Early Work
Although a native of New York City, where he had accumulated some experience in stand-up comedy, Conniff found himself in Minneapolis in the mid-80's undergoing rehabilitation for substance abuse, according to a 2007 interview. He stayed in the city following treatment, working simultaneously at a fast-food restaurant and in local comedy clubs. Eventually he won out-of-town engagements across the upper Midwest. It was during this period that he struck up friendships with future MST3K stalwarts Michael J. Nelson, Trace Beaulieu, Bridget Jones and others, as well as Lizz Winstead, later co-creator of "The Daily Show" on the Comedy Central network. Conniff was appearing in a North Dakota venue when he was informed by MST3K head writer Nelson of his selection as the replacement for one of the show's originals, Josh Weinstein.
Read more about this topic: Frank Conniff
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