Jason Mantzoukas

Jason Mantzoukas' distinctive look and wild sense of humor set him apart in comedy. Mantzoukas was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. While studying at Middlebury College, he joined an improv group called Otter Nonsense Players. After traveling abroad for a little after college, he moved to New York City and studied, as have many successful comedians before him, at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Though he continued to be a part of the UCB for years, he went on to appear in high-profile comedies alongside big name comedians. One of his first roles was in Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's "Baby Mama" (2008), and he had a large part as "Nuclear" Nadal in Sacha Baron Cohen's "The Dictator" (2012). He also worked as a screenwriter, co-writing the blockbuster buddy-cop comedy "Ride Along" (2014). Joining the ranks of many other comedians in the digital age, Mantzoukas started a podcast with Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael called "How Did This Get Made?" (2010), which mocks and disects terrible films. Along with guest roles in comedies like "Parks and Recreation" (NBC 2011-2015) and "Children's Hospital" (Adult Swim 2008-2010), he appeared regularly as the raunchy brother Rafi on the fantasy football sitcom "The League" (FX 2009-15). He was also cast alongside Adam Scott, Allison Brie, and Jason Sudeikis in the romantic comedy "Sleeping With Other People" (2016). Along with small roles in comedies including "The Night Before" (2015), "Dirty Grandpa" (2016) and "How To Be Single" (2016), Mantzoukas began an ongoing recurring role as fearless undercover cop Adrian Pimento on "Brooklyn 9-9" (Fox 2013-) and appeared on "The Good Place" (NBC 2016-) as Derek, a human created by omniscient supercomputer Janet for companionship. In a nod to the influence "How Did This Get Made" had in developing the cult following of legendarily bad movie "The Room" (2004), Mantzoukas, Sheer and Raphael all had supporting roles in James Franco's behind the scenes look at the film, "The Disaster Artist" (2017). That same year, Mantzoukas had his highest-profile film role to date, starring opposite Amy Poehler and Will Farrell in the gambling comedy "The House" (2017). Mantzoukas next starred opposite Tony Revolori in indie road trip comedy "The Long Dumb Road" (2018).