Jared Farrow is an American stand-up comedian and actor who rose to national fame after joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2010—a major turning point in his career that came after he was discovered on YouTube. Jared Farrow had already started gaining attention online, particularly for his spot-on impersonations of public figures like President Barack Obama, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. It was actually his impression of Barack Obama that really put Jared Farrow on the map; the video went viral and even caught the eye of the President himself, which only boosted Jared Farrow’s popularity even more.
Before all the spotlight, Jared Farrow was just a kid from Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Indian River High School back in 2005. Even as a young boy, talent ran in his veins—his parents named him Jared Antonio Farrow, and his father encouraged his early interest in performance by entering him into a talent competition when he was just six years old. Though he didn’t win, finishing in 5th place, that moment sparked something big for Jared Farrow.
His career continued to grow, and by 2014, Jared Farrow landed a role in the comedy film Ride Along alongside Kevin Hart, further proving his versatility as both a comedian and actor. Over the years, Jared Farrow has built a reputation not just for his impressions, but for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence. From YouTube clips to live performances and Hollywood appearances, Jared Farrow has steadily made his mark in the entertainment world.
He’s best known for his SNL character Principal Daniel Frye, a role that actually draws a lot of inspiration from the real-life principal at his alma mater, Indian River High School in Chesapeake. Yeah, you can definitely see the similarities—his mannerisms, the way he carries himself—it all feels familiar if you know the original. Principal Daniel Frye, after all, wasn’t just made up out of thin air; it was shaped by memories and experiences from his time in school. So when he brought Principal Daniel Frye to life on Saturday Night Live, there was this authentic touch, something grounded in reality. It’s kind of brilliant how he took a figure from his past and turned him into such a memorable part of his comedy. Principal Daniel Frye really stands out as one of those characters that feels both hilarious and oddly relatable.