Dane Cook

Crazed stand-up comedian Dane Cook needed only time, patience, and lots of late nights spent e-mailing strangers to cultivate a small but loyal fan base into mainstream success. Frustrated devotees - mostly college kids and comedy clubbers - had been singing his praises for years, to no avail. But this "hottest comic no one has heard of," ended up cold-cocking the comedy world with his rock 'n' roll persona and hilarious observational bits on everyday life and pop cultural touchstones. His stand-up tours sold out within hours - even legendary venues like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. His second comedy album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard charts. He became as much a Comedy Central fixture as Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart. He even landed his ultimate dream gig, hosting "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ). A lot changed overnight for this handsome, magnetic funnyman who more than put in his time, after a 15-year struggle to be heir apparent to the Carlin/Pryor/Martin comedy throne.