Jon Lovitz
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This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2011) |
| Jon Lovitz | |
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 Lovitz in 2008 |
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| Born | Jonathan M. Lovitz July 21, 1957 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, Actor, Singer |
| Years active | 1984–present |
Jonathan M. "Jon" Lovitz (born July 21, 1957) is an American comedian, actor and singer. He is best known as a cast member of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1990.
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Early life [edit]
Lovitz was born in Los Angeles, California, to Jewish parents of Romanian, Hungarian and Russian background.[1][2] Lovitz graduated with a theater degree in 1979 from the University of California at Irvine and then studied acting with Tony Barr at the Film Actors Workshop. He became a member of The Groundlings comedy troupe, where he befriended his future SNL fellow Phil Hartman.
Career [edit]
Saturday Night Live [edit]
Lovitz was a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1990. He later said in an interview for the book Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live that his time on SNL was the most memorable in his career. He went from having no money to being offered a $500,000 movie contract. He was nominated for an Emmy Award his first two years on Saturday Night Live. One of his most notable SNL characters was "Tommy Flanagan, The Pathological Liar" who used the old catchphrase, "Yeah! That's the ticket!" as he, after visible effort, finally finished constructing his latest lie. The line was previously said by Humphrey Bogart. Some of his other recurring characters included Master Thespian, Tonto, Mephistopheles, Harvey Fierstein and Michael Dukakis. In a 1986 episode of Saturday Night Live he played a virgin Trekkie, who was scripted to hang his head when asked by William Shatner if he had ever kissed a girl.
Hanukkah Harry, one of his most memorable roles, cast him in 1989 as a Jewish contemporary of Santa Claus who lives on Mount Sinai and travels the globe with a cart flown by three donkeys to give bland gifts to Jewish boys and girls. Harry is asked to fill in when Santa falls ill on Christmas Eve.
Television series [edit]
Lovitz's first stint as a regular in a situation comedy was as Mole, an investigator for a New York City District Attorney's office, in the short-lived 1985-1986 series Foley Square, starring Margaret Colin.
Voiceover work [edit]
Lovitz has lent his voice to several cartoons and films. In the series The Critic, he played the title character of Jay Sherman (using his regular speaking voice). He has made several appearances on The Simpsons, including as Marge's prom date Artie Ziff in "The Way We Was", the art teacher in "Brush with Greatness", theater director Llewellyn Sinclair and his sister who owned a daycare center in "A Streetcar Named Marge", Andre in "Homer's Triple Bypass", and numerous other appearances (including the character of Jay Sherman in the episode A Star Is Burns, which was a crossover with The Critic). He was also the voice of Radio in the Hyperion-produced, Disney-distributed animated movie, The Brave Little Toaster and he lent his voice for a promo video for the video game Banjo-Kazooie.
Music [edit]
Jon Lovitz performed a duet with Robbie Williams on Williams' 2001 album Swing When You're Winning, in the song "Well, Did You Evah".
Film roles, cameos and television guest appearances [edit]
In the late 1990s, Lovitz was "the man who wrote the Yellow Pages", in a series of commercials and print ads for the American Yellow Pages industry. He also appeared in ads for Subway
He had a cameo in the movie Matilda, as Million Dollar Sticky Man.
His first starring role was in Mom and Dad Save the World as the film's antagonist Emperor Tod Spengo. He later starred in the film High School High, this time as the protagonist.
He also had an uncredited cameo as a rival crooner to Adam Sandler in the movie The Wedding Singer, and had a small role in another of Sandler's movies, Little Nicky.
He was a supporting character in "Mr. Destiny" with James Belushi.
Lovitz also appeared on Friends twice. He first appeared in the Season 1 episode "The One with the Stoned Guy" as a restaurateur who gets stoned on marijuana just prior to interviewing Monica Geller for a job. He reappeared years later in the Season 9 episode "The One with the Blind Dates", where it is revealed that he lost his restaurant due to a drug problem.
Lovitz guest-starred as himself in The Larry Sanders Show episode "Larry Loses a Friend."
