Craig Ferguson bringing off-the-cuff comedy to Englert Theatre

Don't ask Craig Ferguson any questions during his show Sunday night at the Englert Theatre in downtown Iowa City. The comic and former late-night talk show host probably will not be able to answer many queries, because of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Just let Ferguson riff about whatever he hears about or experiences. During a recent chat, I told the Scottish humorist that I was recently a hit-and-run victim, and followed by asking what he'll talk about, Ferguson laughed.

“When I perform in Iowa I’ll talk about a guy who was struck by another car and followed in pursuit of the guy who hit him so he could take a photo of the guilty party’s license plate.”

That was a reminder of how amusing Ferguson was in the moment while hosting “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” which ran on CBS from 2005 to 2014. The chat show followed “The Late Show with David Letterman” and had solid numbers. Ferguson, who succeeded Craig Kilborn, was successful quickly. Within a year Ferguson achieved the highest ratings since the show’s inception in 1995.

Ferguson, 61, possessed the ability to make guests comfortable, like the legendary Johnny Carson always accomplished, but Ferguson also surprised in a manner akin to the iconic David Letterman.

“You’re talking about two of the best talk show hosts in the history of television,” Ferguson said by phone from New York. “They were incredible. I admired both of them and I just tried to do my best when I had the show.”

Ferguson doesn’t regret calling it a day after a decade and he won't reveal favorite guests. “I don't know if I can talk about that,” he said.

But he was terrific when he sparred with fiery Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock; exchanged barbs with surreal comic Steven Wright; and joked around with actress Kristin Bell.

“I certainly had a great time when I did the show, and now it’s about me going out and performing night after night,” he said. “There’s so much going on. I’m always inspired.”

Ferguson works best in the moment. Fortunately, he realizes that and doesn’t stick with the script with each show. His material varies with each gig.

“I know guys who go up there every night and have everything memorized word for word,” he said. “That technique never worked for me. It’s always different for me.”

As a result, it’s different for the audience, and that’s always refreshing. The Glasgow native is an original.

“I try not to do what everyone else does,” he said. “That has always been the way for me since I entered the world of entertainment.”

Ferguson started as a drummer in Scottish punk rock bands the Night Creatures and Exposure.

“But I ended up in the right place,” he said. “I enjoy acting and comedy. It’s my calling.”

Ferguson moved to America in 1994 and enjoyed success as part of “The Drew Carey Show.” Ferguson played Carey’s boss, Mr. Wick, from 1996 to 2003. He couldn’t comment on his experience with the show, but the hit series was a stepping stone.

Ferguson has acted in such films as “Born Romantic,” “Chain of Fools” and “The Ugly Truth.” He has also worked as a voice actor in "How to Train Your Dragon,“ ”Brave“ and ”Winnie the Pooh.“

“I have no complaints about my career,” Ferguson said. “It’s been varied and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. The wonderful thing is that it’s still happening, and I have the opportunity to deliver stand-up. I have no complaints.”