Chris Gethard

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Chris Gethard
Chris Gethard 2016.jpg
Gethard in July 2016
Born
Christopher Paul Gethard

(1980-05-23) May 23, 1980 (age 41)
West Orange, New Jersey, U.S.[1]
OccupationActor, comedian, writer
TelevisionThe Chris Gethard Show
Spouse(s)
Hallie Bulleit
​
(m. 2014)​

Christopher Paul Gethard (/ˈɡɛθərd/; born May 23, 1980) is an American actor, comedian and writer. He was the host of The Chris Gethard Show, a talk show based in New York City, which aired from 2011 to 2018. He hosts the podcast Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People.

Early life[]

Gethard grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, the son of Sally and Ken Gethard,[2][3] and attended West Orange High School.[4]

Career[]

Gethard is an improvisational actor who works largely out of Manhattan's Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He began taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2000 while he was a student at Rutgers University.[5]

In 2013, the Independent Film Channel asked Gethard to write a pilot based on his book, A Bad Idea I'm About to Do. IFC gave Gethard a year, in addition to writing his pilot, to market for them at festivals and produce web content.[6]

In August 2016, Gethard participated for the first time in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performing his show Career Suicide dealing with his experiences of depression, suicide attempts and alcoholism.[7] During his run at the festival, he also recorded an episode of Stuart Goldsmith's "Comedian's Comedian Podcast", which was published in December 2016.[8]

On May 6, 2017, HBO broadcast Career Suicide, an evening of standup comedy based on Gethard's off-Broadway show of the same title.[9] Produced by Judd Apatow, the HBO special has garnered praise from The New York Times, Time,[10] NPR,[11] The A.V. Club,[12] USA Today,[13] Entertainment Weekly,[14] The Daily Beast,[15] Paste,[16] The Huffington Post[17] and Splitsider.[18]

On October 10, 2019, he was featured in a 30-minute YouTube documentary called Laughing Matters, created by SoulPancake in collaboration with Funny or Die, wherein a variety of comedians discuss mental health.[19]

The Chris Gethard Show[]

Gethard taping The Chris Gethard Show in 2011

Gethard hosted The Chris Gethard Show, a talkshow that originally aired on New York City public-access and was streamed around the world on Gethard's website. The show began as a live piece at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in 2009. Gethard then went to Los Angeles to pitch a network version of the show, but ended up returning to New York City to produce it for public-access because he wanted to retain the chaotic, cheap feel of early MTV talk shows. The show has since grown to consist of both stage and filmed performances. It has developed a reputation for outrageous spectacle, often featuring awkward viewer calls, high-concept group segments and Gethard subjecting himself to abuse, including an episode where he hired a kickboxer to hit him if he failed to answer simple questions about his friends.[5] As a child, Gethard admired comedians who seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted, such as Howard Stern, Andy Kaufman, and David Letterman. This interest influenced the style of The Chris Gethard Show and Gethard's comedic persona.[citation needed]

The show was entirely self-funded and none of the performers were paid for their time during its public access time. Though this largely surfaced as result of the style of Upright Citizens Brigade shows and the aesthetic of the show, Gethard had stated that he would not be opposed to the show being picked up by a television network. He met with a number of network producers, but the show was not picked up, the primary concern being its unpredictable nature and frequent swearing.[6] In early 2014, Comedy Central ordered a pilot from TCGS, to be co-produced by Funny or Die, leading to a brief hiatus from the weekly program. The pilot was taped, but ultimately not picked up by Comedy Central. The show returned to MNN from April to January 2015. In its final MNN episode it was announced that the show had been picked up by Fusion, where it ran for two seasons.[citation needed]

Throughout the show's many manifestations, it has attracted a number of celebrity guests including P. Diddy, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Paul Giamatti, and Lena Dunham.[20]

After its run on Fusion, The Chris Gethard Show was picked up for a third season by truTV, and began airing live episodes in August 2017.[20] In August 2018, Gethard announced the show had been canceled and would not return for another season.[21]

Beautiful/Anonymous[]

Gethard hosts the Earwolf podcast Beautiful/Anonymous, which first aired on March 15, 2016. The following is Earwolf's description of the show: "1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard...Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen!"[22] He won the Webby Award for Best Host in 2017.[23]

In Your Dreams[]

Gethard co-hosted Earwolf's podcast, In Your Dreams, with Gary Richardson.[24] The podcast first aired on December 12, 2016 with special guest comedian Aparna Nancherla, and the ninth and final episode aired on February 6, 2017.[24]

Planet Scum Live[]

Main article: Planet Scum Live

Gethard has hosted the show Planet Scum Live, the title of which was given to his live streaming comedy network, since May 3, 2020.

