Andrew Dice Clay Biography

Andrew Dice Clay was born in 1957 in Brooklyn, New York, into a working class family. He showed a talent for comedy early on in life, regularly entertaining his family with living room stand-up routines even before he began elementary school. In addition to his penchant for comedy, he also played the drums, but his success as a comedian eclipsed any aspirations he might have had as a musician.

Clay began performing around New York comedy clubs in the late 1970’s, eventually hitting the major ones such as The Improv and Dangerfield’s. Success in New York led to a move to Los Angeles, which led to roles on television, including Diff’rent Strokes, M*A*S*H, and Crime Story in the 1980’s. During this time he also began making film appearances, accepting roles in Making the Grade (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986.) With his often racist, homophobic, and sexist brand of humor, Andrew Dice Clay rose above the criticism and during the 1980’s and early 1990’s, he dominated the comedy scene, even selling out Madison Square Garden for two consecutive nights during this period.

Andrew Dice Clay’s CD releases during this time period include: Dice (1989), The Day the Laughter Died (1990), Dice Rules (1991), 40 Too Long (1992), and No Apologies (1993.) Following his career peak, he entered a period of hiatus, avoiding the media spotlight and embarking on other projects. He returned in 1995 with Assume the Position, an HBO special that enjoyed moderate success but failed to return Clay to the enormous popularity he enjoyed in years prior.  The album Filth followed in 1998, and then Face Down, Ass Up in 2000.

Today, Andrew Dice Clay continues to perform and appear in films. Recent years have seen him in the Woody Allen feature Blue Jasmine, as well as episodes of The Blacklist, Entourage, and Vinyl. Clay is currently filming the feature film, A Star Is Born. The film is scheduled for release in 2018 and marks Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut of the story’s fourth remake. Clay will appear alongside Lady Gaga, in the role of her father.