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Harry Freedman Profile

  • Funny Fake Industry Expert and Motivational Speaker, Emcee, and Hilarious Onsite Videos.

  • Actor and writer for the hit CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.

  • Over three decades of experience faking corporate audiences out for laughs.

  • In 40 short years, Harry Freedman MD, PhD, JD, has been a doctor, consultant, a top stockbroker and motivational speaker. He has been described as an expert in worker safety, bank regulation, health care, and stock forecasting, and has addressed top executives at Smith Kline Beecham, Kidder Peabody, Price Waterhouse, Dun & Bradstreet, Tucker Anthony, Philip Morris, and a host of other top companies nation wide. So how has this one man accomplished numerous successful lives within only one lifetime?

    The real Harry Freedman is not actually a doctor or a lawyer, but a versatile comedian able to pass himself off as all of the above and numerous companies have hired him to do just that. Harry’s ingenious portrayals are a way to bring humor to annual meetings or conventions after days of tedious seminars, but even more importantly, spoof organizations’ own top executives, break down barriers, and make upper management and senior leadership seem more accessible.

    Prior to his unique career as a fraud motivational speaker, Harry hit the mark in the stand-up comedy circuit, opening for comedic legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, and Ray Romano. His experience writing and performing led him to collaborate with a friend in writing a comedy script for a corporate show, which sparked the idea for a whole new genre of motivational speaking – a genre that puts work issues and senior leadership into a new perspective via one of the most potent and universal techniques in existence: comedy.

    • View Extended/Alternate Bio

      Customized Comedy Put-ons, Emcee, Customized Videos

      Perhaps the only individual ever to have been profiled in the business sections of The New York Times, Miami Herald, Newsday, and Int’l Herald Tribune, Harry Freedman will create the perfect fake industry expert for your group, that has everyone fooled until they are roaring with laughter!

      With nearly three decades of professional comedy experience, from the clubs of Las Vegas to the corporate boardroom, Harry Freedman is a comic you can trust. As a speaker, he has performed for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, and is frequently rated ‘best speaker’ at conferences. As a stand-up comedian, Harry is often opening for Ray Romano; has appeared on Everybody Loves Raymond; and was a staff writer for Caroline’s Comedy Hour. Harry has also written and directed a short film, 30 Minutes, which received terrific acclaim at the NY Int’l Independent Film Festival.

      In addition, Corporate Audiences enjoy Harry’s video shorts, where he interviews selected attendees (in character), to create a hilarious 8-10 minute piece played following his speech, as well as his humorous videographies of whole conferences. So when you think of finding the right performer to give your people a laugh-fest they will love and thank you for, two key words make all the difference: Harry Freedman!

    Harry Freedman Speaking Videos

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    Harry Freedman's Speech Descriptions

      WHAT IS A CORPORATE COMEDY PUT-ON?
      Harry is introduced as an industry expert and gets everyone Laughing, even as they believe he’s for real. Clients rave about Harry’s customization, so the audience goes in expecting a serious presentation and comes out relaxed and glowing.

      BACKGROUND
      As a Corporate Put-on Comedian and Emcee, Harry has performed for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, and is frequently rated 'best speaker' at their conferences.

      CAN IT WORK FOR ANY GROUP OR ORGANIZATION?

      ABSOLUTELY! Each of Harry’s put-ons is completely customized to the client’s need and situation. Sometimes the “spoof” takes the form of poking fun at a general topic you agree on with Harry; sometimes it’s poking fun at specific people that you and Harry select. In either case, you can rest assured it will be a hit with your group.

      SAMPLE CHARACTERS

      ...Posing as The Frugal Economist
      In times of economic uncertainty like now, sure fire ways to keep your budget in check.

      • Paying your taxes is for suckers.
        Do your kids really need an allowance?
        The wealthy are suffering too. I cut the heat in my mansion from 85 to 82.

      ...Posing as an Expert on India and China
      The incredible growth of both countries and their effects on the US economy, has made this a very hot topic. I recently portrayed a White House envoy to India and China in NY for 500 alumni of India’s prestigious Institute of Technology.

      ...Posing as a Political Spin Doctor
      As a former campaign advisor, I reveal the inside secrets behind candidates decisions. (If only Rudy Guliani had listened to my advice, that the early states actually matter.)

