Jump to content

Neal Brennan: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Filled in 1 bare reference(s) with reFill ()
Rescuing 6 sources and tagging 1 as dead. #IABot (v1.6.2)
Line 19: Line 19:
'''Neal Brennan''' (born October 19, 1973)<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|title=Novice Director, a Veteran of Comedy|first=Josh|last=Eells|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/movies/09eels.html?_r=1|newspaper=New York Times|date=August 7, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=CBS>{{cite news|title=Chappelle's Trip To The Top|first=Rebecca|last=Leung|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/27/60ii/main698261.shtml|newspaper=CBS News|date=February 11, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=SANDIEGO>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.com/articles/2011-06-22/obama-twitter-and-pokez-neal-brennan-sketch-comedy-diet|title=Obama, Twitter and Pokez: The Neal Brennan Sketch Comedy Diet|last=Downs|first=Gordon|date=June 22, 2011|work=SanDiego.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, director and producer.
'''Neal Brennan''' (born October 19, 1973)<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|title=Novice Director, a Veteran of Comedy|first=Josh|last=Eells|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/movies/09eels.html?_r=1|newspaper=New York Times|date=August 7, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=CBS>{{cite news|title=Chappelle's Trip To The Top|first=Rebecca|last=Leung|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/27/60ii/main698261.shtml|newspaper=CBS News|date=February 11, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=SANDIEGO>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.com/articles/2011-06-22/obama-twitter-and-pokez-neal-brennan-sketch-comedy-diet|title=Obama, Twitter and Pokez: The Neal Brennan Sketch Comedy Diet|last=Downs|first=Gordon|date=June 22, 2011|work=SanDiego.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, director and producer.


He is known for co-creating and co-writing the [[Comedy Central]] series ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' with [[Dave Chappelle]].<ref name=VANSUN>{{cite news|title=ComedyFest: Neal Brennan enters Vancouver laughing|first=Mike|last=Hager|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/ComedyFest+Neal+Brennan+enters+Vancouver+laughing/6206681/story.html|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=February 24, 2012|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=MSNBC>{{cite news|title=Dave Chappelle inks $50 million deal|first=Andrew|last=Wallenstein|url=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5591225/site/todayshow/ns/today-entertainment/t/dave-chappelle-inks-million-deal/#.T0xoq3lc-So|newspaper=MSNBC|date=August 3, 2004|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=AUSTIN>{{cite news|title=Saturday Interview - Neal Brennan|first=Chase|last=Hoffberger|url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-11-04/saturday-interview-neal-brennan/|newspaper=Austin Chronicle|date=November 4, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> By the end of the second season, it was ranked as the most popular Comedy Central show. It premiered in January 2003 and continued until 2005.
He is known for co-creating and co-writing the [[Comedy Central]] series ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' with [[Dave Chappelle]].<ref name=VANSUN>{{cite news|title=ComedyFest: Neal Brennan enters Vancouver laughing|first=Mike|last=Hager|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/ComedyFest+Neal+Brennan+enters+Vancouver+laughing/6206681/story.html|newspaper=Vancouver Sun|date=February 24, 2012|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=MSNBC>{{cite news|title=Dave Chappelle inks $50 million deal|first=Andrew|last=Wallenstein|url=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5591225/site/todayshow/ns/today-entertainment/t/dave-chappelle-inks-million-deal/#.T0xoq3lc-So|newspaper=MSNBC|date=August 3, 2004|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=AUSTIN>{{cite news|title=Saturday Interview - Neal Brennan|first=Chase|last=Hoffberger|url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-11-04/saturday-interview-neal-brennan/|newspaper=Austin Chronicle|date=November 4, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> By the end of the second season, it was ranked as the most popular Comedy Central show. It premiered in January 2003 and continued until 2005.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Line 32: Line 32:
==Career==
==Career==
[[File:Neal Brennan.jpg|thumb|Brennan on stage]]
[[File:Neal Brennan.jpg|thumb|Brennan on stage]]
In the mid-1990s, Brennan moved to [[Los Angeles]]. In 1995, he became a writer for the dating show, ''[[Singled Out]],'' hosted by [[Jenny McCarthy]] and [[Chris Hardwick]].<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=CHICAGONOW1/> This was followed by writing jobs for the game show ''[[Bzzz!]]'' in 1996, the [[sketch comedy]]-[[variety show]] ''[[All That]]'' from 1996 to 1997, and the teen sitcom ''[[Kenan & Kel]]'' in 1997.<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=CHICAGONOW1/><ref name=IMDB>{{IMDb name|0107366|Neal Brennan}}</ref><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/4611|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #205|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=April 12, 2012|time=1:47:54|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
In the mid-1990s, Brennan moved to [[Los Angeles]]. In 1995, he became a writer for the dating show, ''[[Singled Out]],'' hosted by [[Jenny McCarthy]] and [[Chris Hardwick]].<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=CHICAGONOW1/> This was followed by writing jobs for the game show ''[[Bzzz!]]'' in 1996, the [[sketch comedy]]-[[variety show]] ''[[All That]]'' from 1996 to 1997, and the teen sitcom ''[[Kenan & Kel]]'' in 1997.<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=CHICAGONOW1/><ref name=IMDB>{{IMDb name|0107366|Neal Brennan}}</ref><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/4611|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #205|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=April 12, 2012|time=1:47:54|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417041922/http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/4611|archivedate=April 17, 2012|df=}}</ref>


