Michael Strassner
American actor and comedian (born 1989)

Michael Strassner
Born (1989-08-18) August 18, 1989 (age 36)[1]
EducationUniversity of Maryland
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • screenwriter
Years active2014–present

Michael Strassner (born August 18, 1989) is an American actor and comedian. He starred in The Baltimorons (2025), which he co-wrote with Jay Duplass.

Early life

Strassner grew up in the Baltimore neighborhoods of Hampden and Roland Park.[2] His interest in comedy and performing began at early age; when he was four, he dressed up as Mrs. Doubtfire after seeing the Robin Williams film.[2] He attended the Loyola Blakefield college preparatory school, where he participated in the performing arts program.[3] He also began drinking when he was fifteen years old.[2] After one year as a business major at East Carolina University, he transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a degree in theater in 2011.[2][4]

Career

After graduating from college, Strassner moved to Los Angeles to pursue a comedy career.[2] His early credits included small roles on the television series Parks and Recreation (as Ron Swanson's brother), Black-ish, and Modern Family.[4][5] While performing with the Groundlings improvisational group, he was close getting to a job on Saturday Night Live, auditioning in person in New York, but was ultimately passed over for his friend Heidi Gardner.[2][4] He also supported himself by working as a lacrosse coach, swim instructor, and substitute teacher.[6]

In 2018, after the Groundlings fired him as a result of his drinking, Strassner attempted suicide. The next day, he entered a twelve-step program to get sober.[2] After rediscovering his ability to be funny without alcohol, he returned to the comedy scene.[5] In 2019, he created the web series Johnno and Michael Try with his friend Johnno Wilson.[6] His later television credits included small roles on Young Rock (as Jerry Lawler) and English Teacher.[5]

Strassner gained attention for his starring role in the film The Baltimorons, which he co-wrote with director Jay Duplass. The writing partnership began when Strassner reached out to Duplass during the COVID-19 pandemic after the director followed him on social media. Based loosely on his own experiences, Strassner played Cliff Cashin, an improv comedian and recovering alcoholic.[4][7] Shot on a low budget in locations around Baltimore, the film won the Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight on its premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival.[7][8] Reviews were positive and included praise for the chemistry between Strassner and his co-star Liz Larsen.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ Strassner, Michael [@strasshola]; (August 18, 2024). "35 today ..." Retrieved September 23, 2025 – via Instagram.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g McCauley, Mary Carole (September 15, 2025). "'The Baltimorons' film is homecoming success for star Michael Strassner". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  3. ^ Case, Wesley (September 5, 2025). "With Jay Duplass' help, local star of 'The Baltimorons' is ready for his close-up". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d Weiss, Max (2025). "In 'The Baltimorons,' Michael Strassner Gives Charm City the Main Character Energy it Deserves". Baltimore. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Topel, Fred (September 5, 2025). "Jay Duplass made 'Baltimorons' with Michael Strassner 'the old way'". United Press International. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Meet Johnno Wilson and Michael Strassner". VoyageLA. April 2, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  7. ^ a b McCauley, Mary Carole (September 10, 2025). "'The Baltimorons' film's low budget, thrifty filming made possible by Smalltimore". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  8. ^ Lang, Brent (April 24, 2025). "IFC Films, Sapan Studio Buy Jay Duplass Holiday Comedy 'The Baltimorons' Following SXSW Debut (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  9. ^ Bythrow, Nick (September 2, 2025). "The Baltimorons Review: Infectious Chemistry & Beautiful Themes Make This Rom-Com One Of The Best Movies Of 2025". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  10. ^ Cardé, Leslie (September 8, 2025). "New Orleans director Jay Duplass talks about 'The Baltimorons': 'It started on Instagram'". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  • Michael Strassner at IMDb
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