Amir Blumenfeld, Israeli-American comedian, actor, director, and screenwriter

Who is Amir Blumenfeld?

Amir Shmuel Blumenfeld, born on January 18, 1983, is a distinguished Israeli-American comedian, actor, writer, and television host. Fluent in both English and Hebrew (אמיר שמואל בלומנפלד), Blumenfeld is perhaps most widely recognized as one half of the highly popular American comedy duo, Jake and Amir, alongside Jake Hurwitz. His multifaceted career spans online digital content, traditional television, and film, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary comedy.

Early Career and CollegeHumor Beginnings

Amir Blumenfeld's journey into comedy began early in his life. Born in Israel, he relocated to Los Angeles at the age of two, setting the stage for his American upbringing and eventual rise in the entertainment industry. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2005 when he was recruited by the then-New York City-based digital comedy giant, CollegeHumor. At CollegeHumor, Blumenfeld quickly became an indispensable creative force. He contributed extensively to the platform's various forms of content, including its published books and articles. More significantly, he wrote for and starred in a multitude of original web videos that became hallmarks of CollegeHumor's comedic output. His appearances included prominent roles in recurring series such as the office-based sketch comedy *Hardly Working*, which parodied typical workplace absurdities, and *Very Mary-Kate*, a satirical take on the Olsen twin's public persona. His talent also extended to traditional television as a cast member on *The CollegeHumor Show*, a short-lived but memorable MTV program that brought CollegeHumor's unique brand of humor to a broader audience.

Prior to his CollegeHumor tenure, Blumenfeld gained initial national recognition in 2004. He distinguished himself as a semi-finalist in Yahoo's inaugural national IM Live contest, a pioneering competition centered around instant messaging and live chat. Despite losing to the eventual champions, this early foray into online performance showcased his comedic timing and ability to engage a wide audience, hinting at the digital success that would soon follow.

The Phenomenon of Jake and Amir

Today, Amir Blumenfeld is most famously recognized for his starring role in the highly influential web series *Jake and Amir*, where he co-stars with Jake Hurwitz. In this series, Blumenfeld masterfully portrays an exaggerated, often irrationally annoying, and hilariously self-absorbed version of himself, consistently clashing with Hurwitz's more grounded, exasperated character. The series initially began as a passion project, created independently by Hurwitz and Blumenfeld in their spare time, showcasing their raw comedic chemistry. Its immense popularity quickly caught the attention of CollegeHumor, which subsequently took over production, propelling *Jake and Amir* to viral success and making it one of the longest-running and most beloved web series of its time. Blumenfeld's distinctive acting style and comedic performance in *Jake and Amir* earned him critical acclaim, culminating in a prestigious Webby Award for Best Individual Performance in 2010, underscoring his impact on digital comedy.

Pranks, Podcasts, and Other Endeavors

Beyond *Jake and Amir*, Blumenfeld cultivated a strong comedic partnership with fellow CollegeHumor writer and performer Streeter Seidell. Their collaboration gained significant traction with *The Prank War* series, a popular web series documenting a meticulously escalating series of practical jokes they played on each other. The series' popularity transcended the internet, leading to a memorable appearance by Blumenfeld and Seidell on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* in 2009. Building on this success, MTV later enlisted both Seidell and Blumenfeld to co-host *Pranked*, a clip show that curated and showcased various prank videos from across the internet. Years after *The Prank War* became a digital phenomenon, Blumenfeld and Seidell humorously revealed that the original series was largely staged, adding another layer to its comedic legacy.

Amir Blumenfeld's creative contributions extend well beyond the CollegeHumor ecosystem. His acting credits include appearances in the independent short film *The Old Man and the Seymour*, guest roles in critically acclaimed television series such as Louis C.K.'s *Louie* and the coming-of-age comedy *I Just Want My Pants Back*, and a cameo in the 2011 major motion picture *A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas*. Demonstrating his versatile writing talents, he also contributed articles to reputable publications like *ESPN The Magazine* and *Mental Floss*. In recent years, Blumenfeld has significantly expanded his influence in the podcasting space. He is the co-host of the highly successful comedy advice podcast *If I Were You* with Jake Hurwitz, which has garnered a massive following. Furthermore, he is a co-founder of Headgum, an independent podcasting network established in 2015, which produces a diverse array of popular podcasts, further solidifying his entrepreneurial presence in the digital audio landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amir Blumenfeld

What is Amir Blumenfeld best known for?
Amir Blumenfeld is primarily best known for being one half of the comedy duo Jake and Amir, starring in the popular web series of the same name. He is also recognized for his extensive work with CollegeHumor as a writer, actor, and host, appearing in series like *Hardly Working* and *Prank War*, and for co-founding the podcast network Headgum.
What is Jake and Amir?
Jake and Amir is a highly popular and long-running web series created by and starring Amir Blumenfeld and Jake Hurwitz. In the series, Blumenfeld plays an exaggerated, annoying, and often delusional version of himself, while Hurwitz plays his more level-headed, exasperated colleague. The series originated independently before being produced by CollegeHumor, becoming a staple of online comedy and earning critical acclaim, including a Webby Award for Blumenfeld.
Did Amir Blumenfeld win any awards for his work?
Yes, Amir Blumenfeld received a prestigious Webby Award in 2010 for Best Individual Performance for his acting in the web series *Jake and Amir*. This award recognized his unique comedic style and significant impact on digital entertainment.
Is Amir Blumenfeld still active in comedy?
Absolutely. Amir Blumenfeld remains highly active in the comedy world. While his main work with CollegeHumor concluded, he continues to co-host the popular podcast *If I Were You* with Jake Hurwitz and is a co-founder of Headgum, a successful independent podcast network. He also occasionally appears in other comedy projects and continues to engage with his substantial fanbase.