If only Brian Dunkleman hadn't quit American Idol.
Dunkleman is Ryan Seacrest's oft-forgotten co-host from the first season of Idol. He says he dropped out because he wanted a bigger career and thought Idol's days were numbered.
"I have what a lot of people refer to as 'poor judgment,' " said Dunkleman, 35, who lives in Los Angeles. "I thought it would run two seasons!"
So, while Seacrest and lots of others associated with Idol have become huge stars, Dunkleman is touring comedy clubs and trying for another spot on TV. He appears through Sunday at Side Splitters in Tampa.
Since his Idol departure in 2002, he has struggled to find small- and big-screen work. He recently filmed Comedy Hell, an independent thriller he calls a "horr-omedy."
As for Idol, Dunkleman predicts continued success.
"I thought it was kind of peaking last year, but it doesn't slow down at all," he said. "I think the only hope is nuclear annihilation."
Brian Dunkleman performs at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday at Side Splitters Comedy Club, 12938 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. $8-$16. (813) 960-1197; www.sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Other comedy
Ricky Reyes Fri.-Sat. 9:30 p.m. Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort at Coconuts Comedy Club Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort, 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. $15. (727) 360-5653; www.coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Dan Johnson Fri.-Sat. 9:30 p.m. Coconuts Comedy Club, 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. $15. (727) 797-5653; www.coconutscomedyclubs.com.
Jimmy Shubert Fri.-Sun. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri.; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E Eighth Ave., Tampa. $14-$16. (813) 864-4000.
Mutzie Fri.-Sat. With Mark Evans. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Comedy Zone, 35959 U.S. 19 N , Palm Harbor. $15. (727) 239-7100.
Tim Pulnik Sat. 9 p.m. Coconuts Comedy Club at Midtown Sundries & Sports Bar, 200 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. $15. (727) 360-5653; www.coconuts comedyclubs.com.
Wild Rice Sat. Midnight. Improv troupe with interactive, audience-driven comedy show. Continuing through June 16. Coconuts Comedy Club, 2950 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. $10. (727) 797-5653.
