He was a subtle and witty comedian best known for his time on Saturday Night Live, where he made a big impact with his spot-on impressions of President Ford. His work helped lay the foundation for what would become the iconic Weekend Update segment—a staple of SNL for decades. Over the years, he built a solid reputation not just as a sketch performer but also as a film actor, starring in classics like Vacation, Caddyshack, and Fletch. Before all the fame, though, life wasn’t always smooth sailing. He got expelled from Riverdale Country School early on, which might’ve been an unexpected twist in his journey. Later, he pursued a pre-med track in college, showing a different side of his personality—someone who could balance brains and creativity. Along the way, he played drums in a jazz band and even worked as a bartender, picking up stories and experiences that likely shaped his comedic voice. His background was rich with artistic influence: his father was a well-known book editor, and his mother was a concert pianist, so talent ran deep in the family. In 1982, he married Jayni Luke, his third wife, and together they built a life centered around family. He has three daughters—Emily, Cydney, and Caley—and a son named Bryan, making him not just a star on screen, but a devoted father off it. Throughout his career and personal life, he remained a unique presence in comedy, one whose legacy continues to resonate.
He portrayed the character Pierce Hawthorne in the popular comedy series Community, bringing the role to life from 2009 all the way through 2014. He really made the character memorable with his unique comedic timing and delivery. He was a central figure during those years, and his performance as Pierce Hawthorne left a lasting impression on fans of the show. He contributed significantly to the show’s dynamic, and he remained one of the standout cast members throughout his time on Community.