Cooper Tomlinson is an American actor, comedian, producer, screenwriter, and YouTuber who has carved a distinctive niche in the digital and independent film landscape, best known for co-creating the popular sketch comedy YouTube channel "that's a bad idea" alongside Curry Barker. His journey into entertainment began at the New York Film Academy campus in Los Angeles, California, where he met Barker as a fellow student. The two quickly bonded over their shared passion for filmmaking and comedy, soon launching their YouTube channel as what they described as "our film school outside of film school." Together, they began producing a steady stream of comedy sketches and short films, building a dedicated following on both YouTube and TikTok through their inventive and often irreverent humor.
Tomlinson's collaborative partnership with Barker proved to be the foundation of his career. In 2024, the duo co-starred in and co-produced the independent horror-comedy film Milk & Serial, a project that showcased their ability to blend suspense with dark humor and garnered attention for its low-budget ingenuity. Following its success, Tomlinson and Barker teamed up once more to write and star in the upcoming film Anything but Ghosts, further cementing their reputation as a creative duo with a knack for genre-bending storytelling. Beyond their joint ventures, Tomlinson expanded his acting portfolio by starring as Ian in Barker's 2025 psychological thriller Obsession, a film that featured a notable ensemble cast including Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter, demonstrating his ability to hold his own alongside more established names.
Tomlinson's transition from digital content to traditional media continued in 2026 when he guest-starred in an episode of the Paramount+ western television series Dutton Ranch, a high-profile project that marked a significant step into mainstream television. Throughout his career, he has maintained a focus on writing and producing, with his work on "that's a bad idea" serving as a creative laboratory that honed his skills in sketch comedy, character work, and narrative construction. By leveraging the freedom of online platforms to experiment with different comedic styles, Tomlinson has built a versatile resume that spans digital shorts, independent features, and network television, all while maintaining a close creative partnership with Barker. As he continues to develop new projects and expand his presence in both film and television, Cooper Tomlinson stands as a rising talent whose grassroots approach to filmmaking has earned him a growing and loyal audience.