Jonathan Kite Bio
Jonathan Kite (born September 2, 1979) is an American actor, comedian and impressionist. He is best known for his role as Oleg Golishevsky on the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. Kite grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and attended Old Orchard Junior High and Niles North High School. He earned a theater degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has built a career as a stand-up comic known for his celebrity impressions. His career has spanned comedy and acting across television, film, and stage since 2003.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Kite was born on September 2, 1979, in Skokie, Illinois. He is the son of Lynn Kite and David Kite. His family is Jewish. Kite attended Old Orchard Junior High and later graduated from Niles North High School in Skokie. During his school years, he developed an interest in performing arts that would guide his future career path.
Kite pursued higher education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in theater. His academic training in theater provided him with a strong foundation in performance techniques that he would later apply to both stand-up comedy and acting roles in television and film.
Path to Comedy and Acting
Before establishing himself on television, Kite built his craft as a stand-up comedian. He developed his skills performing live at comedy venues, where he honed his ability to connect with audiences. His hard work paid off as he began to gain recognition for his performances.
As a stand-up comedian, Kite became best known for his impersonations. He developed an impressive repertoire of over 120 celebrity impressions, including portrayals of Vince Vaughn, Tom Hanks, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Robert Downey Jr., Seth Rogen, Mark Wahlberg, Ian McKellen, Jeff Bridges, Anthony Bourdain, and Liam Neeson. This talent for celebrity impressions became his signature style and helped distinguish him in the competitive comedy scene.
Kite began his professional acting career in 2003, marking the start of his journey in the entertainment industry. He started by appearing in commercials, including spots for AT&T and Muscle Milk. These early on-screen appearances helped him develop camera presence and provided valuable experience in the business.
Jonathan Kite Career
Early Career (2003–2011)
Following his career start in 2003, Kite worked to establish himself in the entertainment industry through a combination of commercial work and guest appearances on television. His early work included appearing in several commercials for major brands, which helped him build visibility and experience in front of the camera.
During this period, Kite also began landing guest roles on various television shows. His television appearances included parts on Raising Hope, Kickin’ It, American Dad!, The Life and Times of Tim, In the Flow with Affion Crockett, and Wizards of Waverly Place. These guest roles provided him with on-screen experience and helped him build relationships within the industry.
Breakthrough (2011–2017)
Kite achieved his major breakthrough when he joined the cast of the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls in 2011. He played the character Oleg Golishevsky, a creepy Ukrainian cook who worked at the diner where the show’s main characters, Max and Caroline, worked toward their cupcake business dreams. Kite appeared in the role throughout the show’s run, which lasted until 2017.
The role on 2 Broke Girls represented a significant milestone in Kite’s career. As a recurring main cast member, he appeared in numerous episodes across six seasons, allowing him to develop his character and contribute to one of CBS’s popular sitcoms. This consistent work on a network television show elevated his profile in the entertainment industry and introduced him to a broader audience.
Notable Works and Milestones
Beyond 2 Broke Girls, Kite continued to expand his acting resume. He voiced two characters in the animated series Cleopatra in Space, playing the roles of Octavian and Trumpet Guy. This animated project demonstrated his versatility as a performer, allowing him to apply his talents to voice acting.
Outside of traditional acting and stand-up comedy, Kite also appeared on television in unexpected contexts. He and his former 2 Broke Girls co-star Matthew Moy appeared on Hell’s Kitchen during Season 17, attending a dinner service in the episode titled “Stars Heating Up Hell.” This appearance showcased his willingness to participate in reality television and variety programming.
Jonathan Kite Family
Jonathan Kite was born to Lynn Kite and David Kite in Skokie, Illinois. His parents supported his early interest in performing arts, which eventually led him to pursue a theater degree in college. Information about his extended family or siblings is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Kite grew up in a Jewish family in the Chicago suburb of Skokie. His Jewish heritage has been part of his background throughout his life. Beyond his professional career in comedy and acting, Kite maintains an active presence in the entertainment industry, continuing to perform live and pursue new acting opportunities. He remains best known for his work on 2 Broke Girls and his career as a stand-up comedian with extensive celebrity impressions.