In 1997, Brennan and Chappelle collaborated for the first time on the screenplay for the film ''[[Half Baked]]''.<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=NYT2>{{cite news|title=A Comic Who Won't Hold Back; Nothing Is Out of Bounds For Dave Chappelle's Show|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/18/arts/a-comic-who-won-t-hold-back-nothing-is-out-of-bounds-for-dave-chappelle-s-show.html?pagewanted=3&src=pm|newspaper=New York Times|date=February 18, 2004|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> The film was released in January 1998 and starred Chappelle, [[Jim Breuer]], [[Harland Williams]] and [[Guillermo Díaz (actor)|Guillermo Díaz]].<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=NYT3>{{cite news|title=Half Baked (1998) FILM REVIEW; Marijuana Moments, Many of Them|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B02E0D91738F934A25752C0A96E958260|newspaper=New York Times|date=January 18, 1998|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> ''Half Baked'' was a commercial failure and received mainly negative reviews but has since gone on to become a cult classic.<ref name=NYT/><ref name=BUZZBIN>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/07/18/taking-the-leap-with-neal-brennan/|title=Taking the Leap with Neal Brennan|last=Flannigan|first=W.|date=July 18, 2011|work=buzzbinmagazine.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=VARIETY>{{cite news|title=Half Baked|first=Brendan|last=Kelly|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117436781?refcatid=31|newspaper=Variety|date=January 19, 1998|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
In 1997, Brennan and Chappelle collaborated for the first time on the screenplay for the film ''[[Half Baked]]''.<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=NYT2>{{cite news|title=A Comic Who Won't Hold Back; Nothing Is Out of Bounds For Dave Chappelle's Show|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/18/arts/a-comic-who-won-t-hold-back-nothing-is-out-of-bounds-for-dave-chappelle-s-show.html?pagewanted=3&src=pm|newspaper=New York Times|date=February 18, 2004|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> The film was released in January 1998 and starred Chappelle, [[Jim Breuer]], [[Harland Williams]] and [[Guillermo Díaz (actor)|Guillermo Díaz]].<ref name=CAREER/><ref name=NYT3>{{cite news|title=Half Baked (1998) FILM REVIEW; Marijuana Moments, Many of Them|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9B02E0D91738F934A25752C0A96E958260|newspaper=New York Times|date=January 18, 1998|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> ''Half Baked'' was a commercial failure and received mainly negative reviews but has since gone on to become a cult classic.<ref name=NYT/><ref name=BUZZBIN>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/07/18/taking-the-leap-with-neal-brennan/|title=Taking the Leap with Neal Brennan|last=Flannigan|first=W.|date=July 18, 2011|work=buzzbinmagazine.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509074949/http://www.buzzbinmagazine.com/home/2011/07/18/taking-the-leap-with-neal-brennan/|archivedate=May 9, 2012|df=}}</ref><ref name=VARIETY>{{cite news|title=Half Baked|first=Brendan|last=Kelly|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117436781?refcatid=31|newspaper=Variety|date=January 19, 1998|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>


In a 2006 interview, Brennan referred to the period of the film's release as "probably the worst year of my life, creatively and personally."<ref name=CAREER/> In an interview that same year on ''[[Inside the Actor's Studio]]'', Chappelle recounted how he and Brennan lost touch with each other after the release of ''Half Baked'', saying that it was "like leaving a crime scene".<ref>{{cite episode|title=Dave Chappelle|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84NjYRTHpfU| accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=Inside the Actors Studio|airdate=February 12, 2006|time=55:00}}</ref>
In a 2006 interview, Brennan referred to the period of the film's release as "probably the worst year of my life, creatively and personally."<ref name=CAREER/> In an interview that same year on ''[[Inside the Actor's Studio]]'', Chappelle recounted how he and Brennan lost touch with each other after the release of ''Half Baked'', saying that it was "like leaving a crime scene".<ref>{{cite episode|title=Dave Chappelle|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84NjYRTHpfU| accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=Inside the Actors Studio|airdate=February 12, 2006|time=55:00}}</ref>


