Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Denis Leary: Conan’s Comedy Cousin
Feb 26, 2026
Denis Leary, acerbic comedian and actor known for Rescue Me and No Cure for Cancer, drops in to reminisce about the 1980s Boston comedy scene and Emerson College roots. He talks about why he never joined SNL, memorable film roles like Demolition Man, golfing with Sylvester Stallone, and the practicalities of filming in Ireland. Quick, funny, and full of backstage lore.
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Calm New Comics With Context And Pep Talks
- When mentoring newer comedians, Denis Leary recommends giving reassurance and context to calm stage nerves at big charity gigs.
- He often puts young or first-time acts on big shows like the Cam Neely benefit and offers pep talks beforehand.
Pack Of Tits Sparked Denis’s Angry Persona
- Denis Leary got his first reliably funny bit from an Emerson College character called Bill who smoked and ranted about topics like the Kennedy assassination.
- His inaugural memorable joke was “If I could buy a pack of tits, I would,” which launched his smoking-angry stage persona.
Quitting Smoking After 52 Years And A Lucky Scan
- Denis Leary smoked for 52 years and performed onstage with cigarettes, even at venues that banned smoking like Carnegie Hall.
- He quit four years ago after a sudden moment of clarity and later got medical tests showing his lungs looked like he'd never smoked.