| Birth Date: | 6 July 1966 |
| Birth Place: | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Alma Mater: | California State University, Sacramento |
| Active: | 1994–present |
| Children: | 1 |
Brian Posehn (; born July 6, 1966)[1] is an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor, musician, and writer. After numerous appearances as a television guest star, Posehn acquired his first major recurring role in HBO's Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998). He is known for his roles as Jim Kuback on The WB's Mission Hill and Brian Spukowski on Comedy Central's The Sarah Silverman Program. Posehn had a recurring role on The Big Bang Theory as geologist Bert Kibbler.
As a stand-up comedian, Posehn has released four comedy albums and one standalone music album. He has hosted the online Dungeons & Dragons podcast Nerd Poker since 2012. He has also done voice work for video games such as Halo 2, FusionFall, Brütal Legend, and .
Posehn received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1998 and 1999 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program for his work on Mr. Show with Bob and David, which he shared with the series' writing crew.[2] Posehn also received a nomination for a DVDX Award for Best Original Song in a DVD Premiere Movie in 2003 for Run Ronnie Run!.[3]
Posehn was born[4] and raised[5] in Sacramento, California. His father died of an allergic reaction to blood medication when he was two years old. He is of German and Irish descent.[6] He graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1984.[7] He attended college at California State University, Sacramento.[8] He was able to begin his career after meeting Bob Odenkirk and David Cross in San Francisco, therefore some have attributed that the foundation of his comedy career commenced in the San Francisco Bay Area.[9]
Posehn began with guest appearances and mainly small roles in TV shows. He was on 28 episodes of Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998), a sketch comedy series on HBO. In a 1996 episode of Friends, he delivered the manuscript in which Joey Tribbiani's soap opera character "Dr. Drake Ramoray" is killed. He appeared as two different characters in NewsRadio: a fan with questions for Jimmy James at a book reading (1997), and a member of Dave's a cappella group "Chock Full o' Notes" (1998). In the Seinfeld episode "The Burning" (1998), he played a patient, when Kramer "was given" gonorrhea. His character was instructed to "act out" to a group of medical students how a surgeon left a sponge in him post surgery. Posehn also wrote the episode "Cahill" (1998) with Ben Karlin. He appeared on 29 episodes of the NBC series Just Shoot Me! (1999–2003). He played the voice of Jim in Mission Hill on the WB (1999–2002), and Del Swanson in 3 South on MTV (2002–2003). On an Adult Swim production, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, he voiced the Wisdom Cube in the 2003 episode "The Cubing".
Posehn performed the voice of Gibbons, a tiny man, on several episodes of the Cartoon Network's Tom Goes to the Mayor (2005–2006). He also appeared in the 2005 pilot for The Showbiz Show with David Spade, in a segment called "The Nerd Perspective", in which he gave a scathing criticism of MTV and its declining quality. He also played a mortician in several episodes of Comedy Central's Reno 911!. He was featured on the 2005 documentary series The Comedians of Comedy on Comedy Central and Showtime. He was in a 2007 episode of the improv series Thank God You're Here on NBC and was a celebrity judge on the revived 1970s game show The Gong Show with Dave Attell (2008), on Comedy Central. He co-stars on The Sarah Silverman Program with Steve Agee as a gay couple who is friends with Silverman,[10] and also wrote the season three finale "Wowschwitz". He played himself in the episode "Spagett" of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, appeared at the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget, played the role of a physically disabled man (Scooter Man) in the second season's premiere episode "Slip of the Tongue" of Californication (2008), on Showtime, and played Dethklok's second manager in the Metalocalypse episode "Dethsources", he also wrote the episode "Fatherklok". In 2007 he joined the first season of the MTV sketch comedy series Human Giant, as a writer and performer, and voices Glen Furlblam, the biggest fan of Dr. Two-Brains on the PBS Kids animated series WordGirl. In 2012 he co-wrote the fourth season of Metalocalypse. From 2013 to 2019, Posehn portrayed the recurring character Bert on The Big Bang Theory.
Film appearances from Posehn include the 2003 comedy film sequel , Grind, the 2005 Rob Zombie horror film The Devil's Rejects, Sleeping Dogs Lie, , and the 2007 animated feature Surf's Up, where he played Glen Maverick. Posehn appeared as himself in the 2007 documentary Super High Me starring 'marijuana comedian' Doug Benson, the 2008 documentary Nerdcore Rising about MC Frontalot and in a supporting role in .
Posehn voices the character of Murray, a robot, in Rob Zombie's animated The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. He also voiced the character Hayashi in the English dub of Pom Poko.