Books[]

Gethard is also the author of Weird NY, a book detailing the ghost stories and urban legends of New York City, and A Bad Idea I'm About to Do, a collection of stories from Gethard's life, which has been highlighted on This American Life.[25] Previously, Gethard served as an editorial assistant for the popular Weird NJ and Weird US publications.[citation needed] On October 16, 2018, Gethard's self-help narrative Lose Well was published out of Harper Collins's HarperOne imprint.[26]

Interactions with fans[]

The Chris Gethard Show is well known for its audience interaction. One show featured a woman calling in to inquire about the purpose of the show. Gethard invited her to join them and she became a regular for four months.[5] After this the notion of random, unknown fans becoming regular cast members became popular. The show continued this trend through its public access run, having a new "random" as a cast member for 15 episodes.

Personal life[]

Gethard married Hallie Bulleit, band leader for The Chris Gethard Show,[27] on August 30, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York.[28] The service was performed by fellow Chris Gethard Show cast member Murf Meyer.[29] The couple welcomed a son, Caleb David Gethard, in April 2019.

He is an avid fan of The Smiths and has two tattoos related to the band—Morrissey's signature on his right shoulder (based on an actual signature he got in marker on his arm), and "It takes strength to be gentle and kind," a lyric from "I Know It's Over," on his right biceps.[30]

Gethard has stated that his favorite sport is basketball and he is a New York Knicks fan. His favorite player growing up was Knicks guard John Starks, who appeared on The Chris Gethard Show in 2016.[31]

His brother, Gregg Gethard, frequently performs as "Financial Guru Gregg Gethard".

Discography[]

  • My Comedy Album (2014)
  • Career Suicide (2017)
  • Taylor Ham, Egg, And Cheese (2019)
  • "Chris Gethard: Half My Life" (2021)

Filmography[]

Films[]

Year Title Role Notes
2005 M.A.S. Head Elf Video Short
2009 May the Best Man Win Tommy
2010 Snoopy Lamp Officer Wengert Video Short
The Other Guys Clerk
2011 Adults Michael Video Short
A Novel Romance Unnamed Character
2012 The Dictator Clark
2013 Iron Man 3 Juan Uncredited
The Angriest Man in Brooklyn Dr. Jordan Reed
The Heat Himself
2016 Don't Think Twice Bill
Ghostbusters Himself Cameo
2020 Class Action Park Himself Interviewee
2021 "Chris Gethard: Half My Life" Himself

Television[]

Year Title Role Notes
2004 Crossballs: The Debate Show Writer/ Additional Characters
Hope & Faith Wally
2007 Saturday Night Live Guest Writer Episode: "Scarlett Johansson/Björk"
The Knights of Prosperity Burton Employee
2010 Big Lake Josh Franklin 10 episodes
2010–2012 Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Himself 3 episodes
2011 The Back Room Himself/ Banjo Kid from Deliverance TV Series Short; 2 Episodes
Hardly Working Hugh Jackman/ C-Snap TV Series Short
Louie Open Mic Host
Bored to Death Super Ray Fan
2011–2018 The Chris Gethard Show Host
2012 Conan Himself
Bunk Himself
2013 The Office Trevor 3 episodes
2014–2016 Broad City Todd 6 episodes
2015 Parks and Recreation Kipp Bunthart Episode: "Pie-Mary"
2016 Netflix Presents: The Characters Male Celeb Episode: "Natasha Rothwell"
2015–2016 Inside Amy Schumer Steve/ Chris/ Juror #2 3 episodes
2017 Chris Gethard: Career Suicide Himself HBO special
Blindspot Dr. Gary Lemarsh Episode: "Lepers Repel"
2018 No Activity Zach 3 episodes
2019 Crashing Himself Episode: "Mulaney"
2019–present Chris Gethard Presents Himself/ Producer
2020 Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens Toby 2 episodes
Dark Side of the Ring: After Dark Host
Space Force Eddie Recurring role
Planet Scum Live Himself Host
The George Lucas Talk Show Himself The George Lucas Talk Show All Day Star Wars Movie Watch Along;

