Emmy-nominated voice actor and comedian John Roberts, known for his versatile wigs, hats, and sunglasses, recently transformed the University Hall amphitheater at Lesley University into a vibrant comedy club. This month, he captivated students with jokes, shared behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved animated sitcom “Bob’s Burgers,” and offered insightful advice during an engaging Q&A session.
Organized by Lesley’s Campus Activities Board (CAB), with Mich Czlapinski, the CAB Comedy and Variety Chair, at the helm, the evening was a highlight of Quadfest. This week-long spring celebration included diverse events like bingo, a talent show, and a carnival filled with live music. The annual comedy night is a much-anticipated part of Quadfest, and John Roberts, the voice behind the iconic matriarch Linda Belcher in “Bob’s Burgers,” proved to be an ideal headliner.
A Perfect Match for Lesley Students
Mich Czlapinski, tasked with finding the perfect comedian for Quadfest, immediately thought of John Roberts. A fortunate encounter at the Northeast Association for Campus Activities (NACA) in November 2018 confirmed Roberts’ availability.
“I had to be mindful of the audience and what Lesley students would appreciate,” Czlapinski explained. “Discovering his availability, I knew securing him would be extraordinary for the Lesley community.”
Roberts, a pioneering figure on YouTube with over 20 million views, is celebrated for his unique comedic style, characterized by eccentric characters brought to life with flamboyant wigs and exaggerated accents. Growing up in New York City and New Jersey, Roberts draws inspiration from his personal life, especially his mother Margie, who serves as the primary inspiration for the character of Linda Belcher.
“Being half-Irish and half-Italian makes me gay!” Roberts quipped, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. As an openly gay actor and comedian, his repertoire includes characters like “gay God,” who he jokes “invented Provincetown on the fourth day,” and the popular YouTube skit “My son is gay,” a humorous take on his mother’s reaction to his coming out.
Beyond Laughter: Sincere Engagement and Advice
Following his comedic performance, John Roberts transitioned into a Q&A session, engaging with students’ questions and sharing personal experiences to offer guidance to the soon-to-be graduates.
“Nurture your relationships; they are invaluable for life. Be kind to yourselves, and turn your thoughts into actions. Don’t overthink,” he advised, resonating deeply with the students.
Roberts addressed a range of questions, from his favorite Linda Belcher quote (“When I die, I want you to cremate me and throw my ashes in Tom Selleck’s face.”) to his choice for an actor to play him in a biopic (Jerry Seinfeld). However, his most impactful response came when a transgender student sought advice on navigating family challenges.
“In this moment, we are united in our struggles, and a collective awakening is happening,” Roberts affirmed. “Find your family within your friends and always remember your inherent worth.”
As the evening concluded, students eagerly lined up for photos and autographs. Mich Czlapinski’s foresight in booking Roberts for Lesley University proved accurate.
“I was confident that John Roberts would resonate with the Lesley audience,” Czlapinski concluded, “and that students would genuinely benefit from meeting and interacting with him.”