===''Chappelle's Show''===
===''Chappelle's Show''===
Four years later, Brennan and Chappelle came together to co-create, co-write and co-[[Executive producer|executive produce]] the eponymous [[sketch comedy]] ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'', which premiered in January 2003.<ref name=NYT/><ref name=MSNBC/><ref name=NYT2/> Brennan said that he and Chappelle read the book ''Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live'' (2002), by [[Tom Shales]] when they started writing sketches for the show, and found the book very helpful.<ref name=CHICAGONOW2>{{cite news|title=What really happened with Chappelle's Show and more: Neal Brennan interview Part 2|first=Scott|last=King|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/class-act-comedy/2011/06/what-really-happened-with-chappelles-show-and-more-neal-brennan-interview-part-2/|newspaper=Chicago Now|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=June 16, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> The duo wrote the show's sketches with minimal outside help<ref name=SANDIEGO/><ref name=EW>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1058529,00.html|title=Half-Baked Theories|last=Susman|first=Gary|date=May 6, 2005|work=EW.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> and agreed never to divulge who was responsible for writing which sketch.<ref name=VANSUN/><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3195|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #114|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=June 14, 2011|time=1:15:22|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
Four years later, Brennan and Chappelle came together to co-create, co-write and co-[[Executive producer|executive produce]] the eponymous [[sketch comedy]] ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'', which premiered in January 2003.<ref name=NYT/><ref name=MSNBC/><ref name=NYT2/> Brennan said that he and Chappelle read the book ''Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live'' (2002), by [[Tom Shales]] when they started writing sketches for the show, and found the book very helpful.<ref name=CHICAGONOW2>{{cite news|title=What really happened with Chappelle's Show and more: Neal Brennan interview Part 2|first=Scott|last=King|url=http://www.chicagonow.com/class-act-comedy/2011/06/what-really-happened-with-chappelles-show-and-more-neal-brennan-interview-part-2/|newspaper=Chicago Now|publisher=Chicago Tribune|date=June 16, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> The duo wrote the show's sketches with minimal outside help<ref name=SANDIEGO/><ref name=EW>{{cite web|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1058529,00.html|title=Half-Baked Theories|last=Susman|first=Gary|date=May 6, 2005|work=EW.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> and agreed never to divulge who was responsible for writing which sketch.<ref name=VANSUN/><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3195|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #114|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=June 14, 2011|time=1:15:22|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505164519/http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3195|archivedate=May 5, 2012|df=}}</ref>


Brennan directed some sketches in the show's second season, including the sketch featuring Chappelle as musician [[Rick James]].<ref name=NYT/><ref name=CAREER/><ref name=IMDB/> Brennan was nominated for three [[Emmy Award]]s in 2004 for his work on the show as a director, writer and producer.<ref name=TAHOE>{{cite news|title='Chappelle's Show'writer debuts at Tahoe Improv|first=Howie|last=Nave|url=http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20120321/NEWS/120329974/1017&parentprofile=1058|newspaper=Tahoe Daily Tribune|date=March 21, 2012|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{IMDb title|0353049|Awards for "Chappelle's Show"}}</ref> By the end of its second season, ''Chappelle's Show'' was Comedy Central's highest-rated program.<ref name=BEAST>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/05/15/fears-of-a-clown.html|title=Fears of a Clown|last=Gordon|first=Devin|date=May 15, 2005|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
Brennan directed some sketches in the show's second season, including the sketch featuring Chappelle as musician [[Rick James]].<ref name=NYT/><ref name=CAREER/><ref name=IMDB/> Brennan was nominated for three [[Emmy Award]]s in 2004 for his work on the show as a director, writer and producer.<ref name=TAHOE>{{cite news|title='Chappelle's Show'writer debuts at Tahoe Improv|first=Howie|last=Nave|url=http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20120321/NEWS/120329974/1017&parentprofile=1058|newspaper=Tahoe Daily Tribune|date=March 21, 2012|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{IMDb title|0353049|Awards for "Chappelle's Show"}}</ref> By the end of its second season, ''Chappelle's Show'' was Comedy Central's highest-rated program.<ref name=BEAST>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/05/15/fears-of-a-clown.html|title=Fears of a Clown|last=Gordon|first=Devin|date=May 15, 2005|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118153307/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/05/15/fears-of-a-clown.html|archivedate=January 18, 2012|df=}}</ref>


