John Early
Born 1988 · Age 37
American comedian and actor known for Search Party, alternative stand-up/variety work, sketch comedy collaborations (notably with Kate Berlant), and television/film voice and acting roles.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Nashville, Tennessee
John Early was born in Nashville, Tennessee to parents who were Christian ministers.
Started Toni Collette fan website
At age 11 Early became a big fan of Toni Collette and operated a fan website devoted to her.
Stopped attending church regularly
Reportedly stopped going to church after age 18, a personal milestone noted in interviews.
Graduated high school (University School of Nashville)
Attended and graduated from University School of Nashville (approximate graduation year based on typical timeline).
Began studies at NYU (Atlantic Acting School)
Enrolled at New York University and studied acting at the Atlantic Acting School (start year estimated).
Graduated NYU (Atlantic Acting School)
Graduated from NYU's acting program (estimated graduation year based on typical 4-year program).
Grew national profile through web sketches and collaborations
Frequently collaborated with comedians (e.g., Kate Berlant, Hamm Samwich), producing sketches and filmed presentations that raised his profile online and in comedy circles (ongoing across 2012–2019).
Established ongoing monthly show 'Showgasm' at Ars Nova
Hosts a monthly variety event called Showgasm at Ars Nova in New York City (start date approximate; ongoing role).
First notable TV appearance on 30 Rock
Appeared as Jenna Maroney's son (credited as Jerome) in 30 Rock episode "Standards and Practices." Marked an early television role.
Began touring his stand-up/variety show 'Literally Me'
Started touring nationally with his hybrid stand-up/variety show "Literally Me" (performed at venues like Joe's Pub and The Bell House).
Artist in Residence / Comedy Curator at Ars Nova (start)
Served as an Artist in Residence and Comedy Curator at Ars Nova in New York; began hosting the monthly variety event Showgasm (start year approximate).
Performed at major comedy/music festivals
Performed stand-up at festivals including Montreal Just For Laughs, Bonnaroo, SXSW, Pemberton, Treasure Island, Outside Lands, Riot LA, and Festival Supreme (years across 2012–2015).
Film role: Fort Tilden
Appeared in the independent film Fort Tilden (credited as John). Increased film profile.
Wrote for 'Billy on the Street' (Season 4)
Credited as a writer for Season 4 of Billy on the Street (IMDb credits this role; year estimated as Season 4 timeframe).
Appeared on Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
Played Logan in the Netflix revival Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (released summer 2015).
Guest appearances on Broad City and High Maintenance
Guest-starred on seasons of Broad City (as Brandon) and High Maintenance (as Wayne) helping expand TV credits.
Featured on 'With Special Guest Lauren Lapkus' podcast
Guest on Lauren Lapkus' podcast (Episode 41), increasing comedy podcast/profile exposure.
Search Party runs as a major recurring credit (2016–2022)
Although listed earlier as the series start, this event records the overall milestone: Search Party ran from 2016 through 2022 on TBS and HBO Max, giving Early sustained visibility as a lead cast member.
Wrote and starred in Netflix Presents: The Characters episode
Wrote and starred in his own 30-minute episode of Netflix's sketch show "The Characters."
Cast as Elliott Goss in Search Party (series start)
Became one of the principal cast members of Search Party, which premiered in 2016 and aired on TBS (later HBO Max).
Film roles: Other People and Neighbors 2
Appeared in Other People (Gabe) and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (Darren), expanding feature film credits.
Began multiple recurring/voice TV roles
Accumulated recurring voice/TV work on shows such as Animals., Haters Back Off, Difficult People and more across 2016 onward.
Voiced Dalton Crespin on Bob's Burgers (start)
Made voice appearances as brunch blogger Dalton Crespin across episodes of Bob's Burgers (credits across 2017–2021).
Vimeo miniseries '555' with Kate Berlant
Starred alongside Kate Berlant in the Vimeo miniseries 555, directed by Andrew DeYoung.
Film roles in 2017 (Beatriz at Dinner, The Disaster Artist, Fun Mom Dinner, What Children Do)
Appeared in multiple films during 2017 including Beatriz at Dinner (small role as Evan) and The Disaster Artist.
Recurring role on 'At Home with Amy Sedaris' begins
Played Russell Schnabble across five episodes (2017–2020), marking a recurring live-action TV comedic role.
Recurring voice roles across animated series expand
From 2018 onward Early held multiple recurring voice roles (Tuca & Bertie, Central Park, Close Enough, The Great North, etc.), broadening his animation portfolio.
Voice role on Big City Greens (start of recurring role)
Began voicing Alexander and other roles on Big City Greens (recurring across 2018–2022).
Film roles: Late Night, Good Posture
Appeared in films Late Night and Good Posture, furthering film career.
Appeared on Drunk History episode about Martha Mitchell
Starred in a July 2019 episode of Drunk History about Martha Mitchell alongside Vanessa Bayer and Tony Hale.
Appeared in music video 'Squidward Nose' (Cupcakke)
Appeared in Cupcakke's music video for "Squidward Nose."
Appeared in Save Yourselves! and Inspector Ike
Film appearances in Save Yourselves! and Inspector Ike (both credited 2020).
Publicly affirmed LGBTQ identity and political affiliation (tweet)
Tweeted "I'm here, I'm gay, I just joined the DSA 🌹" — indicating public coming out and membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (archived April 8, 2020).
Appeared on I Think You Should Leave skit and other shows
Appeared in a small skit titled "Credit Card Roulette" in Netflix's I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2021) and additional voice/recurring roles across animated series.
Voice role: DC League of Super-Pets
Voiced Barry Allen / The Flash in the animated film DC League of Super-Pets (2022).
Peacock sketch special 'Would It Kill You To Laugh?' released (producer/star)
Peacock released a sketch comedy special produced by John Early and Kate Berlant titled Would It Kill You To Laugh? (June 2022).
Appeared in Taylor Swift 'Anti-Hero' music video
Appeared in the widely viewed music video for Taylor Swift's "Anti-Hero" (October 2022).
HBO special 'John Early: Now More Than Ever' released
Released an HBO comedy special 'John Early: Now More Than Ever' (credited as himself).
Emmy nomination for writing: Would It Kill You To Laugh?
Nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special (Television Academy) for Would It Kill You To Laugh? (2023 nomination).
Film and TV credits continue (Stress Positions; Big City Greens movie voice)
Continued acting and voice roles in projects listed for 2024 (e.g., Stress Positions; Big City Greens the Movie: Spacecation).
Emmy nomination for writing: John Early: Now More Than Ever
Nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for 'John Early: Now More Than Ever' (Television Academy listing).
Directorial debut 'Maddie's Secret' slated for TIFF premiere
Maddie's Secret, John Early's debut film as a director, was announced to join the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival lineup.
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