Ollie Joe Prater
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Born Name:
Gilbert L. Hartzog
Born Date: August 22, 1946
Born Place: Concord, Michigan
Died Date: November 25, 1991
Died Place: Albion, Michigan
Occupations: Stand-up comedian, television personality
Brief Biography: Ollie Joe Prater whose peak popularity spanned the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for his massive physical presence—weighing up to 500 pounds—and his raunchy, hard-living persona, he became a beloved cult classic figure in the underground comedy scene.
Stage Persona:
Onstage Persona: He crafted a distinct character of an uneducated, swaggering, proud "good ol' boy".
Performance Style: His routines relied heavily on blue comedy, character comedy, and storytelling about hard drinking and road life.
Career Highlights:
The Comedy Store: He became a "Paid Regular" in the Class of 1976 at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, getting his start at their Westwood location.
Mainstream Television: Prater made multiple guest appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, boosting his national profile.
Club Circuit: He was a staple at high-profile venues, frequently following Richard Pryor on the bill at the Hollywood Comedy Club and headlining major Las Vegas casino hotels.
Film and Albums: He made his film debut in the 1977 comedy sketch movie Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses? (notable for also featuring Robin Williams' first film performance). He went on to release popular underground comedy specials, such as Get Outta' My Way, and albums distributed by Laughing Hyena Records.
Born Date: August 22, 1946
Born Place: Concord, Michigan
Died Date: November 25, 1991
Died Place: Albion, Michigan
Occupations: Stand-up comedian, television personality
Brief Biography: Ollie Joe Prater whose peak popularity spanned the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for his massive physical presence—weighing up to 500 pounds—and his raunchy, hard-living persona, he became a beloved cult classic figure in the underground comedy scene.
Stage Persona:
Onstage Persona: He crafted a distinct character of an uneducated, swaggering, proud "good ol' boy".
Performance Style: His routines relied heavily on blue comedy, character comedy, and storytelling about hard drinking and road life.
Career Highlights:
The Comedy Store: He became a "Paid Regular" in the Class of 1976 at The Comedy Store in Hollywood, getting his start at their Westwood location.
Mainstream Television: Prater made multiple guest appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, boosting his national profile.
Club Circuit: He was a staple at high-profile venues, frequently following Richard Pryor on the bill at the Hollywood Comedy Club and headlining major Las Vegas casino hotels.
Film and Albums: He made his film debut in the 1977 comedy sketch movie Can I Do It... 'Til I Need Glasses? (notable for also featuring Robin Williams' first film performance). He went on to release popular underground comedy specials, such as Get Outta' My Way, and albums distributed by Laughing Hyena Records.