Members of the musical group [[The Roots]] worked as music directors on the second and third seasons of the show.<ref name=HUFFPO>{{cite news|title=The Roots are ready to rock, rap, jazz and even disco the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon|first=Danny|last=Gallagher |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/class-act-comedy/2011/06/just-for-laughs-exclusive-neal-brennan-interview/|newspaper=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=February 27, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=SEATTLEPI>{{cite news|title=The Roots: House-band gig 'enabled us to survive'|first=Jake|last=Coyle|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/The-Roots-House-band-gig-enabled-us-to-survive-1300977.php|newspaper=SeattlePi|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Hearst Communications|date=February 24, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> Brennan later recommended the band to [[Jimmy Fallon]] as his [[house band]] on ''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]''.<ref name=HUFFPO/><ref name=SEATTLEPI/><ref name=TAMPA>{{cite news|title=Hip-hop band the Roots prepares for TV gig on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'|first=Eric|last=Deggans|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/article979876.ece|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=March 1, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
Members of the musical group [[The Roots]] worked as music directors on the second and third seasons of the show.<ref name=HUFFPO>{{cite news|title=The Roots are ready to rock, rap, jazz and even disco the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon|first=Danny|last=Gallagher |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/class-act-comedy/2011/06/just-for-laughs-exclusive-neal-brennan-interview/|newspaper=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=February 27, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=SEATTLEPI>{{cite news|title=The Roots: House-band gig 'enabled us to survive'|first=Jake|last=Coyle|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/The-Roots-House-band-gig-enabled-us-to-survive-1300977.php|newspaper=SeattlePi|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Hearst Communications|date=February 24, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> Brennan later recommended the band to [[Jimmy Fallon]] as his [[house band]] on ''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]''.<ref name=HUFFPO/><ref name=SEATTLEPI/><ref name=TAMPA>{{cite news|title=Hip-hop band the Roots prepares for TV gig on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'|first=Eric|last=Deggans|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/article979876.ece|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=March 1, 2009|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212062045/http://www.tampabay.com/features/media/article979876.ece|archivedate=December 12, 2012|df=}}</ref>


''Chappelle's Show'' was doing well and Chappelle had signed a $50 million deal in 2004 to produce two more seasons,<ref name=CBS/><ref name=MSNBC/><ref name=EW/><ref name=OPRAH>{{cite episode|title=Chappelle's Story|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Chappelles-Story|accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=The Oprah Winfrey Show|airdate=February 9, 2006}}</ref> but he abruptly left the show in April 2005 prior to the premiere of the show's third season.<ref name=CBS/><ref name=EW/><ref name="OPRAH"/> He left without warning Brennan or others of the show's crew.<ref name=CHICAGONOW2/><ref name=EW/><ref name=LATIMES/><ref name=NPR>{{Cite episode|title=Comedian Chappelle Surfaces in 'Time'|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4653985|accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=All Things Considered|serieslink=All Things Considered|credits=Presenter: [[Michele Norris]]|network=National Public Radio|date=May 16, 2005}}</ref> As a result, the premiere of season three was delayed; Brennan compiled the remaining sketches and aired them in July 2006 as the "[[List of Chappelle's Show episodes#Season 3 ("The Lost Episodes"): 2006|lost episodes]]."<ref name=LATIMES>{{cite news|title=Chappelle returns, sort of|first=David|last=Bauder|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jul/08/entertainment/et-chappelle8|newspaper=Associated Press|date=July 8, 2006|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=NYT4>{{cite news|title=The Long-Awaited, Albeit Brief, Return of Dave Chappelle|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/arts/television/06dave.html?_r=1|newspaper=New York Times|date=July 6, 2006|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
''Chappelle's Show'' was doing well and Chappelle had signed a $50 million deal in 2004 to produce two more seasons,<ref name=CBS/><ref name=MSNBC/><ref name=EW/><ref name=OPRAH>{{cite episode|title=Chappelle's Story|url=http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Chappelles-Story|accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=The Oprah Winfrey Show|airdate=February 9, 2006}}</ref> but he abruptly left the show in April 2005 prior to the premiere of the show's third season.<ref name=CBS/><ref name=EW/><ref name="OPRAH"/> He left without warning Brennan or others of the show's crew.<ref name=CHICAGONOW2/><ref name=EW/><ref name=LATIMES/><ref name=NPR>{{Cite episode|title=Comedian Chappelle Surfaces in 'Time'|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4653985|accessdate=April 20, 2012|series=All Things Considered|serieslink=All Things Considered|credits=Presenter: [[Michele Norris]]|network=National Public Radio|date=May 16, 2005}}</ref> As a result, the premiere of season three was delayed; Brennan compiled the remaining sketches and aired them in July 2006 as the "[[List of Chappelle's Show episodes#Season 3 ("The Lost Episodes"): 2006|lost episodes]]."<ref name=LATIMES>{{cite news|title=Chappelle returns, sort of|first=David|last=Bauder|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jul/08/entertainment/et-chappelle8|newspaper=Associated Press|date=July 8, 2006|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref name=NYT4>{{cite news|title=The Long-Awaited, Albeit Brief, Return of Dave Chappelle|first=Lola|last=Ogunnaike|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/06/arts/television/06dave.html?_r=1|newspaper=New York Times|date=July 6, 2006|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref>
Line 54: Line 54:
Brennan continues to perform stand-up regularly in the Los Angeles area as well as nationally.<ref name=WIRED/><ref name=ARC>{{cite news|title=Half Baked|first=Trevor|last=Horn|author2=Frields, Philip|url=http://www.arcurrent.com/arts-culture/2011/10/26/qa-with-%E2%80%98chappelles-show%E2%80%99-co-creator-neal-brennan/|newspaper=American River Current|date=October 26, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> He has also appeared on ''[[Last Call with Carson Daly]]'', ''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'', ''[[Lopez Tonight]]'', and ''[[Conan (talk show)|Conan]]''.<ref name=CHICAGONOW1/><ref name=TAHOE/><ref>[http://teamcoco.com/video/comedian-neal-brennan Video of Neal Brennan on ''Conan''], September 27, 2011</ref>
Brennan continues to perform stand-up regularly in the Los Angeles area as well as nationally.<ref name=WIRED/><ref name=ARC>{{cite news|title=Half Baked|first=Trevor|last=Horn|author2=Frields, Philip|url=http://www.arcurrent.com/arts-culture/2011/10/26/qa-with-%E2%80%98chappelles-show%E2%80%99-co-creator-neal-brennan/|newspaper=American River Current|date=October 26, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> He has also appeared on ''[[Last Call with Carson Daly]]'', ''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'', ''[[Lopez Tonight]]'', and ''[[Conan (talk show)|Conan]]''.<ref name=CHICAGONOW1/><ref name=TAHOE/><ref>[http://teamcoco.com/video/comedian-neal-brennan Video of Neal Brennan on ''Conan''], September 27, 2011</ref>