      ...Posing as a Business Expert

      • "I think I′ve been asked to speak today in order to help clear up these kinds of issues. After all, I think we′ve all heard the expression: Those that can do - do. Those that can′t do - teach. And those that can′t teach - consult. And those that can′t consult, recruit those that can do, which I think pretty much should explain the whole thing."
      • "Hopefully by now you figured out that I′m not actually a consultant to your company, and if you haven′t ...you′re fired. I′m actually a Stand up comedian from New York and my name is Harry Dilbert Freedman, well, that′s my stage name, my real name is Biff Wilson and the reason I′m really here today is to talk to you about Amway products."

      ... Posing as a Transportation Expert

      • "Some of the airlines may be cutting too many corners. I was on TWA from Florida recently... we flew real low to the ground so we could drop quarters in the tollbooths. We went over a beach, 15 old guys with metal detectors got stuck to the bottom of the plane."

      ...Posing as a Real Estate Expert

      • "You can get publicity in the building industry by avoiding glitzy fads and going back to traditional building materials that have proven themselves over the years... like asbestos for example. I say if asbestos was good enough for us when we were kids, it should be good enough for our kids today."

      ...Posing as a job Placement Expert

      • "Above all, remember 1/3 of all applicants lie about their backgrounds, and as far as I′m concerned, that′s good, because that means it′s also okay if you lie about the job. Since they think the company believes their resume, it′s okay for you to let them believe it′s also a good job."

      ...Posing as a Technology Expert/Futurist

      • "Strategic planning also means naming your electronic products carefully. Look what happened to Wang for example. Here′s a company that would still be thriving if their salesmen didn′t have to keep going up to strangers and asking, "Wanna buy a Wang?"
      • " I can′t believe they cloned the monkees. They should′ve cloned the Beatles instead - they were a lot better group."

      ...Posing as a Health Care Expert

      • "Sometimes as a physician I′ll be in the middle of an operation and realize, "I don′t know what the heck I′m doing." I like to call that ′Exploratory Surgery.′"
      • "They′re inventing crazy stuff for medicine. Somebody recently invented a solar powered pacemaker. So now, when the sun goes down, so do you."

      ...Posing as a Banking/Financial Expert

      • "I did some work for Citibank... and improved their service, by helping them get rid of their outdoor ATM cash machines and putting them inside; or in other words, we finally brought crime off the streets and into their bank lobbies where it really belongs."

      ...Posing as a Legal Expert

      • "I′ve had some legal successes I′d like to share. For example, I helped hand-pick the jury that gave 2.9 million to the woman singed by a cup of Mcdonalds coffee, and I am currently suing for 9 million in a similar case involving Chamomile Herbal Tea."

      ...Posing as a Food Industry Expert

      • "Certain foods that are supposedly good for you really aren′t - like hot cereal. Ever walk away from a bowl of hot cereal? You come back 20 seconds later - it′s like a block of cement. I spackled my house with grits. I think the Mafia throws people in the river with Farina Overcoats."

      ...Posing as an Environmental Expert

      • "If the spotted owl is so rare, how is it that they keep getting spotted? Obviously, the fact we know they even exist means there′s more then enough of them to go around."

      ...Posing as a Credit Card Expert

      • "When I first got a call saying I was wanted by American Express, the first thought I had, was, ′oh my goodness′ they′re finally coming after me...until I checked my records and realized no, that would actually be Visa; so the good news is that I′m going to use the payment for my speech tonight to finally wipe out my debts with Visa, and begin running one up now on American Express.
      • "I want to add that if for any reason I′m not paid within 30 days for my services tonight, I′ll be adding an extra 18% interest charge for every month they′re late."

    What People are Saying about Seeing Harry Speak

    Rating Entries

    BONDING & TEAMBUILDING
    “The laughter in the room and the atmosphere you created greatly helped our networking and collaboration mission. Your presentation was a great way to build team morale, break down social barriers, and have a few laughs after a long day.”
    Richard Girgenti, KPMG: US Partner in Charge, Forensic

    REENERGIZE PRODUCTIVITY & PERFORMANCE
    “Everyone was pretty strained, as we were under serious licensing deadlines. You got everyone laughing so hard, we may have coaxed an extra week of overtime from our workers.”
    Rich Kacich, Yucca Mountain Nuclear

    DISTINGUISH FAKE VS REAL
    “It was great watching their faces as they slowly realized you were an imposter. The laughter just flowed.”
    Roy Winograd, VP, HUAL

    TOP OF HIS FIELD
    “Harry’s material and performance exceeded our expectations in every way. Our audience absolutely loved him.”
    Jon Miller, Coca Cola

