Harland Williams has one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment. As we jump on a call with him, we instantly flash back to the brash cop in Dumb and Dumber, the despondent stoner in Half Baked and the unimpeding serial-killer hitchiker in There’s Something About Mary. Our adolescent years of good times and bad decisions, comes rushing back in a flood of nostalgia. For us, three classic movies that defined and era, but for Harland, the launching points of a career spanning 35+ years. 

“I’ve played women, I’ve played cops, I’ve played hitchhikers: it’s really been a robust and full career and I’m extremely grateful for it all,” laughs Harland while at home in L.A. 

Robust is an understatement to say the least. Williams’ has starred in over 40 movies, written multiple childrens books and created a plethora of TV shows and podcasts. 

Of all of Williams’ accomplishments though, none are as popular and impactful as his role in Half Baked: the millennial stoner’s holy writ for putting it to the man. It’s hard to believe the movie came out 24 years ago, yet people quote it with ease. And for Williams, fans still see him as that charismatic stoner caught on the wrong side of the law. 

“I’ll be playing a comedy club, and after my set, I'll shake hands with a fan and feel a lump in my hand—it’s a giant bud of weed. I feel bad telling them that I don’t do this,” laments Williams.  

While many of us see Williams as one of the many characters he’s played, he’s always been rooted in standup comedy. It was his first gig out of college. It’s been a staple of his life every week since, sometimes playing up to three shows a night. 

“I enjoy comedy so much. For me, comedy is one of those things where the entire world shuts down during the show … The madness in the world still exists but you get to mold it to the way you want it to look,” says Harland. 

If there was ever a time for a reprieve from reality, the time is now. You name it, the world is experiencing it; a full-on zombie apocalypse wouldn’t be a surprise at this point. But for Harland Williams, it’s all positivity and even talking to him over the phone, the vibe is contagious. 

“Some comedians are looking to say a social message more than make people laugh. That’s fine. I try to keep it fun and silly. I focus on the humor and not delivering an opinion.” 

When Harland comes to the Boulder Theater on Friday, May 13, he’s bringing 35 years of fun and silly. Thanks to Laugh Line Comedy, who is hosting Harland as one of its many summer comedy shows, fans will get a dose of the comedic mastermind in person. And it will be a doozy. 

“One of the things that drew me to Boulder to do this show was performing at the Boulder Theater. There’s something about being in a big, beautiful theater that brings out something else. When I step out on a theater stage it is different. My performance goes up a notch.” 

Harland Williams plays Boulder Theater in Boulder, CO on May 13, 2022. Doors at 7:30pm, Show at 8:00pm. 

Tickets available at Z2 Entertainment.