In 2011, Brennan, comedian [[Moshe Kasher]], and DJ Douggpound ([[Doug Lussenhop]] of ''[[Tim and Eric Nite Live!]]''), started a podcast called ''The Champs''.<ref name=SANDIEGO2>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.com/articles/2011-07-20/living-edge-moshe-kasher |title=Living On The Edge with Moshe Kasher|last=Downs|first=Gordon|date=July 20, 2011|work=SanDiego.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3443|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #131|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=August 17, 2011|time=1:49:07|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref> Kasher said of the podcast:
In 2011, Brennan, comedian [[Moshe Kasher]], and DJ Douggpound ([[Doug Lussenhop]] of ''[[Tim and Eric Nite Live!]]''), started a podcast called ''The Champs''.<ref name=SANDIEGO2>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiego.com/articles/2011-07-20/living-edge-moshe-kasher |title=Living On The Edge with Moshe Kasher|last=Downs|first=Gordon|date=July 20, 2011|work=SanDiego.com|accessdate=April 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3443|title=The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #131|website=joerogan.net|host=Rogan, Joe|date=August 17, 2011|time=1:49:07|accessdate=April 20, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505173329/http://blog.joerogan.net/archives/3443|archivedate=May 5, 2012|df=}}</ref> Kasher said of the podcast:
"It's Doug dropping sound effects and beats over me and Neal kind of hosting an hour of ridiculous chat. We have a rotating [[Black people|black]] guy guest, there's a different black guest every week."<ref name=SANDIEGO2/> Guests on the show have included actor/comedians [[Wayne Brady]], [[Chris Rock]], [[Mario Joyner]], Shawn and Marlon [[Wayans]], and [[David Alan Grier]], [[Pornographic film|adult film]] star [[Lexington Steele]], rapper [[Too $hort]], and professional basketball player [[Blake Griffin]]. The show has strayed from its guest format on occasion with guests such as comedian and actor [[Bobby Lee]], former pornographic actress [[Sasha Grey]], former Major League Baseball player [[Jose Canseco]] and comedian/actor [[Aziz Ansari]]. In 2014 ''The Champs'' was named "Best Podcast" as part of ''[[LA Weekly]]''{{'s}} "Best of L.A." issue.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Best Podcast Los Angeles 2014 — The Champs|url=http://www.laweekly.com/los-angeles/best-podcast/BestOf?oid=5108130|journal=LA Weekly|date=October 2–8, 2014|volume=36|issue=46|accessdate=September 29, 2014}}</ref>
"It's Doug dropping sound effects and beats over me and Neal kind of hosting an hour of ridiculous chat. We have a rotating [[Black people|black]] guy guest, there's a different black guest every week."<ref name=SANDIEGO2/> Guests on the show have included actor/comedians [[Wayne Brady]], [[Chris Rock]], [[Mario Joyner]], Shawn and Marlon [[Wayans]], and [[David Alan Grier]], [[Pornographic film|adult film]] star [[Lexington Steele]], rapper [[Too $hort]], and professional basketball player [[Blake Griffin]]. The show has strayed from its guest format on occasion with guests such as comedian and actor [[Bobby Lee]], former pornographic actress [[Sasha Grey]], former Major League Baseball player [[Jose Canseco]] and comedian/actor [[Aziz Ansari]]. In 2014 ''The Champs'' was named "Best Podcast" as part of ''[[LA Weekly]]''{{'s}} "Best of L.A." issue.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Best Podcast Los Angeles 2014 — The Champs|url=http://www.laweekly.com/los-angeles/best-podcast/BestOf?oid=5108130|journal=LA Weekly|date=October 2–8, 2014|volume=36|issue=46|accessdate=September 29, 2014}}</ref>


