‘My saving grace’: Cranston comedian talks addiction and redemption through stand-up

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — John Perrotta’s life has been anything but ordinary – chaotic, honest, and wildly unpredictable.

In his memoir, “How Comedy Saved My Life,” the Cranston resident pulls back the curtain on the pain behind the punchlines.

“I always felt I had a different unique life. My life was different. I know there were people you know some people crazy than others but I know mine was at least in the middle of the pack crazy wise,” said Perrotta.

“I knew I knew I had a lot of stuff that I could tell in a book and it’s all there. The stories in it all true these stories are crazy a lot of them they really happened and there’s nothing made up all true stuff.”

From wild stories to raw personal struggle, John opens up about the years he spent battling addiction, times when he didn’t think he’d make it out.

“I remember so many bottoms I hit with the addictions I had and I remember thinking there was no way out in my story,” said Perrotta.

“(It) is one of hope that there is a way out no matter how far down you go you can seek help and talk to others and find your way out of whatever you’re in.”

What pulled him out wasn’t just treatment or time.

It was something deeper. Something that lit a fire again: comedy.

“I found comedy that’s what became my saving grace and I think if you have addictions and you hit the bottom like I hit many many bottoms and there’s people out there with different addictions that may be at that same point,” said Perrotta.

“…I had the passion for comedy and and that kept me going.”

His message is clear – no matter how far you fall, there is a way back. His story isn’t just about getting laughs. It’s about getting up.