Famous second city alumni
Famous second city alumni. Whenever people hear or speak about Second City a number of names of images come to mind. John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Chris Farely are some of the star names that are associated with SC (Second City for the remainder of this column). More alumni, famous or not, are working in film, TV and theatre today. Some of these names and faces you know, some you may not, but they are all worth knowing and following.
Below are 20 SC alumni you should know for their talent, their potential and their accomplishments. Check out the list of alumni on the SC page to see if your favorite performer or writer is also an alumnus of the great comedy institution.
10. Nancy (Walls) Carell – Alumni of 1994
Not just the wife of Steve Carell, Nancy is an accomplished comedic actor herself. She frequently appears in her husband’s movies; recently she has been featured as the voice of Helen Goode in “The Goode Family.” She appeared in several episodes of “The Office” playing girlfriend to her real-life husband. To those that go way back in the day she was also a favorite waitress across the street from SC at the now defunct Last Act.
9. Jeff Richmond – Alumni of 1995
Jeff Richmond may be best known as Tina Fey’s husband, but this is not just a list of famous folk’s spouses. Jeff is the composer and one of the producers of the hit TV show “30 Rock.” He is an exceptionally talented composer and well-loved for assisting actors (including this one) during shows at SC with his on-target piano accompaniment. He worked in many positions at SC and has a razor sharp sense of humor that greatly helped to raise the comedy level in improvised and scripted scenes.
8. Kevin Dorff – Alumni of 1996
Kevin Dorff is both a noted actor and writer from Chicago’s Second City. He is currently writing for “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” He has written for Conan since 1999 and appeared on “The Conan O’Brien Show” multiple times. He also guest stars with other SC alumni on “The Office.” His writing and sense of humor are sharp and topical. Kevin also wrote for the primetime Emmy’s in 2006.
7. Scott Adsit – Alumni of 1998
Scott may be best known to the staff of SC as the guy who had to make it from backstage to a front of the house in 30 seconds or less. During the run of “Piñata Full of Bees” (well-known as a ground breaking production at SC) Scott had to sprint from a scene to a platform above the audience which required him to bolt through the kitchen at rocket speed. (Staying out of his way was day one of training for many a SC server - including this one). Scott is best known now Pete Hornberger on the hit show “30 Rock.” Scott is an agile and adaptable improviser with an outstanding sense of timing. He proudly describes the mission of comedy as "changing the world with our funny skits and songs".
6. Adam McCay – Alumni of 1995
Adam is also an alumnus of the hit “Piñata Full of Bees” on the main stage at SC. His turn as substitute teacher Noam Chomsky explaining Thanksgiving to a class of children endures as comedic legend in Chicago. Adam was head writer of “Saturday Night Live” and is one of the best comedy writers around. His daughter Pearl starred in the somewhat controversial “Funny of Die” sketch “The Landlord” with both Adam and Will Ferrell. Even as a toddler she showed a knack for comedic timing. Adam has several projects in development and has written such hits as “Step Brothers”, “Talladega Nights”, and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.”
5. Mick Napier – Currently a director and artistic consultant at Second City
Mick is possibly the most obscure name on this list for most people. To others he is well known and greatly respected in the Chicago comedy scene as the founder of The Annoyance theatre and Annoyance Productions. His production “Co-Ed Prison Sluts” is the longest running musical ever in Chicago. He is a sheer comedic force in person and a brilliant improv instructor. As an instructor he is as knowledgeable as he is tough – he cannot and will not suffer fools (including this one). Though he sounds tough he is also sweet and nimble at combining both edges of the comedic knife. His first book “Scene from the Inside Out” was published by Heinemann is must read material for any improv fan or student.
4. Jack McBrayer – Alumni of 1999
Jack McBrayer’s character Kenneth Parcell on “30 Rock” has single handedly changed the image of NBC pages. According to a recent report it was harder to get a job as an NBC page than to get into Harvard. Jack’s sweet character is an integral balance to the team at “30 Rock.” His knack for comedic timing is evident in every scene he plays as the naïve page with other talents like Tina Fey or Alec Baldwin. Jack is also known from movies such as “Talladega Nights” and “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.” Jack and his NBC page jacket may be one of the most loved characters on TV today.
3. Steve Carell – Alumni of 1991
Steve CarellSteve Carell is best known today as the slightly dim-witted and self-described comedic genius Michael Scott on the American version of “The Office.” He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Michael Scott in “The Office.” Steve’s comedic timing and character sketches were well known gems during the 1990’s Chicago comedy scene. The character from “The 40-Year Old Virgin” was even born on the SC etc. stage. Steve is also well known for showing his softer side and acting chops in movies such as “Dan in Real Life” and “Little Miss Sunshine.” Steve has several projects in production but is still fondly remembered in Chicago for his kindness and sharp sense of irony.
2. Stephen Colbert – Alumni of 1992
Stephen ColbertStephen Colbert needs almost no introduction these days. Now best known for his show “The Colbert Report,” he was also a well-known talent in his role as the longest running correspondent for “The Daily Show.” Stephen achieved notoriety for his speech at the Correspondents dinner in 2006 when he sharply roasted President Bush. The controversial speech has served as something as a cautionary tale for all comedians since. During the week of June 8 – 11, 2009, “The Colbert Report” was broadcast from Iraq as he felt attention on the war was fading. (He also had his head shaved on the first night’s show.) Stephen is also well-known as a writer and actor with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello in both “Exit 57” and “Strangers with Candy.” Stephen is possibly the best known satirist of the right-wing and Republicans today. His (sometimes) scathingly ironic humor is well-played and always timely and can be seen on “The Colbert Report” four nights a week following “The Daily Show.”
1. Tina Fey – Alumni of 1996
Tina FeyTina Fey is possibly the best known comedic actress working today. The first female head writer for “Saturday Night Live” she transformed the news desk with partner Jimmy Fallon writing some of the best material on the show for several years. Her dead-on impression of Sarah Palin drove SNL’s ratings through the roof and even lead to the creation of a Thursday night 30-minute version of the show. Tina used her experience with both SC and SNL to create the hit TV show “30 Rock.” Guests on the show have included Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey and Steve Martin. Tina’s adept comedy style was well used on both Chicago stages as her range is unending. In addition to the hit “30 Rock” Tina wrote and performed in the movie “Mean Girls.” She also starred in the hit “Baby Mama.”
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