Brett Gelman, born on October 6, 1976, is a versatile American actor and comedian who has carved a distinctive niche in both television and film through his intense, often darkly comedic performances. He is best known for his role as the paranoid conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman in the Netflix supernatural horror series Stranger Things and as the misanthropic, loveable Martin in the acclaimed BBC comedy Fleabag. Gelman’s career trajectory from a stand-up comedian in the 2000s to a sought-after character actor in the 2010s and 2020s demonstrates a remarkable ability to blend humor with pathos, making him a memorable presence in every project he undertakes.

Gelman began his career in the early 2000s, performing stand-up comedy and honing his unique, confrontational style. He gained significant traction in the following decade through his work with Adult Swim, notably starring in the absurdist action comedy series Eagleheart and releasing two well-received comedy specials, "Brett Gelman: The Card" in 2014 and "Brett Gelman: Dinner" in 2015. This period also saw him take on recurring and main roles in a variety of network and cable comedies, including the NBC sitcom Go On alongside Matthew Perry, the Comedy Central period parody Another Period, and the FX comedy series Married, showcasing his range from offbeat to more traditional comedic characters.

The late 2010s marked a major turning point in Gelman’s career as he transitioned into more dramatic and critically acclaimed work. His supporting role as Martin, the creepy yet vulnerable husband of the protagonist’s godmother, in the Emmy-winning series Fleabag earned him widespread recognition and praise. Simultaneously, he joined the ensemble of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things as Murray Bauman, a role that allowed him to blend his comedic timing with genuine dramatic intensity, particularly in the show’s later seasons. He also appeared in the HBO series Camping and the crime drama Mr. Mercedes, further solidifying his reputation as a serious actor.

Beyond live-action roles, Gelman has become a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to a range of animated series. He voiced characters in Comedy Central’s TripTank and Jeff & Some Aliens, and more recently in Netflix’s I Heart Arlo and the adult animated series Inside Job. In 2024, he took on a leading role in the Apple TV+ drama series Lady in the Lake, starring opposite Natalie Portman, demonstrating his continued evolution as a performer who can anchor a prestigious, character-driven project. Throughout his career, Brett Gelman has consistently chosen roles that defy easy categorization, building a body of work that is as unpredictable as it is compelling.