Kevin Fitzgerald: Vet, Comedian and CU Legend
Kevin Fitzgerald (EPOBio’73; MBio’78, PhD’82) is a bit like Forrest Gump — always in the right place at the right time. He joined CU’s swim team in 1969 and began working as a bouncer at The Sink and Tulagi to put himself through school. From there, he worked security for rock bands like the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley. Eventually, he dedicated his life to veterinary medicine and starred on the reality show Emergency Vets, which ran for 11 seasons on Animal Planet and was filmed at his Denver veterinary practice. Kevin also found a passion for stand-up comedy and has opened for George Lopez and Joan Rivers.
In his new memoir, It Started With a Turtle, Kevin recounts these sometimes strange and always interesting experiences, starting with his days at CU Boulder.
Tell us about your memoir. What do you hope readers, especially CU grads, take away from it?
I decided to use the COVID-19 pandemic time to get all my stories down on paper. I hope any CU students reading it would take away this: Your education doesn’t end with graduation. Your life is just beginning, and you should never be afraid to try new things.
As someone who’s worn so many hats — vet, comedian, author, conservationist — what is the common thread that has guided your career?
I have learned we weren’t put here to be sad, and we must live life to suck the orange dry! If we do anything, we should do it well and put a bow on it. The common thread is that love and kindness save the day. Always.
Of all the animals you’ve worked with over the years, which is your favorite?
I love anything with a heartbeat. However, I have to say I have a special feeling for turtles.
Looking back on your time at CU Boulder, how did the university shape the path you’ve taken?
I came through Boulder during a special time, but I would have to think that anyone’s college years are special. The professors and instructors that mentored me at CU Boulder helped mold me into who I am and what I have become. They have stayed with me in how I live and how I act with others.
How do you find the courage to try so many new things?
We have to be fearless. What are we afraid of? Failing. Failing is how we learn; failing is how we grow. If we always play it safe, there is little reward. We have to take a chance, and we have to put it out there. Once in a while, sometimes, we win one. But we never win if we don’t play.
Photos courtesy Kevin Fitzgerald