In 2002, Posehn appeared on Comedy Central Presents, followed by the release of 2005's The Comedians of Comedy, a documentary/live special chronicling a 2004 small-club comedy tour he participated in. The film was followed up by a television series on Comedy Central of the same name. Posehn's debut comedy album was released in 2006. He participated in the Comedy Lineup of the 2008 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which included Louis C.K., Janeane Garofalo and Zach Galifianakis. Posehn performed as part of the Rock N' Roll Comedy set with Jim Norton and Michelle Buteau. During his 2008 routine on Comedy Central Presents he referred to his Wikipedia article, which he supposedly vandalized.[11] In 2010, Posehn released his second album Fart and Wiener Jokes. In 2011, Posehn agreed to perform at the Gathering of the Juggalos. Some of his fans criticized this decision as being "not metal". Posehn countered that "getting a paycheck is metal", and expressed respect towards the Juggalo fan culture, as well as the independent music success of Insane Clown Posse and Psychopathic Records.[12] In 2013, Posehn released his third comedy album and first DVD, The Fartist, and in 2017 his fourth comedy album, Posehn 25x2.
In 2006, Relapse Records released his first album, .[13] [14] It includes "Metal by Numbers", a song mocking the formulaic nature of modern "metal" at the time of its release. The instrumental tracks feature musicians such as guitarist Scott Ian (of Anthrax), bassist Joey Vera (then of Anthrax, but also of Armored Saint and Fates Warning), drummer John Tempesta (of The Cult and White Zombie), and lead guitarist Jonathan Donais (of Shadows Fall). Posehn also appeared in the Anthrax music videos for "What Doesn't Die" and "Blood Eagle Wings". Posehn appeared on a Season 4 episode of the music talk show That Metal Show and Lamb of God's Walk With Me In Hell DVD, and performed "More Metal Then You", a song that was included on his non-musical stand-up comedy album Fart & Weiner Jokes, with "Brian Posehn's All-Star Band" on the 2010 Revolver Golden Gods Awards. Posehn appeared in The Damned Things music video for "We've Got A Situation Here". He provided backing vocals for Evile's album Five Serpent's Teeth.
In 2020, Posehn released his first music-only album, Grandpa Metal, which featured guest appearances from Brendon Small of Dethklok, Scott Ian, Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Weird Al Yankovic, Phil Demmel of Machine Head, Michael Starr of Steel Panther and others. The album consists of comedy metal songs, as well as metal covers of "Take On Me" by A-Ha and "The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)" by Ylvis.
Posehn has provided voice work for video games Brütal Legend as The Hunter[15] and Star Warped as co-narrator Brian.[16] Posehn has also voiced Grunts and various Marines in the 2004 video game Halo 2.
Posehn appeared in the commercial "Ink Fairy" for Staples office supply store in its ad campaign featuring the "Easy Button."
In 2006, Posehn co-wrote the comic book The Last Christmas with writer Gerry Duggan, published by Image Comics .
In April 2009 Posehn hosted the first American "Golden Gods Awards" for metal music hosted by Revolver Magazine.
As part of the Marvel NOW! initiative Posehn and Gerry Duggan co-wrote the Deadpool ongoing comic series which launched in November 2012, lasting 45 issues. His run ended in April 2015. The first six issues were illustrated by Tony Moore.[17]
Since 2012, Posehn has hosted a podcast called Nerd Poker, where a group of comedians play Dungeons & Dragons. Co-hosts include comic book writer Gerry Duggan and comedian Blaine Capatch, among others.
Posehn has also participated in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign Force Grey: Lost City of Omu, hosted by Matthew Mercer.
