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THE BUGLE/SENTINEL JULY 25, 2012
Comedian takes stage, shines spotlight on addiction By Sherri Dauskurdas Staff Reporter
As many young adults are heading off to college next month, looking ahead at what their lives may become, Tommy Connolly is looking back at his, thankful he made it through alive. The Plainfield resident has battled alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental illness for nearly three decades. Now, he’s sober nearly 4 years, married and father of four and has written a book, “Soul Parole,” and is hoping to help others suffering in similar circumstances. Connolly is hosting a Soul Parole Book Release and Party to benefit Joliet Area addiction centers. The event takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on July 28 at Harwood Post American Legion Post 10, 705 S. Larkin Ave. The comedy show reflects Connolly’s years of addiction in a clean routine. Connolly grew up in nearby
“I will spend the rest of my life trying to help those in need. I am so grateful to be alive.” Tommy Connolly, comedian Mokena, graduating from Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox. “I was a full blown alcoholic by the time I was 17 and was addicted to drugs and alcohol for 28 years,” he said. “I graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 1992 and was homeless 6 years later.” He describes a young adult life that included multiple failed marriages, living in his car, eating garbage or stealing food to sustain his addictions. “I lived as both a street walking alcoholic and highly professional functioning addict,” Connolly explained adding that he later discovered he had also been living with undiagnosed Bi-Polar Disorder, a condition which drove his addictions. “I
was consuming 24-plus beers and other substances including speed and marijuana everyday for 28 years. I can honestly say there were probably less than 30 days of those years I didn’t get high or drunk.” A moment of clarity came in 2009, along with some tough love from his wife, and the return of his faith. “I surrendered to God and have not used since then,” he said. Connolly began writing a blog called “Every Day Is A Gift” as a creative outlet for his recovery. Now the blog is read in 64 countries by a thousand readers per month. “I started writing about how I thought as an addict,” he said, “my depression and stories of
dealing with the wreckage of my past.” That experience led Connolly to write the book, and also try his storytelling skills in front of a live audience. “I tried comedy just before I turned 41,” he said. “It was a bucket list item to do it before I turned 40. I just made it.” Now, after several years onstage, Connolly has embraced the life of a performer, working in commercials, film and television. He has been on such television shows as Chicago Code and Shameless, worked on five films, and was featured in “Chasing Hollywood” with Seinfeld’s Larry Thomas and David Faustino. He has performed at ZANIES Wells Street, Riddles in Alsip and The Center for Performing Arts Chicago. “Being an addict makes you a chameleon,” he said. “Acting feels natural to me.” Also coming natural to Connolly is using his talents to give back to those in need of recovery assistance.
“God gave me 635 second chances,” he said. “I show my gratitude by giving back to the community.” In addition to “Soul Parole,” Connolly has performed at Stateville Prison with Comedy Faith Outreach, was Emcee/ Spokesman at Rally Round Recovery Joliet 2011 and will be taking the same role this September for Rally Round Recovery 2012. He started a clothing and book drive called Extra Hands of Hope to aid Urban7.com (Urban Youth Outreach) and helped 200 families in Englewood. “I got sober with hope, faith and the hand of a friend,” he said.“I will spend the rest of my life trying to help those in need. I am so grateful to be alive.” Tickets to the Soul Parole dinner and comedy show are $17, and include a copy of “Soul Parole.” The cost is $10 for the dinner and show only. For more information visit tommyconnolly.com.