“It’s a great day for America, everybody!” As one of America’s leading late night talk show hosts, Craig Ferguson has kept the immigrant American Dream alive. Scotsman by origin and American by naturalization, Ferguson has made it to the top in the U.S. with bumps along the road. From construction worker in Harlem during the ’80s to his Peabody award-winning stint as host of The Late Late Show, Ferguson’s story is wholly American, which he is very proud of.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ferguson first broke out onto the entertainment scene as a drummer in a couple of punk rock bands. Peter Capaldi, the lead singer of the band The Bastards from Hell, suggested that Craig try comedy. This led to success in England as a stand-up comedian and actor of a few short-lived series on BBC. In 1994, Ferguson decided to try again in America and moved to Los Angeles. There he braved the comedy circuits again and landed roles in some ill-fated television shows until landing the role as boss, Nigel Wick, in The Drew Carey Show. But rather than coast on that success, Craig set his sights on over-achievement, staying true to the American Dream.

By writing in between takes of the hit show, Ferguson finished three screenplays that eventually led to the films The Big Tease, Saving Grace and I’ll Be There — all of which he also starred in; he directed I’ll Be There, granting him Best New Director and Audience Awards for Best Film accolades at various film festivals. Ferguson also lent his voice to animated series and films such as How to Train Your Dragon and Brave — where there is a Scot, Ferguson is your man. His hardworking nature has culminated in box office successes both on the big and small screens.

Since 2005, Ferguson has also added to his resume hit talk show host for The Late Late Show. Inheriting the show from fellow Craig, Craig Kilborn, Ferguson has made himself a staple on the late night circuit with his quirky humor and puppets — rivaling the likes of Conan O’Brien with his masterbating bear and Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog. This, along with his charm, has kept American audiences eating out of the palm of Ferguson’s hand. Yanks are lucky to call him one of our own. He would be proud to say it himself. So thankful and patriotic is Craig Ferguson that in 2008 he televised his last step in becoming a citizen. Also, he has permanently branded himself as a Yank with the famed political cartoon, “Join or Die,” tattooed on his forearm.

And next Thursday, Oct. 11, you will have the chance to see the famed Scotsman step out of talk show limelight and deliver a full-fledged comic routine at the State Theatre, sponsored by Dan Smalls Presents. If you have seen Jon Stewart or Seth Meyers, you will know that seeing a comic of late night notoriety is fresh and fun. With no cue cards or inane interview questions in sight, Craig Ferguson will have to regale you with his self-effacing honesty and humor. And whether you are already a fan or not, it will surely be a great day (or evening) in Ithaca, everybody.

Tickets can be purchased at DanSmallsPresents.com.