Revision as of 04:27, 15 February 2018

Neal Brennan
Brennan in 2012
Born (1973-10-19) October 19, 1973 (age 50)[1]
Villanova, Pennsylvania, U.S.
MediumStand-up comedy, television, film, webcast
NationalityAmerican
Years active1995–present
GenresSatire, political satire, sketch comedy, observational comedy, black comedy, blue comedy
Subject(s)American politics, American culture, current events, mass media/news media, race relations, pop culture
Notable works and rolesChappelle's Show
Websitenealbrennan.com

Neal Brennan (born October 19, 1973)[1][4][5] is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, director and producer.

He is known for co-creating and co-writing the Comedy Central series Chappelle's Show with Dave Chappelle.[6][7][8] By the end of the second season, it was ranked as the most popular Comedy Central show. It premiered in January 2003 and continued until 2005.

Early life

Brennan grew up in Villanova, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia,[1][9] and lived from 1978 to 1986 in Wilmette, Illinois.[2][10] He was born into an Irish Catholic family and is the youngest of 10 children.[1][2][11] According to Brennan, his father's side of the family was funny, as were his five older brothers.[1][11] Brennan said that he realized he was funny and liked comedy at about 8 or 9 years of age; he was already performing planned material for his classmates in a style that emulated comics Richard Lewis, Jerry Seinfeld and David Brenner.[3] He also watched a large amount of comedy on TV during his high school years, often staying up late to watch Late Night with David Letterman and The Arsenio Hall Show.[3]

Brennan's older brother Kevin became a comedian and writer who started doing stand-up comedy while Neal was still in high school.[10] Neal attended Kevin's performances at The Improv in New York City on weekends,[1] where he would meet comedians such as Ray Romano, Dave Attell, Mike Royce and David Juskow.[3][12] Brennan said in an interview with Independent Film Channel (IFC) that, after watching his brother do stand-up, he realized it was possible to make a living in comedy.[2]

Brennan moved to New York to attend film school at NYU, but he dropped out after a year.[3][10][12] He began as a doorman at the now-defunct Boston Comedy Club in Greenwich Village where he met Dave Chappelle, a frequent performer.[4][13] The two became friends and Brennan would often pitch jokes to Chappelle.[10][13] Brennan also shared an apartment with comedian Jay Mohr while living in New York.[1]

After six months of working as a doorman at the Boston Comedy Club, in 1992, Brennan first performed stand-up at 18 years of age.[5] He later recounted: "I got no laughs;" he didn't perform stand-up again until 1997.[5] Brennan also wrote for The Source magazine in 1992.[2][14]

Career

Brennan on stage

In the mid-1990s, Brennan moved to Los Angeles. In 1995, he became a writer for the dating show, Singled Out, hosted by Jenny McCarthy and Chris Hardwick.[3][10] This was followed by writing jobs for the game show Bzzz! in 1996, the sketch comedy-variety show All That from 1996 to 1997, and the teen sitcom Kenan & Kel in 1997.[3][10][15][16]

In 1997, Brennan and Chappelle collaborated for the first time on the screenplay for the film Half Baked.[3][13] The film was released in January 1998 and starred Chappelle, Jim Breuer, Harland Williams and Guillermo Díaz.[3][17] Half Baked was a commercial failure and received mainly negative reviews but has since gone on to become a cult classic.[1][18][19]