    UNSURPASSED CUSTOMIZATION
    “Harry is a storyteller who takes the time to learn about his client and the audience and weaves his magical style into every word that leaves his mouth.”
    Roberta Aronoff, TRMA Executive Director

    SAFETY
    “Your customization was terrific and I want to thank you for reviewing everything ahead of time.”
    Sarah Wingfield, Choice Hotels

      “It′s not often management gets unsolicited rave reviews for turning a boring event into such a memorable occasion! As you know, we are under licensing deadlines and severe strain. Your show got everyone laughing so hard, we may have coaxed an extra week of overtime from our workers. I′ve now used you twice, once at Yankee Atomic, and now for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear repository, and I couldn′t be happier. Your customization is unbelievable. The hilarious nuclear jokes you wrote made it sound like you were really a DOE expert. The audience of 800 people went home in a great mood! “
      Rick Kacich
      Yucca Mtn. Nuclear

      “People are still talking about your performance! You did a great job. Several are already looking at hiring you for other meetings.”
      Matt Lauck
      Emerson Climate Technologies

      “What a pleasure to experience your performance. It was obvious that you put a lot of time and effort into learning about both our company and some of the individuals. The feedback was very positive and thoroughly enjoyed by all.”
      Wendy Mingst: Doherty Enterprises

      “We could not have asked for a better end to our conference. It was a huge success. Your delivery and timing were terrific. You successfully incorporated industry terminology that kept the illusion going. Many clients expressed interest in having you at their events. The video interviews were also key.”
      Dave Robbins-MMA Financial 

      “This is the second time I′ve used you, and the second time I′m extremely happy. Because, a lot of our customers and Servnet people saw you do a put-on 2 years ago, initially, I was concerned, but not only did you do a great job writing new material, the wig fooled everyone for you to pull off another hit. It was a terrific success.”
      Bob Mcconkey, Servnet

      “Our conference guests loved you! You were terrific to work with – highly professional and very accommodating. I particularly appreciate that you previewed your material. Thank you for a great job!”
      Ellen Lockwald, Trizetto

      “Harry, thanks for a great show!”
      Darlene McCalmont, Regrid Solar 

      “You did a great job at our annual Sr. Managing Director′s meeting,  especially the way you made it specific to our people.”
      Roger Carlile, FTI Consulting

      At KPMG Forensic, we are in the business of preventing and detecting fraud, and much to my surprise, you were able to fool our top-notch investigators. I particularly appreciate the time you took to achieve a high-level understanding of our people and business. Your presentation was a great way to build team morale, break down social barriers, and have a few laughs after a long day. Thank you again for a job well done.
      Richard Girgenti – KPMG: US. Partner in Charge, Forensic

      Thank you for your exceptional work at our Event in Cabo San Lucas. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! The research you did into our company was phenomenal. You were able to appropriately (and inappropriately) use our lingo in a hilarious way. The jokes about our people are still flying around in meetings and creating levity during potentially stressful times. I′m also especially glad I opted for the interview video. We fully enjoyed seeing our peers attempting to answer questions they had no clue how to address!
      Molly Thiel – VP: GB Home Equity

      Your portrayal of a special advisor to the White House on airport and FAA matters was received with great enthusiasm, particularly because our attendees really were not sure whether your expertise was for real. Your timing, delivery and content, before a very sophisticated audience, were extremely humorous, topical, and tasteful. I would recommend you to any group that wishes to engage an extremely funny and intelligent humorist.
      Peter Wallis – Chairman: Calgary Airport Authority

      Your incorporation of the information we gave you was perfect, evidenced by the amphitheater being filled with laughter! Everyone enjoyed it completely!
      Gloria Savage – Fiserv Atlanta

      Your performance was a big hit!
      Debra Weiser – VP: St. Paul Travelers

      Thank you for your entertaining presentation. We, as well as the conference attendees at our 14th World Captive Forum conference, thoroughly enjoyed the show.
      Lisa Ferrier – Conf. Coordinator: World Captive Forum

      Your talk about the steamship industry took our people completely by surprise. It was great watching their faces as they slowly realized you were an impostor. The laughter just flowed! Your utilization of industry terms and key staff members was priceless. It was the perfect thing to follow a full day of dry meetings. I look forward to using you again soon.
      Roy Winograd – VP: HUAL

      An old friend of Limba, Harry Freedman got up and did a comedy routine that quickly brought the crowd up to speed.
      Ernie Fazio – President: LI Men′s Business Assn

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