Father, son are in same business with different styles
By Kristin Marthaler, Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 11:31 AM CST

Though comedy and laughter were a huge part of Bill Bauer’s life, he never dreamt it would rub off onto his son ... in fact he prayed it wouldn’t. But it did.

Bauer is a nationally recognized comedian from Minneapolis. He has had TV appearances on ‘Rosanne’ and wrote for the show as well. He currently has a Russian Roulette skit he does on the ‘Bob and Tom’ morning talk show. He recently performed at Mr. T’s with his son Patrick Ryan.

Ryan was Bauer’s soon-to-be successful son who was in a band. “Little money, but a lot of girls,” according to Bauer.

Now Ryan has changed his career to comedy. “Little girls and a little more money,” Bauer said.

“It’s hard work. I wish he’d finish school,” Bauer said.

The 29-year-old has followed in his dad’s footsteps but added a few of his own along the way.

“We have completely different skits that we do,” Bauer said.

Bauer, who spends most of his routine talking about real life awkward and embarrassing moments, says he steers away from the type of routine his son does — politics.

Ryan went from being a “straight up nerd” in high school to an “angry nerd,” who gets to release his frustrations on stage any given night.

“Thanks to what I do I have an outlet for my feelings and thoughts,” Ryan said.

He also added there is plenty in the world to be angry about so it makes sense to turn it around and be able to laugh about it. Besides the seemingly happy bond between father and son, the two hit a few bumps in the road along the way.

“My dad is the worst driver ever,” Ryan said.

Most trips for the duo include areas around Minnesota that are within one day’s time of the big city. Otherwise, the bigger trips only happen four or five times a year.

“I travel with my dad once in a while but not too often,” Ryan said.

Ryan tries to keep his career different from Bauer.

“In this business I know Tom Arnold and have friends help me along the way like Louis Anderson,” Bauer said.

He was asked to appear on the ‘Rosanne’ show during its prime years and also wrote for the show on several occasions.

His son uses the last name of Ryan to not always be associated with his dad.

“I want to make it on my own, because of things I do,” Ryan said.

Though one must admit having friends like Tom Arnold and Louis Anderson would help a career, it takes one strong backbone to try the fight alone.

“I’ve done a lot of things. I was in the band Commrad Kim ... now I do a local talk show called ‘Drinking with Ian,’ it’s just a talk show, with a lot of drinking,” Ryan said.

Ryan is also part of the Minnesota Comedy Death Squad that tours with members including Chris Maddock and Wayne Burseind.