Thomas Lennon Bio
Thomas Lennon (born August 9, 1970) is an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his work across television and film. He is widely recognized for playing Lieutenant Jim Dangle on the comedy series Reno 911!, Andrei Novak on Santa Clarita Diet, and Felix Unger on the reboot of The Odd Couple. Lennon has also built a successful career as a screenwriter, often working with writing partner Robert Ben Garant on major studio comedies. His body of work spans sketch comedy, feature films, animated voice roles, and young adult fiction.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Lennon first gained national attention as a member of the sketch comedy troupe The State. Over more than three decades in the entertainment industry, he has appeared in acclaimed projects such as I Love You, Man and Memento, while co-writing blockbusters including the Night at the Museum films and The Pacifier. He continues to balance acting, writing, producing, and authorship across multiple formats.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Lennon was born on August 9, 1970, in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He is of Irish and Scottish descent and is the son of Kathleen McSheehy and Timothy Lennon. He graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1988, growing up in a household that would later support his creative ambitions.
At the age of sixteen, Lennon met fellow performer Kerri Kenney at a theater camp hosted by Northwestern University. The two quickly formed a creative bond that would carry into their professional lives. After high school, Lennon enrolled at New York University, where he joined a comedy troupe that would become central to his early career.
At New York University, Lennon and Kenney joined a comedy group called The New Group. This ensemble gave him a platform to write and perform, and it laid the foundation for the work that would soon bring him wider recognition. His education in both theater and university sketch comedy shaped his voice as a performer.
Path to Comedy
While Lennon was a member of The New Group, the troupe changed its name to The State. He performed alongside Kerri Kenney, Robert Ben Garant, and Michael Ian Black at theaters and clubs in New York City. Their work on the MTV showcase You Wrote It, You Watch It led to their self-titled series The State, which ran from 1993 to 1995 on MTV and earned a 1995 CableACE Award nomination for Best Comedy Series.
After The State ended, Lennon and several collaborators created Viva Variety, which aired on Comedy Central from 1997 to 1999. The show received a 1997 CableACE Award nomination for Best Comedy Series, further establishing Lennon as a creative force. He also began expanding into film acting during this period, taking small roles in notable productions such as Memento and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
Thomas Lennon Career
Early Career (1991–2002)
Thomas Lennon began his professional career in 1991, working steadily in television comedy. His early years were dominated by sketch work with The State and the follow-up series Viva Variety, both of which received CableACE Award nominations. These programs cemented his reputation as both a performer and a writer.
He expanded his résumé with guest appearances on shows such as Friends, where he played Joey Tribbiani’s blackjack-dealing twin, and with small film roles in projects like Memento and I Love You, Man. Lennon also began collaborating with Robert Ben Garant on studio screenplays, a partnership that would lead to some of the most commercially successful comedies of the 2000s.
Breakthrough (2003–2015)
In 2003, Lennon co-created and starred in Reno 911!, a comedy series about the sheriff’s department in Reno, Nevada. The show was initially developed for Fox but was rejected for being too risqué, eventually landing on Comedy Central, where it ran until 2009. His portrayal of Lieutenant Jim Dangle became one of his most iconic roles and earned him a devoted fan base.
Lennon also became a sought-after screenwriter during this period. With Robert Ben Garant, he wrote the Night at the Museum films, The Pacifier, Balls of Fury, and Let’s Go to Prison. Together, their screenplays earned over $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office. His voice work expanded as well, with roles in Kim Possible, Bob’s Burgers, Archer, and the film The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Notable Works and Milestones
Among Lennon’s signature works are Reno 911!, the Night at the Museum franchise, and his role as Felix Unger on The Odd Couple opposite Matthew Perry. His screenplay partnership with Robert Ben Garant produced some of the highest-grossing family comedies of the era, and his recurring role as Mr. Mxyzptlk on Supergirl added a notable superhero credit to his résumé.
Thomas Lennon Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Thomas Lennon has earned recognition from multiple award bodies for his work in comedy television and film. His early nominations include a 1995 CableACE Award nomination for Best Comedy Series for The State and a 1997 CableACE Award nomination for Best Comedy Series for Viva Variety. In 2009, he was nominated for an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Kiss for his role in the comedy film I Love You, Man, alongside co-star Paul Rudd.
Thomas Lennon Awards Won
Thomas Lennon has also celebrated wins across his television career, particularly as a frequent panelist and contestant on the Comedy Central game show @midnight. He appeared on the series seventeen times and won the competition seven times during his run as a recurring player.
Thomas Lennon Family
Thomas Lennon was raised in Oak Park, Illinois, by his parents, Kathleen McSheehy and Timothy Lennon. He comes from a family of Irish and Scottish descent and has spoken warmly about the role his upbringing played in his early interest in performance and storytelling.
Personal Life
Thomas Lennon lives in Wisconsin with his wife, actress Jenny Robertson, whom he married in 2002. The couple has one son together. Outside of his professional work, Lennon is an avid fan of the British band The Smiths and lead singer Morrissey, and he occasionally performs live as a guitarist with the tribute band Sweet and Tender Hooligans.