A self-centered 1970s sports broadcaster in “Anchorman.”

The obnoxious menace of a co-worker in “The Office.” 

And the chaotic, unpredictable uncle in “Hannah Montana.”

Those are just a few of the larger-than-life personalities brought to the screen by actor and comedian David Koechner, who’s made a career out of playing the loudest character in the room. 

Now, armed with nothing but a microphone, Koechner will give Colorado Springs audiences the chance to decide: Did his comedy skills create the outrageous characters or have the characters refined his outrageous style of comedy?

As part of “The Never Ending Tour,” Koechner will take the stage at The Black Sheep on Thursday, bringing his anything-goes humor to an intimate venue. 

Ahead of his performance, he reflected on his experiences in film and television, real-life comedy inspirations and what audiences can expect from his upcoming show. 

Question: How does your comedic approach differ when you’re performing for a camera compared to when you’re onstage in front of a live audience?

Answer: I’ve always found myself pursuing the laugh since I was in grade school. I think that’s probably the point for me — what I was made to do, I’m guessing. That’s the thing I enjoy most, getting a laugh, and when you’re on stage or on camera, that’s what you’re doing. When doing stand-up, when you’re doing improvisation, that’s a form of acting. I like to leave room for some spontaneous stuff throughout the show, but there’s strategy behind my questions. Stand-up is acting just as much as filming.

Q: Champ Kid in “Anchorman” and Todd Packer in “The Office” are prime examples of the hilarious, outrageous characters you tend to play. Have those roles influenced your stand-up style or shaped the way you think about comedy?

A: You have peaks and valleys in your career. For whatever reason, right now, the bulk of my work is stand-up. I’ve been inspired, but I’m more grateful. If you reflect back on how grateful you are that all these opportunities came and you met the challenge, things tend to turn around. You never know what’s going to happen in your showbiz life. It used to be you’d make a certain amount for a role, and it paid very well, but times have changed because of AI and all this other stuff. Now, I’m just grateful that I have something where I can create my own job.

Q: Since your early days of performing, how has your approach to comedy evolved?

A: Well, it’s like anything. The more you do something, the better you get. You know, you can see great names at different times in your career, but at some point, it becomes all about how much work you put into it. Some people like their sets to be very rigid, and that works for them, but I like to leave room for spontaneity. You might discover a different way of doing things, or you might play with language. Wit is just brevity of the soul, so the fewer words you can use to tell any story or joke, the better it’s going to be. There’s a myriad of things that are available to fuse your act with something fresh or create a new avenue for success with a laugh. Experimentation is always a good idea. 

Q: Many comedians draw from their personal lives for material. Are there particular experiences or moments in your own life that you feel have significantly shaped your sense of humor?

A: My whole act is about my life. You can’t believe some of the real things that have happened that turn out to be great comedy bits. So for me, it all has a grain of truth in it. For instance, there’s this bit I do: I was at a kid’s birthday party when a man I introduced myself to said, “We’ve met three times.” That interaction spurred a whole thing, and I was like, “Well why don’t you be a little bit more memorable?” A small story became a bit, and stories like that happen every day. It’s just about how you play with the topic.

Q: You’ve worked alongside some notable names in comedy over the years. Are there comedians or collaborators who’ve had a lasting influence on your style or perspective?

A: When I was a kid, I was a big fan of Abbott and Costello, the Marx Brothers and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Obviously, Will Ferrell, me and Steve Carell have had a fun relationship. There are also several writers I’ve worked with again and again over the years. You find these relationships that work, then you get a good intuitive sense of working with each other and sparks fly. 

Q: You’re bringing “The Never Ending Tour” to Colorado Springs. What can audiences expect from this show, and how did the tour earn its name?

A: I have five kids. Their expenses are never-ending, so I can’t stop. I’m an alcoholic and divorced father of five, so all of those complications, irritations and delights are encapsulated in my hour of stand-up. Rob Maher and I have worked together for eight years, and he’s been my opener for all that time. My daughter also goes to school in Boulder, so after the Colorado shows, I get to see her for a few days before heading to El Paso, Texas, next.

If you go

What: David Koechner “The Never Ending Tour”

When: Thursday, March 5, at 8 p.m.

Where: The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Ave.

Price: $46.08, (719) 227-7625, blacksheeprocks.com