Carl Hurley Speaking Fee: $10,000 and Below

Carl Hurley is a comedian, author, and former educator known for his wholesome humor and engaging storytelling. Born in 1941 in a log cabin in Laurel County, Kentucky, Hurley grew up in the Appalachian foothills, where he was immersed in a rich tradition of storytelling. He worked his way through Eastern Kentucky University by milking cows on the college dairy farm, earning a Master’s degree in education in 1966. He later earned a doctorate in education from the University of Missouri in 1971. After returning to Kentucky, Hurley taught for eight years at Eastern Kentucky University, where he also coordinated the university’s secondary education program. His ability to enliven his college lectures with humor led to numerous speaking engagements outside the university. In 1982, he left academia to become a full-time speaker and entertainer, earning the nickname “America’s funniest professor.” He often jokes about his career transition, saying, “I didn’t leave teaching, I just expanded my classroom.” Today, Hurley resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, Angela. They have two grown children, Lori and Chad, and grandchildren who sometimes feature in Hurley's routines. His comedic style, reminiscent of other American humorists like Andy Griffith and Garrison Keillor, combines a keen sense of the absurd with authentic storytelling. Despite his stature at 5 feet 6 inches, Hurley's presence is larger than life, characterized by his jolly demeanor and sharp wit. Apart from his radio features on SIRIUS and XM, Hurley's work includes television appearances and live performances at notable venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, where he is an honorary member. He has produced 15 comedy recordings and authored a reflective book about his Appalachian upbringing titled "We Weren’t Poor – We Just Didn’t Have Any Money," available across various platforms including his website and major online retailers. For those seeking humor that is both wholesome and insightful, Carl Hurley continues to be a compelling voice in American entertainment, drawing on his rich life experiences and professional background in education to engage and delight audiences.