Missouri-made actor and comedian David Koechner returns to the Ozarks for weekend of shows

Known for a roster of lively and often uncouth characters, actor and comedian David Koechner never strayed from his rural Missouri roots.

Koechner, most familiar for his roles in "Anchorman" and "The Office," flies every summer from Los Angeles to Kansas City, rents a car, and makes the two-hour southeast trek to his hometown of Tipton.

With his five children in tow, Koechner becomes the proud tour guide of the Moniteau County town of 3,000 residents, which still houses his family's 50-year-old turkey coop business, Koechner Manufacturing.

He reminds his offspring, whose Southern California upbringing includes casual encounters with celebrities, that his father began putting him to work at age 7, instilling a work ethic that helped vault his longtime entertainment career.

"They get to see where I grew up and how lucky they are, and how different their childhood was than mine," Koechner said. "We hang out there for a night, and then drive down to Table Rock Lake where we have our annual family reunion at my sister's place."

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The Mizzou graduate is returning to the Ozarks a little earlier this year.

Koechner will be at Blue Room Comedy Club in Springfield from Friday through Sunday, performing his "Blue Skies and Dirty Lies" stand-up sets and "The Office" trivia segments.

The energetic 60-year-old carries much of the same comedic vigor he had as a young improv comic who made his way to Saturday Night Live in 1995.

Impov and sketch comedy. Movies. Television. Voice acting. Koechner has a lengthy resume, but he didn't start to refine his stand-up pursuit until later in his career.

It seemed like a natural fit for the animated storyteller.

"When I had my youngest daughter 12 years ago, I started (stand-up)," Koechner said. "It's always good to have another job."

He has had plenty of notable gigs, including appearances in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" "Dukes of Hazzard" and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

Other Koechner roles cover the spectrum, from cult classics "Waiting" and "Out Cold" to playing Uncle Earl on Disney's "Hannah Montana."

With dozens of credits alongside some of the most prominent Hollywood figures, Koechner still considers himself much the same Tipton, Missouri kid he was before chasing his dream.

"It's a job, and it just happens to be a high-profile job," Koechner said. "I've never felt the need to put on airs, like I'm better. If someone is acting that way, it's probably fear. Ego is the enemy."

Koechner and fellow actors and Kansas City natives Paul Rudd, Rob Riggle, Jason Sudeikis, and Eric Stonestreet annually help raise money for the city's Children's Mercy Hospital.

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Exhibiting pride for his home state, Koechner can fire off the names of famous Missourians at a rapid clip.

"Brad (Pitt from Springfield), Cedric the Entertainer is from Jefferson City, and you have Sheryl Crow (from Kennett), there's a lot," Koechner said. "Dennis Weaver (from Joplin) who was on 'Gunsmoke' and "McCloud'. There's a lot."

He also knows that actor John Goodman of "Roseanne" fame is a Missouri State graduate. The school's John Goodman Amphitheatre was built last year.

"I hear there's a vibrant theater and art scene in Springfield," Koechner said. "I'm glad that's happening. I need to check and see if there's a show to go watch."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri-born actor, comedian David Koechner performs at the Blue Room