Paul Provenza
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Born Name:
Paul Provenza
Born Date: July 31, 1957
Born Place: New York City
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Television presenter, actor, radio panelist, stand-up comedian, filmmaker
Brief Biography: Paul Provenza is best known as a "comedian's comedian," he is highly regarded for directing the acclaimed documentary The Aristocrats (2005) and hosting Showtime's The Green Room with Paul Provenza.
Early Life and Education:
Education: Attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science.
College: Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the first-ever Theater Arts degree awarded by the university.
Acting Roots: Studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He became one of the few Americans to play the role of "Romeo" on the London stage.
Stand-Up and Stage Career:
Early Start: Began performing stand-up at age 15 and made his debut at the original Improvisation in Manhattan at just 17.
Theatrical Success: Provenza found immense success Off-Broadway, earning a Theatre World Award as Best Actor for his role in Only Kidding!. He also starred as Abbie Hoffman in The Chicago Conspiracy Trial and toured North America in Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
Touring: Over the decades, he has toured internationally across the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Television and Filmmaking:
On-Screen Roles: Acted in several major television shows, most notably playing Dr. Phillip Capra alongside Kyle MacLachlan in the hit series Northern Exposure.
Directorial & Producing Work: Co-directed (alongside Penn Jillette) and produced the 2005 hit comedy documentary The Aristocrats.
Hosting: Created and hosted Showtime’s highly acclaimed The Green Room with Paul Provenza, which recreated the atmosphere of comedians hanging out and breaking down the craft behind the scenes. He is also co-creator of the live improvised comedy show Set List.
Books and Podcasts:
Satiristas: Authored Satiristas: Comedians, Visionaries, Humorists, Who Are Making Art (2010), a book featuring in-depth interviews and portraits of prominent social critics in comedy.
Podcasts: Frequently appears on popular podcasts and NPR programs, including Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!.
Born Date: July 31, 1957
Born Place: New York City
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Television presenter, actor, radio panelist, stand-up comedian, filmmaker
Brief Biography: Paul Provenza is best known as a "comedian's comedian," he is highly regarded for directing the acclaimed documentary The Aristocrats (2005) and hosting Showtime's The Green Room with Paul Provenza.
Early Life and Education:
Education: Attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science.
College: Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the first-ever Theater Arts degree awarded by the university.
Acting Roots: Studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. He became one of the few Americans to play the role of "Romeo" on the London stage.
Stand-Up and Stage Career:
Early Start: Began performing stand-up at age 15 and made his debut at the original Improvisation in Manhattan at just 17.
Theatrical Success: Provenza found immense success Off-Broadway, earning a Theatre World Award as Best Actor for his role in Only Kidding!. He also starred as Abbie Hoffman in The Chicago Conspiracy Trial and toured North America in Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile.
Touring: Over the decades, he has toured internationally across the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Television and Filmmaking:
On-Screen Roles: Acted in several major television shows, most notably playing Dr. Phillip Capra alongside Kyle MacLachlan in the hit series Northern Exposure.
Directorial & Producing Work: Co-directed (alongside Penn Jillette) and produced the 2005 hit comedy documentary The Aristocrats.
Hosting: Created and hosted Showtime’s highly acclaimed The Green Room with Paul Provenza, which recreated the atmosphere of comedians hanging out and breaking down the craft behind the scenes. He is also co-creator of the live improvised comedy show Set List.
Books and Podcasts:
Satiristas: Authored Satiristas: Comedians, Visionaries, Humorists, Who Are Making Art (2010), a book featuring in-depth interviews and portraits of prominent social critics in comedy.
Podcasts: Frequently appears on popular podcasts and NPR programs, including Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me!.