“Saturday Night Live” star Kevin Nealon appears in San Diego this weekend

Comedian and actor Kevin Nealon , who might be best known for his run on “Saturday Night Live” from 1986-1995, will be headlining five comedy shows in San Diego this weekend.

The Connecticut native skyrocketed to fame on the venerable late-night sketch comedy show, creating such popular characters as “Franz” (of the “Hans and Franz” sketches), Frank Gannon, P.I.P.I. (“Politically Incorrect Private Investigator”) and Bob Waltman, a male Barbara Walters-type character, not to mention his time as anchor of the famous “Weekend Update” segment from 1991 through 1994.

Since his time on the SNL stage, Nealon’s kept busy onscreen, appearing in films like “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Anger Management,” “Little Nicky,” “Daddy Day Care” and “Get Smart,” among others. He also had a memorable role on the popular Showtime series, “Weeds,” in addition to his regular appearances on the Matt LeBlanc sitcom, “Man With a Plan,” and providing the voice of Glenn Martin on “Glenn Martin, DDS.”

Since 2017, Nealon has hosted a YouTube show called “Hiking with Kevin,” where he hikes with celebrity guests. The YouTube show is fitting, given Nealon’s famous love of nature. A vegan since 1989, Nealon is a known animal rights activist who supports PETA, Farm Sanctuary, the Washington Wildlife Alliance and more.

San Diego surely holds a special place in Nealon’s heart, as he lived in North Park in the late 1970s before moving to Los Angeles to jumpstart his acting career.

“‘When I moved out west, I kind of landed San Diego. I worked for a temporary-help agency called Manpower down there. They got me a job as a department store Santa Claus, and for a week, I worked at the San Diego Zoo at the reptile cage. It was crazy because I was 24, and I didn’t look anything like Santa. I remember the kids would be so scared they’d actually pee on my lap,’” Nealon told The San Diego Union-Tribune in 2017.

“Kevin Nealon at the American Comedy Co.”

When: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday ; 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp
Tickets: $30 and $35
Online: americancomedyco.com