Fred Armisen
- Attended the School of Visual Arts, NYC
Fereydun Robert Armisen, widely known as Fred Armisen, is an American comedian, actor, musician, and television writer celebrated for his versatile performances and sharp comedic talent. Born on December 4, 1966, in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York, he has carved out a significant niche in the entertainment industry, particularly known for his contributions to sketch comedy and as a prominent figure on late-night television. His unique blend of humor and musicality has earned him a dedicated fanbase and several accolades throughout his career.
Armisen's early life was shaped by diverse cultural influences, being the son of a Japanese mother, Hildegardt Mirabal, and an Iranian father, Fereydun Armisen. He began his career in the music industry, playing in various punk bands before transitioning into comedy. His breakthrough came when he joined the cast of the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live in 2002, where he showcased his talent for impersonation and character work until his departure in 2013. During his tenure on the show, he became known for his satirical portrayals of political figures and pop culture icons, contributing to the show’s critical acclaim and popularity.
In addition to his work on Saturday Night Live, Armisen co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed IFC series Portlandia alongside Carrie Brownstein. The series, which parodied the quirky culture of Portland, Oregon, ran from 2011 to 2018 and received two Peabody Awards, solidifying Armisen's reputation as a significant voice in comedy. He also co-created the mockumentary series Documentary Now! and starred in the Showtime comedy series Moonbase 8, further showcasing his range as a writer and performer.
Armisen's musical talents are also noteworthy; he served as the bandleader and drummer for the Late Night with Seth Meyers house band, the 8G Band, from 2014 to 2024. His work in voice acting includes roles in animated films such as The Smurfs, The Lego Ninjago Movie, and the critically acclaimed The Mitchells vs. the Machines. He has also lent his voice to characters in the upcoming The Super Mario Bros. Movie and other projects.
Beyond his television and film work, Armisen has made guest appearances on various shows, including 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, demonstrating his versatility as a comedic actor. His contributions to the comedy landscape were recognized with a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album for his work, "Standup for Drummers" in 2019.
Fred Armisen’s personal life has seen its share of public interest, including his marriages to Sally Timms from 1998 to 2004 and actress Elisabeth Moss from October 2009 to May 2011. He continues to be a prominent figure in comedy, recently co-starring and serving as a writer and executive producer on the Spanish-language series Los Espookys, which he co-created and which aired from 2019 to 2022. Through his innovative work across various platforms, Armisen has made a lasting impact on both comedy and television, continually pushing boundaries and entertaining audiences around the world.
- September 22, 2009
The 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals
- September 15, 2009
61st Annual Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Arrivals
- September 15, 2009
61st Annual Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards - Arrivals
- August 5, 2009
"Mad Men" Season Three Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals
- August 5, 2009
"Mad Men" Season Three Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals
- August 5, 2009