field calls and gmails directed at him. Penn indicated such an idea would not fly.Secret Tour de France rider
During July 2006, Goudeau was experimenting with a Tour de FranceTour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
exercise program. Penn referred to Goudeau as a "Secret Tour de France rider". Goudeau cycled a leg of the tour every day on a stationary cycle. He matched the time (albeit not the speed/distance) of the fastest rider for each leg. He estimated he rode about a third of the race's actual distance and lost about one pound for every ten hours he spent on his bike. He lost 12 pounds in total. He biked roughly 4 to 6 hours each day the race was held. The final day of the race Goudeau seems to have not ridden the full leg as he claimed he won the race roughly an hour ahead of the fastest ride. Goudeau also noted he had not changed his diet.
The early part of his ride caused him some problems with his stage performance. In front of a show attended by many of the casino's executive staff, he crashed a unicycle
Unicycle
A unicycle is a human-powered, single-track vehicle with one wheel. Unicycles resemble bicycles, but are less complex.-History:One theory of the advent of the unicycle stems from the popularity of the penny-farthing during the late 19th century...
on stage when he didn't have the energy to jump onto it properly. Many people in the audience assumed this was part of the act and found it hilarious.
BBQ with Bobby Flay
Goudeau appeared on Episode 25 of Season 3 of BBQ with Bobby FlayBobby Flay
Robert William "Bobby" Flay is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur and reality television personality. He is the owner and executive chef of 12 restaurants: Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, New York City, and the Bahamas ; Bar Americain in New York City and Uncasville, Connecticut; Bobby Flay Steak...
. Goudeau showed Flay how to prepare shark tacos.
Post-Penn radio
- In April 2007, Michael Goudeau was in Paris to appear in an episode of France's Magic TV show "Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde", a French variety show that features clowns, magicians, acrobats, contortionists, and jugglers from all around the world.
- Michael Goudeau appeared on the Tonight Show on May 4, 2007. He appeared as a "candle singer" for the "Does This Impress Ed Asner" segment. Goudeau played a slightly nervous movie projectionist from Las Vegas. He tried to impress Ed Asner by holding his hands over burning candles and yelping in pain to the tune of the Blue Danube Waltz.
- On Monday, March 31, 2008, Penn updated viewers of his CrackleCrackleCrackle is a digital network and studio, featuring commercially supported streaming video content in Flash Video format. It is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, and its content consists primarily of Sony's library of films and television shows...
video podcast regarding Goudeau's current situation. A fire at the Monte Carlo on Jan. 26, 2008 resulted in the temporary shut down of The Lance Burton Show. However, Penn's Crackle video reports the show is back in production and Goudeau is back juggling at the show. As well, with the end of the writer strike, Goudeau is back writing for the 6th season of Bullshit!. Penn also commented that Goudeau has recently taken up cheeseCheeseCheese is a generic term for a diverse group of milk-based food products. Cheese is produced throughout the world in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms....
making as a hobby.
- On Friday, July 10, 2009, Goudeau was a panelist at The Amazing Meeting 7.
- On Thursday, July 16, 2009 Goudeau was nominated for an Emmy award for Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming.
- Goudeau has started a blog called The Pancake Project wherein he tries to make pancakes resemble animals and works of art.
- Goudeau has put in some appearances on Las Vegas's local NPR affiliate KNPR:
- Goudeau and Lance Burton appeared on the August 9, 2010 broadcast of Cash CabCash CabCash Cab is a TV game show devised by Adam Wood that originated in the United Kingdom and has been licensed to television networks in numerous other countries...
.
- Goudeau is working on an indie magic film with Lance Burton.
- Goudeau is writing for Penn & Teller: Tell a Lie show .
- Goudeau published a cookbook called Extreme Pancakes.
Podcast interviews
Michael Goudeau has been interviewed on the following podcasts:- The April 5, 2009 edition of The Conspiracy Skeptic podcast.
- The April 14, 2009 edition of the iTricks Magic Stars Podcast.
- The June 20, 2009 edition of the Dogma Free America podcast.
- The July 5, 2009 edition of the The Amateur Scientist podcast.
- The August 12, 2009 edition of the The Skeptics' Guide To The Universe podcast.
- The August 17, 2009 edition of the Skepticality podcast.
- Goudeau was interviewed on the RadioDad radio show about his Pancake Project web site. MP3 clip here.
Penn & Teller Bullshit! appearances
Goudeau has performed various cameo roles, both in and out of costume, on Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Showtime series.Goudeau plays a ventriloquist.
Season Three: Holier than Thou
Goudeau an irate letter writer and is seen in a photo "flipping the bird".
Season Three: College
Goudeau plays a bull with pom poms. He is later is seen partially out of costume.
Season Three: Big Brother
In the opening and closing segments, Goudeau is in clown makeup.
Season Three: Hair
Goudeau is seen helping with a magic trick. He places a paper bag on the head of a model.
Season Three: Gun Control
Goudeau stands with a crowd of gun enthusiasts. He holds a submachine gun over his head.
Season Three: The Best
Goudeau juggles bean bag chairs behind Penn and Teller.
Season Three: Family Values
Goudeau wears a gorilla costume and kisses Teller.
Season Four: Abstinence
Goudeau is seen applauding a video monitor following a segment featuring a woman masturbating.
Season Five: Anger Management
Goudeau plays a chiropractor and attacks Teller.
Season Six: Being Green
Goudeau plays Smokey the Bear.
Season Six: World Peace
Goudeau plays a monkey, opposite Penn Jillette in a bear costume.
Season Six: Stranger Danger
Goudeau is seen sitting next to Teller in make-up.
Season Six: The Good Ol' Days
Goudeau is seen on the set directing Penn.
Season Seven: Violent Video Games
Goudeau gets shot by Penn Jillette during the opening sequence. The clown image in Penn's HUD
Head-Up Display
A head-up display or heads-up display is any transparent display that presents data without requiring users to look away from their usual viewpoints...
(also during the opening sequence) is Goudeau. It was taken from Season Three's Big Brother episode.
Awards
- Goudeau has been nominated for 8 prime time Emmy awards (5 as a writer, 3 as a producer).
- Goudeau has received three Writer's Guild Association nominations.
External links
- Michael Goudeau Homepage
- Goudeau Quotes on Penn Radio
- Comedy Industries Biography: Mike Goudeau
- Kaya Talent Agency: Jugglers
- Michael Goudeau on IMDB
- Photos of Goudeau juggling Warning: may cause epileptic seizures. View with caution.
- Michael Goudeau as a romantic lead in a music video
- Video of Michael Goudeau and partner juggling at Comdex
- Michael Goudeau and the Musical Candles
- Penn & Teller: Bullshit meet the crew Goudeau
- Michael Goudeau's Twitter page