Posehn married Melanie Truhett in 2004 and has a son with her.[18] While once known for his use of cannabis, Posehn quit smoking marijuana in 2011,[19] [20] but resumed smoking about three years later.[21]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | The Wedding Singer | Man at Table 9 | Uncredited | |
| 2000 | The Independent | Fan from Casper | Uncredited | |
| 2000 | Desperate but Not Serious | Auteur #2 | ||
| 2002 | Run Ronnie Run! | Tank | Also writer | |
| 2002 | Sorority Boys | Haggard Alum | ||
| 2003 | Store clerk | |||
| 2003 | Grind | Orville the Scraggly Guy | ||
| 2003 | Brother Bear | Additional voices | ||
| 2004 | Adventures in Homeschooling | Eugene Drifke | Short film | |
| 2004 | Eulogy | Video Store Clerk | ||
| 2005 | Friend | |||
| 2005 | Cake Boy | Darrel | ||
| 2005 | The Devil's Rejects | Jimmy | ||
| 2005 | Pom Poko | Hayashi | Voice, English dub[22] | |
| 2006 | Sleeping Dogs Lie | Randy | ||
| 2006 | Ergo Proxy | Dog Cop #2 | ||
| 2007 | Smiley Face | Bus Driver | ||
| 2007 | Undead or Alive | Ben | ||
| 2007 | Surf's Up | Glen Maverick | Voice | |
| 2007 | Wedding Minister | |||
| 2008 | Spy School | Grissom | ||
| 2008 | Sex Drive | Carney | ||
| 2009 | The Haunted World of El Superbeasto | Murray | Voice | |
| 2010 | Scooby-Doo! Abracadabra-Doo | Marlon Whirlen | Voice | |
| 2011 | Lloyd the Conqueror | Andy | ||
| 2012 | The Five-Year Engagement | Tarquin | ||
| 2013 | Knights of Badassdom | Gilberto | ||
| 2015 | Hell and Back | Cleb | Voice | |
| 2015 | Uncle Nick | Uncle Nick | ||
| 2017 | Mr. Rected | Voice | ||
| 2019 | Christmas Magic | |||
| 2020 | The Last Blockbuster | Himself |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Empty Nest | Painted gut guy | Episode: "Harry Weston: Man's Best Friend" | |
| 1995–1998 | Mr. Show with Bob and David | Various | 21 episodes; also writer | |
| 1996 | Friends | Messenger | Episode: "The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies" | |
| 1996 | Party Girl | Patron #1 | Episode: "Pilot" | |
| 1997, 2001 | Everybody Loves Raymond | Walter / Warren | 2 episodes | |
| 1997–1998 | NewsRadio | Brian / Fan | 2 episodes | |
| 1998 | Jenny | Guest #3 | Episode: "A Girl's Gotta Hang with a Celebrity" | |
| 1998 | Veronica's Closet | The Maintenance Guy | Episode: "Veronica's Divorce Papers" | |
| 1998 | Seinfeld | Artie | Episode: "The Burning" | |
| 1998 | The Army Show | Eddie | 5 episodes | |
| 1999 | Maggie | Janitor | Episode: "This Is Just a Test" | |
| 1999–2002 | Mission Hill | Jim Kuback | Voice, 13 episodes | |
| 1999 | Jesse | Terry | Episode: "Momma Was a Rollin' Stone" | |
| 1999–2003 | Just Shoot Me! | Kevin Liotta | 29 episodes | |
| 2001 | Various voices | 3 episodes | ||
| 2001 | Becker | George | Episode: "The Ugly Truth" | |
| 2002 | Comedy Central Presents | Himself | Comedy special | |
| 2002–2007 | Kim Possible | Cousin Larry | Voice, 5 episodes | |
| 2002–2003 | 3 South | Del | 13 episodes | |
| 2003 | Ozzy & Drix | Sylvian Fisher | Voice, episode: "Growth" | |
| 2003 | Crank Yankers | Clay | Voice, episode: "2.19" | |
| 2003 | Aqua Teen Hunger Force | The Real Wisdom Cube | Voice, episode: "The Cubing" | |
| 2003–2004 | The Man Show | Writer and consulting producer | ||
| 2004 | Method & Red | Guard | Episode: "Pilot" | |
| 2004 | Dave the Barbarian | Knuckles the Silly Piggy, Kid | Voice, episode: "The Princess and the Peabrain" | |
| 2004–2005 | The Bernie Mac Show | David | 2 episodes | |
| 2005 | American Dad! | Dan Vebber | Voice, episode: "All About Steve" | |
| 2005 | Craig Bogie | Episode: "Kids Putt-Putt/Double Dutch" | ||
| 2005–2006 | Tom Goes to the Mayor | Gibbons | Voice, 4 episodes | |
| 2006 | Re-Animated | Crocco | Voice, television film | |
| 2006–2007 | Reno 911! | Stevie the Coroner | 3 episodes | |
| 2007, 2008 | Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! | Gibbons, self | Voice, 2 episodes | |
| 2007–2010 | The Sarah Silverman Program | Brian Spukowski | 32 episodes | |
| 2007–2008 | Human Giant | Various characters | 5 episodes; also consultant writer | |
| 2007–2008 | Out of Jimmy's Head | Crocco | Voice, 18 episodes | |
| 2008 | The Mighty B! | Ride Guy | Voice, episode: "So Happy Together/Sweet Sixteenth" | |
| 2008 | Nino Sexton/Nanosec | Voice, 2 episodes | ||
| 2008–2012 | Metalocalypse | Melward Fjordslorn | Voice, episode: "Dethsources"; also writer | |