He appeared on Seinfeld as Gary Fogel, a man who lies about having cancer ("The Scofflaw") and later dies in a car accident.
In 1991, Lovitz appeared in the season six episode of Married... with Children entitled "Kelly Does Hollywood part 2" as sleazy Hollywood producer Mr. Littlehead.
In 1992, Lovitz portrayed crusty baseball scout Ernie Capadino in "A League Of Their Own".
In 1998, Lovitz made a dramatic turn when he appeared in a small but pivotal role in Todd Solondz's film Happiness as a depressed, socially inept man who publicly berates his date for thinking of him as nothing. His insults set the tone for her character throughout the film.
Lovitz guest-starred twice on NewsRadio as two separate characters before becoming a cast member in the show's final season. In the final season, he played Max Louis, the news radio announcer who replaced Phil Hartman's Bill McNeal.
Lovitz played Randy in Rat Race. In 2003, he appeared in an episode of Just Shoot Me! as a man married to Nina. He appeared on Two and a Half Men in 2006 as a jingle writer named Archie. He had multiple guest appearances on Las Vegas as Fred Puterbaugh, up to the end of the second series. Lovitz also appeared in The Producers as Mr. Marks.
In 2010, he appeared as the Raw Guest Host on the May 24 episode of WWE Raw.
Broadway theatre [edit]
He has appeared on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party, taking over the lead role from Henry Winkler. He sang at Carnegie Hall three times (including Great Performances' Ira Gershwin at 100: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall) and sang the national anthem at Dodger Stadium and the U.S. Open.
On October 10, 2001, Lovitz sang a duet (with Robbie Williams) of the song "Well, Did You Evah!" at the Royal Albert Hall. The recording can be found on the Swing When You're Winning album.
Commercial work [edit]
In 2006, he became the spokesperson in an advertising campaign for the Subway restaurant chain.[3]
Stand-up comedy [edit]
In 1984, Lovitz entered stand-up comedy for the first time in his career.
The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club [edit]
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This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (January 2011) |
On November 8, 2007, Lovitz had the grand opening for his new comedy club "The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at Aubergine" in the Gaslamp District in San Diego, California, sponsored by RR-Ex. It currently presents one show a night at 9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The club has played host to David Spade, Ralphie May, Carlos Mencia, Dana Carvey, Jo Koy, Eric Schwartz, Norm Macdonald, Joe Rogan, Russell Peters, Kevin Nealon, Jon Stewart, and Ryan Robinson.
There is also a second Jon Lovitz Comedy Club location on Universal CityWalk in Universal Studios Hollywood. A comic short film starring Ken Davitian ('Borat') and featuring Lovitz was filmed there, directed by Emmy nominee Brent Roske and written by Aaron Davitian. Weekly episodes of The Adam Carolla Show, a podcast hosted by comedian Adam Carolla, have been recorded at the City Walk location since early 2011.[4]
The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club in Universal Studios Hollywood is home to the first ever MMA Roast / MMA Roasted stand up comedy show in 2009. Admirable Mixed Martial Arts Fighters including UFC Legend Kimo Leopoldo were recognized with good-humor for their outstanding accomplishments while being ridiculed in a heartwarming fashion.
The Jon Lovitz Podcast Theatre [edit]
On May 29, 2011, the name was changed from The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club to The Jon Lovitz Podcast Theatre. A premiere was held, Podammit, in which Kevin Smith hosted a variety of six podcasts, including Plus One 3D with his wife, Jennifer Schwalbach, Hollywood Babble-On with Ralph Garman and Jay and Silent Bob Get Old with Jason Mewes, as well as The ABCs of SNL with Jon Lovitz himself, a 6-episode 'This Is Your Life' style biographical interview about Lovitz's life and career.[5] On April 22, 2013, Smith announced through Twitter that the podcasts would no longer be recorded at the Club after a falling out with Lovitz. He announced on April 25 that the shows' new home will be The Hollywood Improv from May 24 onwards. The Club still peroidically hosts other podcasts such as Rob Paulsen's Talkin' Toons.