In a 2006 interview, Brennan referred to the period of the film's release as "probably the worst year of my life, creatively and personally."[3] In an interview that same year on Inside the Actor's Studio, Chappelle recounted how he and Brennan lost touch with each other after the release of Half Baked, saying that it was "like leaving a crime scene".[20]

Chappelle's Show

Four years later, Brennan and Chappelle came together to co-create, co-write and co-executive produce the eponymous sketch comedy Chappelle's Show, which premiered in January 2003.[1][7][13] Brennan said that he and Chappelle read the book Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live (2002), by Tom Shales when they started writing sketches for the show, and found the book very helpful.[21] The duo wrote the show's sketches with minimal outside help[5][22] and agreed never to divulge who was responsible for writing which sketch.[6][23]

Brennan directed some sketches in the show's second season, including the sketch featuring Chappelle as musician Rick James.[1][3][15] Brennan was nominated for three Emmy Awards in 2004 for his work on the show as a director, writer and producer.[24][25] By the end of its second season, Chappelle's Show was Comedy Central's highest-rated program.[26]

Members of the musical group The Roots worked as music directors on the second and third seasons of the show.[27][28] Brennan later recommended the band to Jimmy Fallon as his house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.[27][28][29]

Chappelle's Show was doing well and Chappelle had signed a $50 million deal in 2004 to produce two more seasons,[4][7][22][30] but he abruptly left the show in April 2005 prior to the premiere of the show's third season.[4][22][30] He left without warning Brennan or others of the show's crew.[21][22][31][32] As a result, the premiere of season three was delayed; Brennan compiled the remaining sketches and aired them in July 2006 as the "lost episodes."[31][33]

2006 to present

In 2006, Brennan directed and co-wrote the made-for-TV movie Totally Awesome.[24][34] Brennan directed the 2009 film The Goods starring Jeremy Piven.[10][24] In 2011, he directed a series of commercials for the ESPYS.[5][12]

As an actor, Brennan had small roles in the films Half Baked and Get Him to the Greek; he also appeared in various sketches on Chappelle's Show.[15] Brennan has also written comedy material for the 83rd Academy Awards, as well as for Seth Meyers' speech at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2011.[10][35]

Brennan continues to perform stand-up regularly in the Los Angeles area as well as nationally.[35][36] He has also appeared on Last Call with Carson Daly, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Lopez Tonight, and Conan.[10][24][37]

In 2011, Brennan, comedian Moshe Kasher, and DJ Douggpound (Doug Lussenhop of Tim and Eric Nite Live!), started a podcast called The Champs.[38][39] Kasher said of the podcast: "It's Doug dropping sound effects and beats over me and Neal kind of hosting an hour of ridiculous chat. We have a rotating black guy guest, there's a different black guest every week."[38] Guests on the show have included actor/comedians Wayne Brady, Chris Rock, Mario Joyner, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, and David Alan Grier, adult film star Lexington Steele, rapper Too $hort, and professional basketball player Blake Griffin. The show has strayed from its guest format on occasion with guests such as comedian and actor Bobby Lee, former pornographic actress Sasha Grey, former Major League Baseball player Jose Canseco and comedian/actor Aziz Ansari. In 2014 The Champs was named "Best Podcast" as part of LA Weekly's "Best of L.A." issue.[40]

In 2013, Brennan directed 10 episodes of Inside Amy Schumer.[41]

In 2015, Brennan developed and performed a comedy show, 3 Mics, in Los Angeles. He brought it to New York City in 2016, opening on March 3 at the Lynn Redgrave Theater. It was directed by Drew Barr. John Legend and his Get Lifted partners, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, produced the limited engagement. The show has Brennan alternating among three microphones.[42] At the first mic, he reads one-liners from index cards; at the second mic, he talks about dealing with depression and his relationship with his father; and at the third mic, he does traditional stand-up comedy.

In 2017, "3 Mics" was released as a Netflix original comedy special.

