Malcolm Barrett—yeah, that’s the name you might recognize from his quirky, scene-stealing role on ABC’s “Better Off Ted”—has never been one to stick to just one lane. Sure, he made a splash as Dr. Lem Hewitt, the delightfully nerdy scientist, but Malcolm Barrett’s talents stretch way beyond the sitcom screen. Long before TV audiences got to know him, Barrett was deep in the world of sketch comedy, bringing sharp wit and timing to live stages. He’s also spent time performing spoken word poetry at SLAM events across the country, showing off a different kind of rhythm—one rooted in emotion and raw expression.
And get this: Malcolm Barrett didn’t just perform; he built. He co-founded a not-for-profit theater company back in New York, proving early on that his passion for storytelling went beyond personal ambition. Oh, and music? He’s got that covered too. In between acting gigs, Malcolm Barrett has written and recorded hip-hop tracks, quietly working toward a debut album. It’s almost like he’s living several creative lives at once.
But don’t think all of this happened far from Hollywood’s radar. Since kicking off his professional acting journey around 2000, Malcolm Barrett has racked up guest appearances on over two dozen TV shows and films. Early on, he popped up on iconic series like “The Sopranos,” slipping into roles with a quiet confidence that made you notice him—even in small parts. Then came the big screen: 2009 was a standout year, not just because “Better Off Ted” premiered, but because Malcolm Barrett appeared in The Hurt Locker, which went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. That kind of credit? It opens doors.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Barrett honed his craft at NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied both acting and directing—a dual focus that clearly shaped his versatile approach. While still in school, he started auditioning for local productions, landing spots on network staples like “Law & Order.” Those early gigs led to a series regular role on Fox’s “Luis” (2003–04), which eventually pulled him west to Los Angeles.
Life in L.A. wasn’t easy at first. Like so many actors, Malcolm Barrett faced the grind—auditioning constantly, waiting tables, doing commercials just to make rent. But even then, he kept creating. He stayed active in the underground poetry scene, wrote music, and stayed connected to the theater company he helped launch. That hustle paid off.
After “Better Off Ted” wrapped in 2010, Malcolm Barrett didn’t slow down. He transitioned into more dramatic territory, joining the cast of “Southland,” the gritty police drama praised for its realism. He also shared the screen with Tom Hanks in “Larry Crowne” (2011), bringing depth to a supporting role in the heartwarming dramedy. By 2013, he was adding comedic flair again, this time in Tyler Perry’s “Peeples,” showing off his range once more.
From Brooklyn stages to Oscar-winning films, from poetry slams to primetime TV, Malcolm Barrett keeps redefining what it means to be an artist. And honestly? We’re just getting to know him.
Malcolm Barrett has been part of several movies, but one of his highest-rated works in film and music comes from the 2022 release Dylan & Zoey. On the flip side, among his filmography, Addicted to Fresno (2015) stands out as the project that received the lowest ratings. While Malcolm Barrett has contributed to a variety of roles over the years, these two titles clearly represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of audience reception.