Spotlight- Rich Walker- LI's Comedian and Entertainer

There is one consistent entertainer that has been keeping Long Island laughing for more than 30 years! Rich Walker is one of Long Island’s most recognizable comedians. His endearing and relatable comedy has made him a mainstay on Long Island and beyond. The man who commands the stage with laughter is only one chapter of Rich Walker's story. Beyond the spotlight is a performer, mentor, philanthropist, and community figure whose influence extends well beyond the punchlines.

“I signed you up,” was the text I received from my mother. We had seen an online ad for “Stand Up University,” which took place at the Brokerage in Bellmore, NY. Soon, I was sitting in the familiar venue where so many comedians had cut their teeth and toured. The weeks to follow were filled with information, comedy education and compassion. The Professors of this comedy college were the illustrious Peter Bales, whose accolades include being a part of Chicago’s famous, “Second City,” directing The Laughter Company and rumors of a possible past tryst with Rosie O’Donnel; and Rich Walker. I was struggling with jokes and taking criticism. Rich, calmly sat in his chair across from me and advised, “you know what, I have this joke. It’s going to work in that set. Let me give it to you.” An act of pure kindness from a mentor to his mentee. In a class of over 8 people, suddenly Rich and I were the only people in the room.

That joke did pull that set together. Somehow between the two professors, in less than 8 weeks brand new, “comedians” were sending their flyers to friends, beginning the first beckons of, “please come to my show!” Excitement was electric, and soon these newbies would be ripped from the safety of, “Stand Up University” and fed into the Long Island Comedy Machine. Only a few would continue, and only a small percentage would persist. This was over six years ago, and since then Rich Walker and Peter Bales have had countless, “Stand Up Universities” and encounters with new bright eyed hopefuls, hoping to have their moment on the famous stage. Though I’ve seen Rich Walker since, I hadn’t had the real opportunity to talk to him. In a comedy slump I decided to see if he was still in my cellphone contacts. What luck he was! Now, would he answer?

“Hi Jen!” The familiar voice greeted me. Surely, he had me saved in his phone incase my payment for, “Stand Up University” returned. Rich, who has shared the stage with comedy legends including Ray Romano, Kevin James, Gilbert Gottfried, Robert Klein, and Dom Irrera, (to name a few), a television regular appearing on News12, CBS’s “Live It Up” and “Samanthas Lil Bit of Heaven,” was somehow on the other end of the call with me. We talked about comedy, about life, and the mixture. He, wise and effortless, consoled my slump and engaged me with ideas. This is who Rich Walker is, a real person. A kind person. A Person who picks up a cellphone call in 2026.

When he isn’t mentoring newbie comedians, Rich is deeply involved in our community. American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, Sloan Kettering Cancer Foundation, Autism Awareness, Animal Welfare… you name a charitable endeavor, and Rich Walker has been a part of a fundraising event. Recently lending his talent to, “Laughter Saves Lives” a local organization founded by John LaRocchia, a retired FDNY Fire chief who dedicates all of his shows to the men he lost during 9/11, and donates to various charitable organizations. Every Wednesday you can catch Rich on Youtube, highlighting different heroes and providing some laugh-relief we all need during these turbulent times.

Rich is also Long Island’s hardest working entertainer. Actively performing in The Long Island Comedy Festival, HA HA Hamptons Comedy Tour, Governors Comedy Clubs, private corporate events and theaters all over the United States. I just recently had the pleasure of seeing him as, Rodeo Ricky at White Post Farms in Melville, NY. He does 4 shows a day during the season, and they are absolutely wonderful with a mix of Vaudeville jokes, prop magic, and children’s entertainment. Rich did not take this role; Rich made this role. The Pavilion which houses The Rodeo Ricky Show features his face dawning an apropos cowboy hat. He’ll claim it wasn’t always this successful, and it took a lot of work, however he masterfully hides any hesitation by whimsically enchanting children and adults alike with his panache and all-encompassing entertainment.

You can find Rich Walker at a venue entertaining folks almost every weekend and some weekdays, you can see him as Rodeo Ricky at White Post Farms in Melville, catch him on Youtube, and enroll in “Stand Up University” to gain real life knowledge from experienced entertainers. Somehow Rich Walker is accessible, and it’s flabbergasting. My only advice, catch him while you can, book him if you're lucky, and enjoy a night out at his show, knowing you're not getting comedy slop but real crafted jokes, with punchlines and thought. Crafted over time and aged like fine wine, Rich Walker can either be sipped or chugged and will always put a smile on your face.

Visit www.Richwalkerlive.com to follow his socials and see where you can experience, “The Living Legend.” If you’re lucky, then maybe, just maybe, your contact might be in his cellphone one day.