Jim Breuer has been making people laugh since his college days back on Long Island, NY, where he first got into stand-up comedy. Over the years, Jim Breuer toured comedy clubs across the country, honing his craft and building a reputation as a dynamic and fearless performer. Eventually, Jim Breuer set his sights on breaking into the competitive New York City comedy scene—and he did it fast. In just seven short months after moving to the city, Jim Breuer landed a spot on the nationally syndicated “Uptown Comedy Club,” where he showcased his talent for two full seasons.
His big break came in 1995 when Jim Breuer joined the legendary cast of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” During his time on the show, Jim Breuer became a fan favorite thanks to his wildly original characters. He brought to life the hilarious ‘Goat Boy,’ rocked audiences with his spot-on Joe Pesci impression on the recurring “Joe Pesci Show” sketch, and even played Don Wong, a former adult film star with a surprisingly wholesome side. Another memorable creation was Glen, the older brother of metalhead Azrael Abyss, who co-hosted the fictional public access series “Goth Talk” with him. Jim Breuer remained a standout presence on “SNL” until he departed in the summer of 1998.
Even beyond the sketch comedy world, Jim Breuer continued to rise. He headlined his own special, “Pulp Comics: Jim Breuer,” which aired on Comedy Central in 1997—further cementing his status in the comedy world. The network clearly believed in Jim Breuer’s appeal, bringing him back in 1998 to host “Premium Blend.”
On the film front, Jim Breuer made his feature debut in the stoner comedy “Half Baked” (1997). While the movie itself had its limits, critics noted that Jim Breuer nailed the portrayal of someone perpetually high—a persona he often plays in his stand-up routines. He followed that up with a role in the 1999 political satire “Dick,” set during the Watergate era, where Jim Breuer played White House counsel John Dean alongside fellow “SNL” alumni Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell. Through each step of his career, Jim Breuer has stayed true to his bold, energetic style—proving time and again why he’s one of comedy’s most distinctive voices.
When it comes to Jim Breuer’s career in film and entertainment, one standout moment definitely comes to mind—Jim Breuer’s performance in Dick (1999) is widely regarded as his highest-rated project. The comedy, which took a satirical spin on the Watergate scandal, really allowed Jim Breuer to shine and earned solid reviews from both critics and audiences alike. On the other hand, looking at Jim Breuer’s filmography, not every movie hit the same high notes. For instance, Zookeeper (2011), while having its moments, ended up being considered the lowest-rated film associated with Jim Breuer. So, when you compare the two, it’s clear that Jim Breuer has had his ups and downs—but his role in Dick remains a highlight in Jim Breuer’s body of work.