Ross instantly felt at home, hanging out with comics like Milton Berle and Buddy Hackett. Jeffrey Ross started hanging around the Friars Club after being invited to play poker with many of the Borsht Belt era members. Ross’s close relationship with his grandfather was an impetus for him to write his one-man show “Take A Banana For The Ride.” Ross became the quintessential New York Comic, performing both in the clubs like the Comedy Cellar and in the burgeoning alternative scene at venues like the Luna Lounge. Ross appeared on Star Search in 1992 under his full name, but claims that after Ed McMahon botches the pronunciation three times, he felt he should change it. As he crafted an act, he continued his day job producing industrial films. He began to use his family life, including his extended ties with his grandfather and aunt, to craft material. Ross enjoyed the class and fell into stand-up.
His parents passed away when he was teens, his mother at 14 and his father in 19.Īfter completing his Communications degree (with a minor on Political Science) at Boston University, Ross took a class in stand-up - unbeknownst to him - he thought it was a TV comedy writing class.
He worked in the family business as a teen, both in the kitchen and as a parking valet.
Jeffrey Ross grew up the son of kosher caterers in Springfield, New Jersey.
