Tim Convy is a jack of all trades: podcast host, keyboardist for the band Ludo and stand-up comedian. The Kirkwood native has opened for David Spade and Nikki Glaser. Next month, he has a comedy special coming out on Nate Bargatze’s network, Nateland.
You’re related to the late Bert Convy of ’70s game show fame.
I am. Bert Convy was my grandfather’s first cousin, which I believe makes him my first cousin three times removed. I never met him, but when I was little, I thought it was pretty cool to see him on TV. I would write him letters because even as a young kid I was into entertainment.
Did the Convy name get you your first gig?
No, it did not. Part of me wishes when I was younger I had moved to L.A. and pitched myself as a game show host. It’s probably for the best that I didn’t.
How did you start in entertainment?
Even from an early age, I loved to be on stage. It was all about music. I was in the eighth grade when I learned how to play guitar and started a terrible band with some friends. Later, I’d play at bars and clubs that would let me on stage and then kick me out immediately after because I was too young. I went to college at Mizzou and kept doing music. I started Ludo with some friends, and we went full in. We quit work, school, even girlfriends and made a run at it. We toured ourselves, signed a record deal and played things like The Tonight Show and MTV.
When did comedy come in?
After Ludo, I moved to New York and continued working in the music business, but I knew I wanted more. My brother was dating Nikki Glaser at the time—they’re still together. I would tell her about dates I went on, and she told me I had to try stand-up. She got me up on stage at the Funny Bone for the first time. I was then asked to host a show, and I didn’t even know what that meant. The guy gave me $30, but I hadn’t expected to be paid at all. I went to my car and almost broke down crying because I knew this was what I was going to do now.
How would you describe your comedy style?
It’s very personal. I talk a lot about my family and my experiences growing up. Other comedians cover politics, but everybody’s talking about that. I have a monopoly on the dumb things my dad does, so it makes it that much easier.
Why St. Louis?
It’s so funny. When I left, I never thought I’d end up back here. I wanted to be in entertainment, and it’s easier to make a living in other places. When I came back, I thought it was a temporary stop before another job started in L.A., but I just fell in love with St. Louis. I reconnected with friends I grew up with, I was able to be closer to my family, and I got to know the great comedy scene here. Shortly after that, I met my wife, and we couldn’t imagine raising a family anywhere else. It’s just been perfect.
