Matt Besser
Matt Besser: A Comedian's Quest for Laughter and Social Commentary
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Matt Besser is an American comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born on June 1, 1969.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Podcaster
#### Early Life and Background
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Matt Besser grew up in a creative family with a passion for art and music. His father was an artist, and his mother was a writer, which likely influenced his decision to pursue careers in comedy and writing. Besser studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison but dropped out to focus on stand-up comedy.
#### Major Accomplishments
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Co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) comedy troupe
Creator and host of several comedy podcasts, including improv4humans and The Dollop
* Performed in numerous TV shows and films, including Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Wet Hot American Summer
#### Notable Works or Actions
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Besser's notable works include his UCB co-founded comedy troupe, which has become a hub for innovative comedic storytelling. His podcast, improv4humans, features interviews with comedians about their personal experiences with social justice issues. The podcast aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of various social topics.
#### Impact and Legacy
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Matt Besser's work has had a significant impact on the comedy world. As co-founder of UCB, he played a pivotal role in shaping the modern landscape of improv and sketch comedy. His innovative approach to storytelling and his willingness to tackle difficult subjects have made him a respected voice in the industry.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Besser is widely quoted and remembered for his unique perspective on social issues, as well as his dedication to using humor as a tool for commentary. His influence can be seen in many contemporary comedians who have been inspired by his work.
Quotes by Matt Besser
I used to go to those dance circles when I was a kid. When break dancing was first popular in the '80s. I would be in Boston, or I'd head up to New York, and I would stand in those circles, and I would just be blown away.
Neil Mahoney was definitely the visionary in taking 'Freak Dance' from stage to screen. He made it more cinematic. He brought the choreography, all the ways to shoot that. I was more the director of actors. I was in front of the camera directing, and he was behind the camera directing.
If acting with other people is in your plans, then you need to learn how to work with other people to build a comedic premise.
When I came to Chicago, I didn't even know what improvisation meant, as far as pertaining to comedy. I knew about Second City, but I didn't know what the word 'improvisation' meant.
You can do a whole scene in acting without ever checking in to what the other guy is saying - it's not going to come off great, but you can get through the scene - whereas in improv, that's gonna be impossible.
The one thing that's depressing as a comedian to realize is that rock stars get groupies, and comedians don't.
People get recruited from sketch groups and put on 'Mad TV' and 'SNL,' but those aren't ensembles, they're all-star teams.
I guess that I was always considered a little too weird for the standup clubs and probably too jokey for doing performance art and those places where those are done.
I saw Chris Rock do standup before he was famous. I was just a teenager. That will always be special to me.