September 2000
Indyscene

JIM DANDY

Who: Jim Gaffigan

Why you'll be hearing his name: As TV's fall season starts, he will costar with Christine Baranski in the CBS sitcom, "Welcome to New York," playing an Indiana weatherman adjusting to life in the Big Apple.

Back Story: Raised in Chesterton, Ind., Gaffigan moved to New York eight years ago. After appearing in commercials, TV shows and films -- including "Three Kings" -- he landed a spot on "Late Night With David Letterman." "For a comedian," he says, "It's a right of passage. Afterward, Dave and his production manager approached me about developing a show."

Hoosier Pride: "I didn't want the main character on the show (also named Jim Gaffigan) to be depicted as a hayseed. I thought, ey,maybe it's the New Yorkers who are the loonies.'"

On Success: "I still keep thinking this whole thing is a practical joke my brother is playing," Jim admits. "I'm waiting for him to call and say 'you idiot; that guy who called you from Indianapolis Monthly was really some guy I know from the office.'"