| 2008 | Californication | Scooter Man | Episode: "Slip of the Tongue" | |
| 2008 | Comedy Central Presents: 2008 Breakout Comedians | Himself | Comedy special | |
| 2010 | Adventure Time | Business Man #1 | Voice, episode: "Business Time" | |
| 2010 | The Penguins of Madagascar | Duane | Voice, episode: "Stop Bugging Me/Field Tripped" | |
| 2010–2011 | Sym-Bionic Titan | Octus/Newton | Voice, 19 episodes | |
| 2010 | The Suite Life on Deck | Dr. Cork | Episode: "Frozen" | |
| 2010–2011 | Nick Swardson's Pretend Time | Writer | ||
| 2011 | Bob's Burgers | Choo-Choo | Voice, episode: "Spaghetti Western and Meatballs" | |
| 2012 | Holliston | Clerk | Episode: "Skunked" | |
| 2012 | Conan | Audience member | Episode: "Never Bring a Knife to a Hot Dog Eating Contest" | |
| 2012 | Guys with Kids | Victor | 3 episodes | |
| 2012 | Motorcity | Oracle | Voice, episode: "Ride of the Fantasy Vans" | |
| 2013 | Newsreaders | Ames MacKenzie | Episode: "Auto Erotic" | |
| 2012–2013 | Anger Management | Brian | Episode: "Charlie and Kate Start a Sex Study"; also writer | |
| 2013–2019 | The Big Bang Theory | Bert Kibbler | Recurring role; 15 episodes | |
| 2014–2016 | Uncle Grandpa | Charlie Burgers | Voice, 3 episodes | |
| 2014–2015 | New Girl | Biology Teacher | Recurring role, 5 episodes[23] [24] | |
| 2014 | Community | Bixel | Episode: "App Development and Condiments" | |
| 2014–2017 | Steven Universe | Sour Cream, Person at Dance, Zombie | Voice, 8 episodes | |
| 2015 | Beach Ball Grandpappy | Voice, episode: "Balls!" | ||
| 2015 | Star vs. the Forces of Evil | Lobster Claws | Voice, 2 episodes | |
| 2015 | W/ Bob & David | Various | 4 episodes | |
| 2016 | Lady Dynamite | Sebastian | Episode: "Pilot" | |
| 2016 | You're the Worst | Himself | Episode: "The Inherent, Unsullied Qualitative Value of Anything" | |
| 2017 | The Simpsons | Dumlee | Voice, episode: "A Father's Watch" | |
| 2017 | Billy Dilley's Super-Duper Subterranean Summer | Gorkager | Voice, 5 episodes | |
| 2017 | Ginger Snaps | Fingers | Voice, 10 episodes | |
| 2017 | Mighty Magiswords | Tracy / Logan | Voice, episode: "Bureaucrophobia" | |
| 2017 | The Adventures of Puss in Boots | Tim | Voice, episode: "The Iceman Meleth" | |
| 2017–2018 | Mr Student Body President | Lyle | 5 episodes | |
| 2018 | Teachers | Zeke | Episode: "Hello, Goodbye" | |
| 2018 | Camp Confessions | |||
| 2019 | Deadly Class | Shandy | 5 episodes | |
| 2019 | The Mandalorian | Speeder pilot | Episode: "Chapter 1" | |
| 2020 | Gludge | Voice, episode: "Belly Flop" | ||
| 2020 | Steven Universe Future | Sour Cream | Voice, episode: "Bismuth Casual" | |
| 2020 | Crank Yankers | Himself | Voice, episode: "Brian Posehn, Nick Kroll & David Alan Grier" | |
| Top Secret Videos | Co-host | [25] | ||
| 2020 | The Neighborhood | Clem | Episode: "Welcome to the Road Trip" | |
| 2021 | Nailed It! | Himself | Episode: "I've Failed and I Can't Get Up!" |
| Year | Artist | Song | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Wires"[26] | Store Clerk | ||
| 2016 | "Blood Eagle Wings" | Tormentor – The Butcher | ||
| 2017 | "Show Yourself" | Street Vendor |
| Year | Title | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Off-World Interceptor | Comedy Voiceover | |
| 1997 | Star Warped | Brian | |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | Grunt | |
| 2009 | Octus | ||
| 2009 | Brütal Legend | Hunter | |
| 2015 | Axel[27] |
Posehn has been nominated for two Primetime Emmys and one DVDX Award. His first Primetime Emmy nomination in 1998 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program was for his writing on Mr. Show with Bob and David, which he shared with crew members Scott Aukerman, Jerry Collins, David Cross, Jay Johnston, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Odenkirk, B. J. Porter, and Dino Stamatopoulos. The television series' writing staff, including Posehn, received another nomination in the same category in 1999, which Posehn shared with Mike Stoyanov, Paul F. Tompkins, Mike Upchurch, and past writing staff from the previous year.
For his work on Run Ronnie Run!, Posehn was nominated at the 2003 DVD Exclusive Awards for Best Original Song in a DVD Premiere Movie for "The Golden Rule Song" along with performer Jack Black (with the Joey Cheesy Reunion Band) and fellow lyricists David Cross, Bob Odenkirk, Scott Aukerman, B. J. Porter, and Eban Schletter.