Doug Heffernan

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Douglas Steven "Doug" Heffernan is a fictional character in the American situation comedy The King of Queens. The role is played by actor Kevin James, whose stand-up comedy provides the comedic themes and general style of the show.

The character Doug Heffernan lives in Queens, a borough of New York City. Doug lives with his wife Carrie Heffernan (Leah Remini) and his father-in-law Arthur Spooner (Jerry Stiller).

Arthur always refers to him as "Douglas."

1 Childhood and beyond
2 Carrie and her family
3 IPS
4 Friends
5 Famous Quotes

[edit] Childhood and beyond

Doug lived a very sheltered childhood. While growing up, he was unaware that he had been born accidentally in Montréal, Canada while his pregnant mother and father attended a friend's wedding there. He had instead been told by his parents that he had been born in New York City up until he discovered the truth as an adult. He was also unaware that he had to repeat kindergarten and that his dog Rocky died several times during his childhood and was replaced each time. His parents had decided to hide these things from him because they wanted to protect him; these secrets were mostly revealed in one episode entitled 'Dog Shelter.'

Doug also struggled with weight problems his entire life. He was a chubby child and continued to have these weight problems as an adult, but with a lesser impact on his self-esteem. Doug went to high school in Queens, where he befriended Spence Olchin; he also went to school with his cousin Danny. Doug played high school football where he was a star player and starting guard. He later went on to junior college where he dropped out and tried out for a semi-pro football team, but he didn't make the team because of "politics", as he claims. He later got a job as a bouncer where he befriended Richie Ianucchi (who gave him the nickname "Moose"), and met his sharp-tongued, but loving wife, Carrie Heffernan.

Doug's parents' names are Joe Heffernan (played by Dakin Matthews) and Janet Heffernan (played by Jenny O'Hara), his sister is Stephanie Heffernan (played by Ricki Lake). Doug's annoying cousin Danny is played by Gary Valentine, who is Kevin James' brother in real life. His cousin's father, "Uncle Stu" is played by Gavin MacLeod who appeared in episode 73, "S'no Job" and episode 93, "Hero Worship".

[edit] Carrie and her family

During Doug's previous job as a bouncer, he was introduced to Carrie Spooner (Leah Remini) by his friend Richie. They went out with Carrie and her friend in what was not the best first date. Nonetheless, Doug and Carrie continued to date. Throughout their time together, they both changed. She matured a lot, becoming more responsible and faithful to Doug. Because of Carrie, Doug started his career with IPS and met his best friend Deacon.

When Doug first met Carrie's father, Arthur (Jerry Stiller), he was almost scared away by Arthur's craziness. Luckily he ran into Carrie on his way out, as they then found out that they loved each other.

Doug and Carrie got engaged at a Jets game and later planned their wedding. Carrie was very nervous and stressed leading up to the wedding, but Doug helped her through it, and they got married.

Doug married Carrie in 1995, and they bought a house in Queens. His father-in-law, Arthur, moved in with them when his wife died and his house burned down. Arthur lives in their basement, the former hangout for Doug and his buddies. Doug is often annoyed by Arthur, but he doesn't have the heart to get rid of him. As a moderate solution to Arthur's annoying behavior, Doug hired a dog walker named Holly to walk him.

Along with Arthur, Carrie's sister Sara moved in, but she was cut from the show during the first season.

[edit] IPS

One day, when Doug and Carrie were dating he lied and told her that he had a job. He quickly found a job with IPS. There he met his best friend Deacon Palmer.

Doug is a proud worker; he is a delivery man and a truck driver for the fictional company, IPS. Doug's actual boss is Supervisor Patrick O'Boyle (Sam McMurray) though officially, as seen in one episode, his company boss is named Fiscer. IPS is a thinly veiled reference to United Parcel Service.

Since beginning his job with IPS, he became the record holder for most consecutive days without an incident. Also since beginning with IPS his annoying cousin Danny began working there. And Danny and Doug are now actually good friends.

In addition to his regular job as an IPS truck driver, Doug has also worked as a bouncer, limousine driver, bicycle courier, and bartender.

[edit] Friends

Doug's best friend is fellow IPS driver Deacon Palmer (Victor Williams), who is married to Carrie's best friend, Kelly (Merrin Dungey). His other friends include lifelong buddy Spence Olchin (Patton Oswalt), a firefighter named Richie Ianucchi (Larry Romano) (who left the show mid-way through the series), his cousin Danny (Gary Valentine), and a dogwalker named Holly (Nicole Sullivan). Another friend of Doug's, Ray Barone (Ray Romano, Everybody Loves Raymond), has also appeared as a guest on a few episodes of the show.

Doug and Carrie live next door to famous bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno (played by himself). Lou is most famous for his role as The Incredible Hulk and is the root of his friends making "Hulk Jokes."