Fred Armisen was born on April 4, 1966, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He spent his early years moving around due to his father's career in the military before settling in Valley Stream, New York. Armisen attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he studied film and visual arts. After graduation, he decided to pursue a career in music, becoming a rock drummer in various bands before transitioning to comedy.
Armisen's comedy career took off when he began performing stand-up and sketch comedy in New York City. He made his television debut on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Crank Yankers, showcasing his talent for impersonations and offbeat humor. Armisen's unique comedic style quickly gained him recognition in the industry.
Armisen joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2002, where he gained widespread acclaim for his hilarious impressions of celebrities like President Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, and Prince. He showcased his versatility and comedic timing, becoming a fan favorite on the long-running sketch comedy show. In addition to his work on Saturday Night Live, Armisen co-created the Emmy-nominated IFC series Portlandia with Carrie Brownstein, which satirized hipster culture and received critical acclaim.
In 2018, Armisen expanded his acting roles by starring as Oscar in the Amazon series Forever. He showcased his range as an actor, earning praise for his nuanced and comedic portrayal. Armisen also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to popular characters like Brainy Smurf in The Smurfs movie.
Armisen has been married twice; first to British singer and songwriter Sally Timms for six years, and then to actress Elisabeth Moss in 2009, with the couple divorcing in 2011. In 2014, he began a relationship with Orange Is the New Black star Natasha Lyonne. Throughout his personal and professional life, Armisen has remained a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Fred Armisen's comedic genius and talent have left a lasting impact on the world of comedy. His ability to transform into a wide range of characters and create memorable sketches has solidified his status as a comedic icon. Whether on Saturday Night Live, Portlandia, or in his various acting roles, Armisen continues to delight audiences with his wit and charm.
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