Tom Cotter got his start as a stand-up comedian growing up in Providence, Rhode Island, and began doing open-mics at the nearby Boston comedy clubs. Tom got his big break on season 7 of America's Got Talent. Tom was the runner-up that season-- the highest place any comedian had achieved on the history of the show until that point. Tom has appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Last Comic Standing, and Premium Blend. Tom is also the author of a parenting "advice" book called Bad Dad: A Guide to Pitiful Parenting. This Comedian's Life talked with Tom about his unique rise to fame, performing with Joan Rivers, and the "un-reality" of reality television.