DATE: Sunday, April 13, 1997                TAG: 9704110192

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: CLOSE-UP 

                                            LENGTH:   67 lines

ANI CRANE COMEDIAN, TEACHER, ACTRESS

Ani Crane wants to help you find something. Your funny bone.

Crane, a stand-up comedian, teacher, singer, writer, actress, biker, swimmer and humor therapist, teaches that laughter often is the best medicine.

She routinely lectures to singles, widows and widowers and even Navy Seals. She also teaches a stand-up comedy and humor therapy class at the Adult Learning Center.

``People have a hard time letting their hair down,'' said Crane, a transplanted city girl who sounds an awful lot like the star of ``The Nanny'' TV sitcom. ``The whole object of comedy is to be yourself. The closer you get to that the funnier you'll be.''

Full name: Ani (pronounced On Ee) Crane.

Hometown: Manhattan.

What brought you to the Beach? The wonderful climate, natural environment and laid-back lifestyle.

Birthdate: March 15. Pisces (beware the ides of March).

Occupation: Humor therapist, queen of fun, renaissance woman, entrepreneur.

Nickname: Peace Lily

Marital status: Divorced.

Children: Five children - a daughter, four sons and five grandsons.

What is your perfect day off? Sleeping in, a bike ride in First Landing State Park, movie matinee, dinner with a friend and good conversation.

Last smart thing you did: Moved to Virginia Beach.

Last dumb thing you did: Whenever I don't accept what is and try to fix it.

Favorite meal: Pasta, veggies, salad and bread. Gets me every time, especially when prepared and served to me by a male.

Favorite movies: My current favorites are ``Everyone Says I Love you,'' ``Secrets and Lies'' and ``Sling Blade.'' Of the oldies, ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' and foreign film, ``Mi Familia.''

Favorite song: ``It's all coming back to me'' by Celine Dion, '40s tunes and ``The Very Thought of You'' by Nate King Cole.

Last book read: ``Simple Abundance'' by Sarah Ban Breathnach and ``Seven Spiritual Laws of Success'' by Dee Pak Chopra.

Hobbies: I love biking, swimming, singing with the ``Joyful Noise'' chorus, yoga, performing, photography, plants and laughing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'm pretty happy with myself these days.

If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? He's outta sight. He needs to come closer.

Secret vice: Popcorn and watching TV sitcoms.

Favorite restaurant: Sage's An American Bistro for dinner, Le Matin Bakery for lunch and Baker's Crust for breakfast.

Your favorite night on the town: Live entertainment: symphony, opera, ballet, play or concert with a special friend by way of a limo.

Favorite TV shows: ``Dream On,'' ``NYPD Blue,'' ``Naked Truth'' and ``Rosie.''

Favorite sport: Canoeing.

Last vacation: A Windjammer cruise to the French West Indies and Cancun, Mexico.

Pets: Sassy, my kitty and significant other for now.

Worst job: Bank teller. It stifled my creativity.

Of what achievements are you most proud? Bringing the joy of laughter and teaching people how to play and have fun and raising five wonderful children.

What would you like as your epitaph? Ani lived, loved, laughed and was happy. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS

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