Craig Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career that encompasses film, television and the stage. Since taking the helm of The Late Late Show with CRAIG FERGUSON on January 3, 2005, Ferguson has received an Emmy Award nomination and the show has set all-time viewer records, achieving the highest ratings since the show's inception in 1995. Additionally, the show won the prestigious Peabody Award in 2010.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson started in the entertainment industry as a drummer for some of the worst punk bands in the U.K., a profession he held for several years. Following his musical stint, he began bartending in a local pub in Glasgow where he was introduced to Michael Boyd, the artistic director of The Tron Theatre in Glasgow, who persuaded Ferguson to give acting a go. After several low paying acting gigs, Ferguson discovered he had a knack for comedy and was soon the star of his own BBC television show, "The Ferguson Theory."
Ferguson brought his act to America in 1995 to star with Betty White and Marie Osmond in the short-lived ABC comedy "Maybe This Time." He then joined "The Drew Carey Show," playing Drew Carey's boss, Nigel Wick, from 1996-2003.
Ferguson wrote the feature films "The Big Tease" and "Saving Grace." In 2003, he made his directorial debut with "I'll Be There," which he also starred in and wrote. The film went on to receive the Audience Award for Best Film at the Aspen, Dallas and Valencia film festivals. He was also named Best New Director at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Ferguson's other film credits include "Niagara Motel," "Lenny the Wonder Dog," "Prendimi l'anima," "Life Without Dick," "Chain of Fools" and "Born Romantic."
Ferguson's animated credits include 'Gobber' in the popular film "How to Train Your Dragon" and 'Owl' in the feature "Winnie the Pooh" which hit theaters in July 2011.
In April 2006, Ferguson debuted his first novel, Between The Bridge and The River, which became a critically acclaimed bestseller. In September 2009, Ferguson released his memoir American On Purpose, an achingly funny account of living the American dream as he journeyed from a small town in Scotland to the entertainment capital of the world. The book appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.
Ferguson was sworn in as a United States Citizen in February 2008. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. His birth date is May 17.
