TV writer, standup comedian to speak to Richland County Democratic Women's Caucus

Mike Larsen has found success in three highly competitive fields — television, politics and stand-up comedy. He has received Emmy and Writer’s Guild Award nominations for his writing on HBO’s "Real Time with Bill Maher," has written speeches for many politicians and made multiple appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Larsen will be the featured speaker at the Richland County Democratic Women’s Caucus to be held Monday at the Democratic Headquarters, 16 Park St., Mansfield. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

While earning a political science degree from San Francisco State University, Larsen ran for San Bruno City Council at 19, losing narrowly. After college he moved to Washington, D.C. to further his political career. While there, Larsen signed up for an open mike at a local comedy club and found a new calling. He returned to California and shortly later, was booked for his first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

After years of touring as a stand-up comic, Larsen broke into television writing. In addition to his work on "Real Time," his credits include "Two Guys and a Girl," "Ellen," "The Drew Carey Show," "Grace Under Fire," "Whoopi" and many others. He has sold pilots to ABC, CBS, FOX, The Disney Channel and the BBC.

Larsen has served as communications director for Congresswoman Jackie Speier and worked with her on health care legislation, financial reform and consumer protection. His most rewarding experience, though, was working with survivors of military sexual assault to help them tell their stories in their own words.

In his free time, Larsen mentors inmate writers at San Quentin State Prison and wrote the foreword to their 2016 "Brothers in Pen" anthology. He now lives on a small ranch in rural Union County, Ohio, with his wife, actress Tina Gasbarra, and their son, Luca.

The event will be free of charge with donations for candidates accepted.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: TV writer, standup comedian to speak to Richland County Democratic Women's Caucus