When I think of Scranton, Pennsylvania, what comes to mind is their pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution alongside us Detroiters, back when manufacturing hubs were the heart of our Country’s (The United States) innovation and prosperity. Both cities played critical roles in our Nation’s economic development during that era. Detroit is on the rise again, but for now, we’ll talk about why Scranton is so special.
According to Britannica, “…by 1850, a rolling mill, a nail factory, and a steel-rail works were in operation. Subsequent development of the anthracite-coal industry overshadowed the iron industry and brought in waves of immigrant miners, whose wives were skilled in the silk-weaving, clothing, and other industries. Scranton is noted for its production of Nottingham lace,”.
The next and probably more notable thing that comes to mind when I think of Scranton is television’s NBC hit show, “The Office.” The show came out in the 1990s and was one of my generation’s favorites, but I really did not watch it. However, my son’s generation (thirty-two years later) revived its popularity when he was in middle school. He watched that complete series three times over!
In one episode, for example, a severe event occurs when a fire claimed the Scranton office after the character Dwight staged a fire in the office to test their fire safety skills. Quickly, things went from bad to worse, as you might imagine. But such a great example of how comedy can lighten subjects and make some serious incidents appear hilarious.
The sheer absurdity and exaggerated reactions transform what could be a traumatic experience into a laugh-out-loud sequence, making it easier to digest. Comedy allows audiences to explore and reflect on heavy situations while providing a sense of relief and perspective that might not be otherwise achievable.
Although I am from Detroit, MI, my family has a long line of funny women. In fact, I was voted Class Clown of 1991; I believe we need to laugh at life sometimes, or it’ll break us.
Famous comedians from Pennsylvania
It’s not a surprise to learn that many famous people in the business of being funny came right out of Pennsylvania. So good location selection on the director! In my research, I found over fifty-nine comedians who hail from Pennsylvania. Out of the fifty-nine, I recognized the following thirteen famous comedians:
- Edie Adams
- Danny Bonaduce
- Ryan Dunn
- Caitlin Durante
- Tina Fey
- Bob Golub
- Estelle Harris
- Tim Kazurinsky
- Jamie Kennedy
- Richard Kind
- Cheri Oteri
- Kristen Wiig
- Zach Woods
Wikipedia sites Zach Woods “is best known for his roles as a series regular for three seasons as Gabe Lewis on the NBC sitcom The Office, as Jared Dunn on the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley, as Zach Harper on the USA Network sitcom Playing House, and as Matt Spencer on the HBO comedy show Avenue 5,”.
What is a fun fact about Pennsylvania?
Of course, this would hardly be an article about Pennsylvania if we did not mention that the chocolate capital of the U.S. is Hershey, PA. The Hershey Company (Hershey or Hershey’s) is an American multinational confectionery company headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States, which is also home to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here are a couple more notable mentions:
- The first computer existed in Philadelphia in 1946
- The first piano in America was built in Philadelphia in 1775
- The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776
But why does Pennsylvania seem to be a breeding ground for comedic talent? The combination of urban environments like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with rural heartlands just might be the contributing factor to a variety of experiences and perspectives that are easily “mined” for comedy. It’s often said that the best humor comes from observing life’s smallest peculiarities.
Tina Fey, who hails from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, is the SNL veteran and “30 Rock” creator, best known for her sharp wit and ability to turn everyday observations into brilliant comedic gold. I am a huge fan and adore her intelligent comedic approach – her writing is brilliant to me! Fey’s experiences growing up in Pennsylvania undeniably shaped her comedic voice, adding a layer of relatability to her humor that resonates with a broad audience.
Then there’s Jamie Kennedy from Upper Darby, too, whose unique blend of comedy often involves character work and pranks, which were likely inspired by his formative years in the Keystone State. The cultural melting pot of Pennsylvania provided a fertile ground for such diverse comedic explorations.
Another favorite female comedian of mine, Kristen Wiig, is also from Pennsylvania (Lancaster, to be precise). I love how her comedic style often revolves around quirky, offbeat characters—a skill she honed during her early years before hitting it big on “Saturday Night Live” and eventually transitioning to a successful film career. Her roots in Lancaster, a place known for its Amish community and picturesque landscapes, may have contributed to her distinctive comedic flair.
Estelle Harris, perhaps most famously known for her role as George Costanza’s mom on “Seinfeld,” also hailed from Pennsylvania. Born in Manhattan but later residing in Tarentum, her exaggerated, nagging mother persona might have been drawn from characters she encountered in her Pennsylvanian surroundings, adding a touch of authenticity and relatability to her roles.
Furthermore, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh host a plethora of comedy clubs, improv theaters, and festivals that provide perfect platforms for budding comedians to hone their craft by refining their timing, improv skills, and audience engagement, as well as enabling them to transition from local gigs to national fame.
Even the state’s universities and colleges have strong theater and performing arts programs to nurture young talent from the ground up with reputable theatre programs that have produced several notable comedians and actors.
Why is Scranton so special?
In conclusion, while Scranton’s industrial history and “The Office” have certainly put it on the map, Pennsylvania’s contribution to the world of comedy is undeniably substantial. The state’s diverse cultural landscape, combined with its robust arts infrastructure, provides fertile ground for comedic talent to flourish. From Tina Fey’s sharp satire to Kristen Wiig’s quirky characters, these comedians not only entertain but also reflect the rich, multifaceted nature of their Pennsylvanian roots.