Fred Gettings

Fred Armisen, born December 4, 1966, is an American comedian, actor, musician, and writer. He gained prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2002 to 2013, becoming one of its longest-serving members. Armisen co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series Portlandia and the mockumentary series Documentary Now!, as well as the comedy series Moonbase 8. He also served as the bandleader and drummer for the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers from 2014 to 2024. His career also includes voice acting roles and numerous guest appearances on popular television shows. Armisen's background includes early musical pursuits as a drummer in various bands before transitioning to comedy and acting.

Born in Mississippi and raised in New York, Fred Armisen's early life was marked by a multicultural upbringing, with a Venezuelan mother and a father of German and Korean heritage. His paternal grandfather, who had adopted a Japanese name, was of Korean aristocratic lineage. Armisen's initial aspirations were in music; he played drums in bands in his youth and moved to Chicago to join the punk rock band Trenchmouth. He also performed with the Blue Man Group and contributed to albums by other artists. His drumming career continued as the music director and drummer for the house band on Late Night with Seth Meyers. This foundational experience in music deeply influenced his later comedic and performing career.

Armisen's path shifted towards acting and comedy, driven by a desire to perform on television. His early work included appearances on shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien, which led to his significant role on Saturday Night Live starting in 2002. Over his eleven years on SNL, he became a repertory player and was recognized for his diverse range of characters and impressions. Following SNL, he co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed IFC series Portlandia, alongside Carrie Brownstein, exploring quirky characters and modern life. He also co-created and starred in Documentary Now!, a parody of documentary filmmaking.

Beyond his starring roles, Armisen has lent his voice to animated characters, including Speedy Gonzales on The Looney Tunes Show, and has had roles in various films. His acting credits span comedy films and numerous guest spots on popular television series, showcasing his versatility. Armisen's contributions to television have been recognized with awards, including Peabody Awards for his work on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia. He also co-created and starred in the Spanish-language series Los Espookys. His musical talents resurfaced in projects like playing drums with Devo and releasing an album of sound effects.

“I wanted to be on TV somehow. For some reason, I always thought it would be an indirect route; I didn't know that it would be comedy and Saturday Night Live. I just wanted to do something with performing that would lead me there.”