Big Lake marathon fundraiser; Episode: "Askew of the Views"; May

the AR Be LI$$ You (Arli$$ marathon); The George Lucas Holiday

Special

References[]

  1. ^ Rose, Lisa (August 16, 2010). "New Jersey native Chris Gethard to star in 'Big Lake' on Comedy Central". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  2. ^ "Beautiful/Anonymous: "Sorry Sally" T-Shirt - PodSwag". PodSwag. Chris Gethard's mother, Sally,
  3. ^ "Ask a Grown-Up - This American Life". This American Life. March 17, 2017. Then we found Ken Gethard, comedian Chris Gethard's dad,
  4. ^ Mishkin, Budd (May 13, 2014). "One On 1 Profile: Comedian Chris Gethard Offers a Unique Approach to the Entertainment Industry With His Public Access Following". NY1. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. It's not every comedian who can say they played Giants Stadium. Chris Gethard did with the 1996 West Orange, N.J. High School Marching Mountaineers.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c Raftery, Brian. "The Carson of Cable Access". New York. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Heisler, Steve. "Chris Gethard explains his new IFC deal and how he makes his public-access show". A.V. Club. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  7. ^ Colter Walls, Seth (July 30, 2016). "Chris Gethard: turning shame and pain into laughs". The Guardian.
  8. ^ "189 – Chris Gethard | The Comedian's Comedian". comedianscomedian.com.
  9. ^ "Chris Gethard's Off-Broadway Career Suicide Sets HBO Air Date | Playbill". Playbill. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  10. ^ Chan, Melissa (May 5, 2017). "Comedian Chris Gethard Is Risking His Career to Tackle This Topic". Time. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  11. ^ Holmes, Linda (May 6, 2017). "Chris Gethard Isn't Kidding About 'Career Suicide'". NPR.org. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  12. ^ Adams, Erik (May 5, 2017). "It takes strength to be as gentle, kind, and funny as Chris Gethard's Career Suicide". AV Club. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  13. ^ Ryan, Patrick. "How Chris Gethard's suicide attempt inspired his HBO comedy special". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on May 27, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  14. ^ Bacle, Ariana (May 5, 2017). "Chris Gethard Is Far From 'Career Suicide' in New Show: EW Review". EW.com. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  15. ^ Wilstein, Matt (January 30, 2017). "Chris Gethard Talks Turning Depression Into Comedy with 'Career Suicide'". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on May 6, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  16. ^ Techler, Graham (May 6, 2017). "In His Superb Career Suicide, Heaven Knows Chris Gethard's Miserable Now". pastemagazine.com. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  17. ^ Capewell, Jillian (May 4, 2017). "Chris Gethard's 'Career Suicide' Blurs The Line That Separates Tragedy And Comedy". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  18. ^ Abriss, Erik (May 5, 2017). "Chris Gethard on 'Career Suicide's Journey from the Stage to HBO". Splitsider. Archived from the original on May 16, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  19. ^ Comedians Tackling Depression & Anxiety Makes Us Feel Seen | Laughing Matters | Documentary, retrieved October 30, 2019
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b Petski, Denise (May 4, 2017). "'The Chris Gethard Show' Lands At TruTV; Will Be Broadcast Live". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 6, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  21. ^ Wright, Megh. "Chris Gethard Announces the End of The Chris Gethard Show". Vulture. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  22. ^ Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People, Earwolf, Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  23. ^ "Webby Awards: Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People". Webby Awards. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b In Your Dreams with Chris Gethard, presented by Casper Earwolf, Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  25. ^ "Nemeses". This American Life. December 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
  26. ^ "Lose Well". HarperCollins Publishers. HarperCollins Publishers L.L.C. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
  27. ^ Fox, Jesse David (May 5, 2017). "Conversations About Death and Comedy With Chris Gethard". Vulture.
  28. ^ "Chris Gethard Ended Dating Affair And Married The Love Of His Life; Maintaining A Healthy Relationship With Wife And Career?". LIVERAMPUP.
  29. ^ Gordon, Arielle (August 1, 2017). "BV interview w/ Chris Gethard: "In the end I always ask myself — what would Jeff Rosenstock do?"". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved August 23, 2017. The people involved in the show are my family. In one case literally, as I married Hallie [Bulleit], the leader of our house band. Murf was our reverend. I was the reverend at his wedding, after he got engaged live on the show.
  30. ^ Gethard, Chris (November 30, 2012). "This Charming Band". Slate. Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
  31. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaE469JrWzg

External links[]

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