Hometown Fun with John Heffron – Laughs, Stories & Giving Back
Meltdown catches up with comedian John Heffron ahead of his performance at the Victory for Veterans event in Howell, Michigan.
If laughter truly is the best medicine, then John Heffron may as well have a medical degree. The South Lyon-raised comedian and former Detroit radio personality recently caught up with Meltdown to discuss his upcoming performance for Victory for Veterans in Howell, Michigan, and to share some hilarious anecdotes from his incredible career.
A Homecoming Event with Heart
Excited to return to Michigan, Heffron referred to the February 8th Victory for Veterans event at Crystal Gardens as “a homecoming.” The show, which includes a dinner, live auction, and silent auction, is a fundraiser for veterans, making it even more meaningful for John, whose father is a proud veteran himself.
“My dad is really pumped about this one,” Heffron commented with his trademark humor. “He even asked me if I have a nice jacket. Apparently, showing up in flannel isn’t going to cut it this time!”
For Heffron, growing up in South Lyon is something he treasures more and more with each year. “When I drive by nowadays, I’m the guy saying, ‘That wasn’t there, and that used to be a cornfield!’” he joked.
But the heart of this event isn’t just laughs—it’s about giving back to the veteran community. “It’s for a great cause, and I can’t wait to see people from the old stomping grounds like South Lyon, Milford, and Brighton.”
From Detroit Radio to Last Comic Standing
Heffron’s career took off in the mid-’90s when he landed a role as a sidekick for Danny Bonaduce on Detroit Morning Radio. And according to Heffron, those were far from boring days.
“Oh, the show was insane,” said Heffron, reminiscing about the chaos. “Once, we were interviewing Janet Jackson, and Danny got mad at our producer for messing up the venue info. During the interview, he tackled the poor guy right in front of Janet. I tried to keep the convo going, asking her if she liked Pop-Tarts, but yeah … it was nuts.”
Even wilder? Heffron ended up catching a concussion while breaking up the scuffle. Talk about job hazards! “Danny hit me so hard, I’m pretty sure I time-traveled back to the VCR era,” he joked. Though it sounds crazy, Heffron reflects on these experiences with gratitude—and a lot of laughs.
After radio, John shifted gears to fully pursue stand-up comedy, a path that ultimately landed him on Last Comic Standing. Securing the win on the show turned Heffron into a household name overnight. Since then, his comedy career has spanned everything from late-night talk shows to corporate gigs, though these days, he keeps his schedule balanced between gigs and life on his Michigan farm.
Michigan Famous and Loving It
“I used to be on the road 37 weeks a year,” Heffron said of his earlier, fast-paced days in comedy. Now, he appreciates being closer to home, performing local shows and corporate events.
“I’ve embraced being ‘Michigan famous,’” said Heffron. “I get to perform, come back home, and hang out on my little farm. It’s a great setup.”
When asked about his comedic inspirations, Heffron named the late Richard Jeni as a major influence. “He was an incredible storyteller,” Heffron explained. Over the years, Heffron has also given a platform to up-and-coming comedians like Nate Bargatze and Ryan Hamilton, likening himself to the mentor figure in Bull Durham. “I love helping other comics grow while I keep doing what I love.”
February 8th – Victory for Veterans
For those heading to the Victory for Veterans event, Heffron promises a night filled with laughter and meaning. “Tickets are affordable, and the cause is incredible,” he said. And yes—his dad will make sure he’s dressed to the nines in a proper tuxedo jacket.
Don’t miss John Heffron at Victory for Veterans on February 8th at Crystal Gardens in Howell, Michigan. Doors open at 6 PM for an unforgettable evening of dinner, laughter, and heartfelt fundraising for a great cause.
Grab your tickets now, and get ready for a night of community, comedy, and giving back! Laughter guaranteed.