Standup comedian Jim Gaffigan and wife and collaborative partner, Jeannie, delivered the commencement address Saturday at Catholic University in D.C., touching on how their Catholic faith guided both their work in comedy together and their decision to have a large family while living in Manhattan.
Mrs. Gaffigan largely works behind the scenes writing jokes and handling other aspects of promoting her husband’s comedy tours.
True to form, Mr. Gaffigan spread food-related jokes throughout his share of the address, joking that wife Jeannie was one of “little faith” who scuttled his dream of opening a mail-order guacamole business on the side.
The Gaffigans were honored by the Vatican-chartered institution with honorary doctorates in fine arts for their bearing positive witness to the Catholic faith in the public square.
“This couple has changed the face of comedy and the entertainment industry by putting the great adventure of marriage and family life on center stage. I have no doubt that our graduates will be inspired by the Gaffigans’ commitment to their Catholic faith, which shapes both their personal and professional vocations,” Catholic University President John Garvey said in a March 21 press release announcing the Gaffigans as the commencement speakers.
Mr. Gaffigan also performed a standup set prior to Pope Francis’s address at a Festival of Families gathering in Philadelphia in September.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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