Television work

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Eells, Josh (August 7, 2009). "Novice Director, a Veteran of Comedy". New York Times. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Neal Brennan talks about his influences, writing race-sensitive material and the state of contemporary comedy". IFC.com. November 30, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Maniaci, Paul (September 2, 2006). "Neal Brennan". thecareercookbook.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d Leung, Rebecca (February 11, 2009). "Chappelle's Trip To The Top". CBS News. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d e Downs, Gordon (June 22, 2011). "Obama, Twitter and Pokez: The Neal Brennan Sketch Comedy Diet". SanDiego.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Hager, Mike (February 24, 2012). "ComedyFest: Neal Brennan enters Vancouver laughing". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved April 20, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ a b c Wallenstein, Andrew (August 3, 2004). "Dave Chappelle inks $50 million deal". MSNBC. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  8. ^ Hoffberger, Chase (November 4, 2011). "Saturday Interview - Neal Brennan". Austin Chronicle. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  9. ^ Holmes, Pete (November 23, 2011). "You Made It Weird: Neal Brennan". nerdist.com (Podcast). Nerdist Industries. Event occurs at 19:07. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i King, Scott (June 14, 2011). "Just for Laughs exclusive - Neal Brennan interview". Chicago Now. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  11. ^ a b McGraw, Dr. Peter; Warner, Joel (February 14, 2012). "Humor Code Q & A (Unabridged): Neal Brennan on Life after Chappelle's Show, Failed Irish Jokes and Feeding the Comedy Baby". humorcode.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  12. ^ a b c Tigges, Jesse (July 13, 2011). "Comedy Q&A: Neal Brennan". Columbus Alive!. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  13. ^ a b c d Ogunnaike, Lola (February 18, 2004). "A Comic Who Won't Hold Back; Nothing Is Out of Bounds For Dave Chappelle's Show". New York Times. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  14. ^ Holmes, Pete (November 23, 2011). "You Made It Weird: Neal Brennan". nerdist.com (Podcast). Nerdist Industries. Event occurs at 56:09. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  15. ^ a b c Neal Brennan at IMDb
  16. ^ Rogan, Joe (April 12, 2012). "The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #205". joerogan.net (Podcast). Event occurs at 1:47:54. Archived from the original on April 17, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite podcast}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Ogunnaike, Lola (January 18, 1998). "Half Baked (1998) FILM REVIEW; Marijuana Moments, Many of Them". New York Times. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  18. ^ Flannigan, W. (July 18, 2011). "Taking the Leap with Neal Brennan". buzzbinmagazine.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Kelly, Brendan (January 19, 1998). "Half Baked". Variety. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  20. ^ "Dave Chappelle". Inside the Actors Studio. February 12, 2006. Event occurs at 55:00. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  21. ^ a b King, Scott (June 16, 2011). "What really happened with Chappelle's Show and more: Neal Brennan interview Part 2". Chicago Now. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  22. ^ a b c d Susman, Gary (May 6, 2005). "Half-Baked Theories". EW.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  23. ^ Rogan, Joe (June 14, 2011). "The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #114". joerogan.net (Podcast). Event occurs at 1:15:22. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite podcast}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ a b c d Nave, Howie (March 21, 2012). "'Chappelle's Show'writer debuts at Tahoe Improv". Tahoe Daily Tribune. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  25. ^ Awards for "Chappelle's Show" at IMDb
  26. ^ Gordon, Devin (May 15, 2005). "Fears of a Clown". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on January 18, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b Gallagher, Danny (February 27, 2009). "The Roots are ready to rock, rap, jazz and even disco the set of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  28. ^ a b Coyle, Jake (February 24, 2009). "The Roots: House-band gig 'enabled us to survive'". SeattlePi. Hearst Communications. Associated Press. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  29. ^ Deggans, Eric (March 1, 2009). "Hip-hop band the Roots prepares for TV gig on 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on December 12, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ a b "Chappelle's Story". The Oprah Winfrey Show. February 9, 2006. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  31. ^ a b Bauder, David (July 8, 2006). "Chappelle returns, sort of". Associated Press. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  32. ^ Presenter: Michele Norris (May 16, 2005). "Comedian Chappelle Surfaces in 'Time'". All Things Considered. National Public Radio. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Ogunnaike, Lola (July 6, 2006). "The Long-Awaited, Albeit Brief, Return of Dave Chappelle". New York Times. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  34. ^ Hammer, Tim (October 7, 2007). "LAist Interview: Neal Brennan". LAist. Archived from the original on July 17, 2009. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ a b Warner, Joel; McGraw, Peter (March 1, 2012). "The Humor Code: Neal Brennan on 'Comedic Polymaths' and the Future of Funny". Wired.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  36. ^ Horn, Trevor; Frields, Philip (October 26, 2011). "Half Baked". American River Current. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  37. ^ Video of Neal Brennan on Conan, September 27, 2011
  38. ^ a b Downs, Gordon (July 20, 2011). "Living On The Edge with Moshe Kasher". SanDiego.com. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  39. ^ Rogan, Joe (August 17, 2011). "The Joe Rogan Experience, Episode #131". joerogan.net (Podcast). Event occurs at 1:49:07. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012. {{cite podcast}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ "Best Podcast Los Angeles 2014 — The Champs". LA Weekly. 36 (46). October 2–8, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  41. ^ "Inside Amy Schumer (TV Series 2013– )" – via www.imdb.com.
  42. ^ Lee, Ashley The Hollywood Reporter (29 January 2016)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neal_Brennan&oldid=825744797"