Craig Ferguson is a multi-talented comedian known for his late-night comedy and eclectic career spanning film, television, and the stage. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson began his entertainment career as a drummer in several punk bands in the U.K., a role he maintained for several years. After his time in music, he transitioned to bartending at a local pub in Glasgow, where he met Michael Boyd, the artistic director of The Tron Theatre. Boyd encouraged Ferguson to pursue acting, which led to a series of low-paying acting gigs and ultimately his discovery of a talent for comedy. Ferguson gained prominence in the U.K. with his own BBC television show, "The Ferguson Theory." He later brought his comedic talents to the United States in 1995, starring alongside Betty White and Marie Osmond in the ABC comedy "Maybe This Time." Though the show was short-lived, it opened doors for Ferguson in American television. He subsequently joined "The Drew Carey Show" from 1996 to 2003, where he performed the memorable role of Nigel Wick, Drew Carey's boss. In addition to television, Ferguson explored film writing with "The Big Tease" and "Saving Grace." He made his directorial debut with "I'll Be There," a film he also wrote and starred in, which received the Audience Award for Best Film at several film festivals, including Aspen, Dallas, and Valencia. His work earned him the "best new director" accolade at the Napa Valley Film Festival. Other film credits include "Niagara Motel," "Lenny the Wonder Dog," "Prendimi l'anima," "Life Without Dick," "Chain of Fools," "Born Romantic," and "The Big Tease." In literature, Ferguson debuted his first novel, "Between The Bridge and The River," in April 2006, which became a critically acclaimed bestseller. His tenure on "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," beginning on January 3, 2005, brought him widespread acclaim. Under his leadership, the show achieved its highest ratings since its inception in 1995. His work on the show led to his first Emmy nomination in 2006. Craig achieved a personal milestone in February 2008 when he became a U.S. citizen, a status he humorously celebrated when he hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner, earning praise for his witty and incisive humor. In the fall of 2009, HarperCollins published his memoir "American On Purpose," a humorous and poignant account of his journey from a small Scottish town to becoming a prominent figure in American entertainment. The memoir was praised for its humor and heartfelt exploration of the American dream. Beyond his professional career, Ferguson is committed to philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of the Lollipop Theater Network, which aims to bring current theatrical releases to hospitalized children facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses. His diverse career and philanthropic contributions have established Craig Ferguson as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.