He’s probably best known as the actor who played Darryl Philbin on the hit TV show The Office—a role that really put him on the map. Over the years, he’s built a solid reputation, often stepping into supporting roles in a number of popular comedic films. But before all the fame and spotlight, life looked a bit different for him. Back then, he was working as a music teacher in Chicago, sharing his passion with students. That changed when he decided to dive into acting by taking improv classes at The Second City, a well-known comedy theater. It was a pivotal move. He had actually graduated from Illinois State University back in 1994, and throughout his early years, he was raised in Chicago, surrounded by family. So yeah, the journey from classroom to camera wasn’t exactly straightforward, but it definitely worked out well for him.
He actually appeared in the 2008 film Pineapple Express, and it was one of those roles that really showcased his early talent. Yeah, he had a part in that movie, and even though it wasn’t the lead, he made a solid impression. It’s kind of interesting to look back now, seeing how he’s grown since then. He definitely brought something unique to the set, and fans still talk about his performance from time to time. So yeah, he was in Pineapple Express—2008, remember? That was a fun year for comedy films, and he was right there in the mix.