Lisa Lampanelli (born Lisa Marie Lampugnale; July 19, 1961) is an American former stand-up comedian, actress, and insult comic. She worked as a copy editor at Popular Mechanics and as an assistant at Rolling Stone.
She was also a fact checker and the first chief of research for Spy magazine, which described her at the time as “your average decked-out…”
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Lisa Lampanelli Net Worth
Lisa Lampanelli has a net worth of $6 million. Often called the “Queen of Mean” for her crude, biting comedy style, Lampanelli is also a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
When members of the Westboro Baptist Church planned to protest her show on May 20, 2011, in Topeka, Kansas, she pledged to donate $1,000 to Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).
Early Life
Lisa Lampanelli was born in Trumbull, Connecticut, to a middle-class family. Three of her grandparents were of Italian descent, and the fourth was of Polish ancestry.
Her mother, Gloria (née Velgot), worked for the local police department, where she “typed in all the arrests made,” and her father, Leonard Lampugnale, worked for Sikorsky Aircraft before becoming a painter. Lampanelli attended Roman Catholic schools, studied journalism at Boston College and Syracuse University, and completed the Radcliffe Publishing Course.
Career
Lisa Lampanelli began her stand-up career in New York in the early 1990s. She had a breakout role at the 2002 New York Friars’ Club roast of Chevy Chase, and went on to participate in the roasts of Denis Leary, Pamela Anderson, Jeff Foxworthy, Flavor Flav,
William Shatner, David Hasselhoff, and Donald Trump, as well as serving as Roastmaster for Larry the Cable Guy. Lampanelli also frequently appeared on The Howard Stern Show roasts, including those for Gary Dell’Abate, Artie Lange, Andy Dick, and A&E’s “Gene Simmons Roast” in April 2008.
Personal Life
Lisa Lampanelli married in 1991 but divorced shortly afterward. She later married Jimmy Cannizzaro, a former tavern owner from Valley Stream, New York, on October 2, 2010, at the New York Friars’ Club. In May 2014, she filed for divorce from Cannizzaro after three and a half years of marriage.
Lampanelli is a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. When members of the Westboro Baptist Church planned to protest her show on May 20, 2011, in Topeka, Kansas, she pledged to donate $1,000 to Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the same charity she previously supported.
How did Lisa Lampanelli lose weight?
Comedian Lisa Lampanelli lost 106 pounds through gastric sleeve surgery. On October 30, 2018, she announced her retirement from stand-up comedy on The Howard Stern Show to pursue a career as a life coach.
She continues to perform storytelling events, which she describes as “heartfelt but funny,” sharing her journey with food and weight.
Conclusion
Lisa Lampanelli’s journey from a journalist to a celebrated comedian and actor illustrates the power of resilience, talent, and hard work. Her ability to laugh all the way to the bank while staying true to her unique voice and comedic vision serves as an inspiration to aspiring comedians and entertainers everywhere.
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FAQs about Lisa Lampanelli
- What contributed to Lisa Lampanelli’s net worth? Lampanelli’s net worth of $6 million stems from her successful career in stand-up comedy, television, film appearances, and her Broadway show.
- How did Lisa Lampanelli get her start in comedy? Lampanelli began her comedy career in New York, with her big break coming from her participation in a roast of Chevy Chase at the Friars Club.
- Has Lisa Lampanelli won any awards for her work? Lampanelli’s album “Back to the Drawing Board” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album, showcasing her acclaimed contributions to the field of comedy.
- What is Lisa Lampanelli’s background? Lampanelli is of Italian and Polish descent, grew up in Connecticut, and pursued journalism before transitioning to comedy.
- What causes does Lisa Lampanelli support? Lampanelli is a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community, contributing significantly to causes like the Gay Men’s Health Crisis and using her platform to advocate for equality and acceptance.
