Comic Amy Sedaris to speak at Iowa State April 11

AMES, Iowa -- Actress, author and comedienne Amy Sedaris will discuss her new book, "Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People" in a talk at Iowa State University at 8 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Her presentation is free and open to the public.

In her new book, Sedaris returns to the theme of domestic skills, following up her satirical guide to entertaining, "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence." The cover of the new book, "Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People," can be made into a hat, as demonstrated and worn by David Letterman during Sedaris' appearance on the "Late Show" last October.

In describing Sedaris, Letterman has said: "What you have to understand about this lovely woman is, in addition to being a fine actress and a wonderful comedienne, she's peculiar.... You have to keep that in mind because she's like -- and joyfully, gladfully -- different from everybody else walking around on the planet. That's what makes her special. That's why we embrace her. But, you know. She's not hooked up right."

Sedaris got her start in show business in Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. She went on to co-write (with Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello) Comedy Central's cult hit, "Strangers with Candy," playing the anti-heroine Jerri Blank. Sedaris has appeared in several television series, including "Monk," "Rescue Me," "My Name is Earl" and "Raising Hope," as well as the movies "Elf," "School of Rock" and "Maid in Manhattan." She was the voice of Cinderella in "Shrek the Third" and "Shrek Forever After." Her newest independent comedy with Neil Patrick Harris, "The Best and The Brightest," opens this spring.

Sedaris' presentation is cosponsored by National Affairs, VEISHEA and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by the Government of the Student Body. More information on ISU lectures is available at http://www.lectures.iastate.edu, or by calling 515-294-9935.