Paul Scheer, American comedian, actor, producer, and screenwriter
Paul Christian Scheer, born on January 31, 1976, is a multifaceted American entertainer widely recognized for his significant contributions as an actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, and podcaster. Hailing from Huntington, New York, Scheer's expansive career showcases a unique blend of sharp wit, comedic timing, and creative ingenuity across various media platforms.
Key Acting Roles and Acclaimed Performances
Paul Scheer's acting prowess has garnered critical acclaim, including a prestigious SAG Award for his collaborative work. He is particularly celebrated for his memorable roles in prominent television comedy series.
- Black Monday (Showtime): Scheer played the role of Keith Shankar in this dark comedy series, which satirizes the events leading up to the infamous 1987 stock market crash. His performance contributed significantly to the ensemble's recognition, which earned a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
- The League (FX/FXX): Fans of fantasy football and improv comedy will recognize Scheer as Andre Nowzick, a perpetually mocked but endearing member of a fantasy football league. His role in this long-running series showcased his ability to blend situational humor with character-driven comedy.
- Recurring Television Appearances: Scheer has also made notable recurring appearances in other popular comedies, including his role as Mitch on ABC's heartwarming sitcom Fresh Off the Boat and as Jeffrey Stuart, an executive at a problematic start-up, on HBO's critically acclaimed political satire Veep. These roles further demonstrate his versatility and comedic range.
Creative Vision: Writing, Producing, and Directing
Beyond his acting, Paul Scheer has a strong track record as a creative force behind the camera, co-creating and shaping groundbreaking comedy content.
- Human Giant (MTV): Scheer co-created, wrote, and starred in this highly influential sketch comedy series alongside Rob Huebel and Aziz Ansari. Human Giant was lauded for its innovative and often absurd sketches, establishing Scheer as a significant voice in modern comedy and influencing a new generation of sketch artists.
- NTSF:SD:SUV:: (Adult Swim): This Adult Swim series, which Scheer co-created and starred in, is a hilariously exaggerated parody of procedural crime dramas, particularly those in the vein of CSI or Law & Order: SVU. The show's full title, "National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle::," hints at its over-the-top, absurdist humor and rapid-fire comedic style.
A Pioneer in Podcasting: Engaging Film Discussions
Paul Scheer has also become a prominent figure in the podcasting world, co-hosting two highly successful and distinct film discussion podcasts that have garnered significant audiences and critical acclaim.
- How Did This Get Made? (HDTGM): This award-winning and immensely popular podcast features Scheer, his wife June Diane Raphael, and fellow comedian Jason Mantzoukas, as they dissect and hilariously discuss "bad" or confusing movies. Known for its chaotic energy, improvised humor, and deep dive into the inexplicable decisions behind these films, HDTGM has developed a massive cult following, inspiring live tours and countless fan discussions.
- Unspooled: Co-hosted with esteemed film critic Amy Nicholson, Unspooled offers a contrasting but equally engaging perspective on cinema. On this podcast, Scheer and Nicholson systematically watch and discuss films from the American Film Institute's (AFI) 100 greatest movies of all time list, providing insightful analysis and historical context. This podcast showcases Scheer's passion for film beyond just comedic critique, delving into the artistry of acclaimed works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Scheer
- What is Paul Scheer primarily known for?
- Paul Scheer is widely recognized for his versatile career as an actor in acclaimed TV comedies like Black Monday and The League, as well as being a co-creator of innovative sketch shows such as Human Giant and NTSF:SD:SUV::. He is also a highly popular podcaster, co-hosting the award-winning film discussion show How Did This Get Made?
- What podcasts does Paul Scheer host?
- Paul Scheer co-hosts two prominent film podcasts: How Did This Get Made? with his wife June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas, which focuses on dissecting "bad" or perplexing movies; and Unspooled with film critic Amy Nicholson, where they analyze classic films from the AFI Top 100 list.
- Has Paul Scheer won any awards?
- Yes, Paul Scheer is a SAG Award-winning actor. He received a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast for Showtime's comedy series Black Monday for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. His podcast, How Did This Get Made?, has also received numerous accolades.