Filmography [edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Hamburger... The Motion Picture | Security guard | |
| 1986 | Last Resort | Bartender | |
| 1986 | Jumpin' Jack Flash | Doug | |
| 1986 | Ratboy | Party guest | |
| 1986 | Three Amigos | Morty | |
| 1987 | The Brave Little Toaster | Radio | Voice role |
| 1988 | Big | Scotty Brennen | |
| 1988 | My Stepmother Is an Alien | Ron Mills | |
| 1990 | Mr. Destiny | Clip Metzler | |
| 1991 | An American Tail: Fievel Goes West | Chula | Voice role |
| 1992 | The Buzz | Unknown | |
| 1992 | A League of Their Own | Ernie Capadino | |
| 1992 | Mom and Dad Save the World | Emperor Tod Spengo | |
| 1993 | Loaded Weapon 1 | Becker | |
| 1993 | Coneheads | Dr. Rudolph | |
| 1994 | City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold | Glen Robbins | |
| 1994 | North | Arthur Belt | |
| 1994 | Trapped in Paradise | Dave Firpo | |
| 1996 | For Goodness Sake II | Unknown | |
| 1996 | The Great White Hype | Sol | |
| 1996 | Matilda | Million $ Sticky Host | Uncredited |
| 1996 | High School High | Richard Clark | |
| 1998 | The Wedding Singer | Jimmie Moore | Uncredited |
| 1998 | Happiness | Andy Kornbluth | |
| 1999 | Lost & Found | Uncle Harry | |
| 2000 | Small Time Crooks | Benny | |
| 2000 | Little Nicky | Peeper | |
| 2000 | Sand | Kirby | |
| 2001 | 3000 Miles to Graceland | Jay Peterson | |
| 2001 | Cats & Dogs | Calico | Voice role |
| 2001 | Rat Race | Randall 'Randy' Pear | |
| 2001 | Good Advice | Barry Sherman | |
| 2002 | Eight Crazy Nights | Tom Baltezor | Voice role |
| 2003 | Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star | Sidney Wernick | |
| 2004 | The Stepford Wives | Dave Markowitz | |
| 2005 | Bailey's Billion$ | Bailey | |
| 2005 | Pancho's Pizza | Unknown | Short film |
| 2005 | The Producers | Mr. Marks | |
| 2006 | Farce of the Penguins | "My eyes are up here" Penguin | Voice role Direct-to-DVD release |
| 2006 | The Benchwarmers | Mel | |
| 2006 | Southland Tales | Bart Bookman | |
| 2007 | I Could Never Be Your Woman | Rob | Direct-to-DVD release |
| 2010 | Casino Jack | Adam Kidan | |
| 2012 | Hotel Transylvania | Quasimodo | Voice role |
| 2013 | Bula Quo! | Wilson | |
| 2013 | Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie | TBA |
Television [edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Paper Chase | Levitz | Episode 2.18: "Billy Pierce" |
| 1985-1986 | Foley Square | Mole | Regular cast member |
| 1985–92 | Saturday Night Live | Various characters | Main cast member; appeared in 92 episodes |
| 1991 | Tales from the Crypt | Barry Blye | Episode 3.5: "Top Billing" |
| 1991 | Married... with Children | Jeff Littlehead | Episode 6.10: "Kelly Does Hollywood: Part 2" |
| 1991–present | The Simpsons | Various characters (including Jay Sherman and Artie Ziff) | Appeared in nine episodes |
| 1993 | A League of Their Own | Ernie Capadino | Episode 1.1: "Dottie's Back" |
| 1994–95 | The Critic | Jay Sherman | Appeared in all 23 episodes |
| 1995 | Seinfeld | Gary Fogel | Episode 6.13: "The Scofflaw" |
| 1995, 2003 | Friends | Steve | Episodes 1.15: "The One with the Stoned Guy" and 9.14: "The One with the Blind Dates" |
| 1997 | The Naked Truth | Acer Predburn | Episode 2.8: "The Scoop" |
| 1997–99 | NewsRadio | Fred Mike Johnson Max Lewis |
Episode 3.20: "Our Fiftieth Episode" Episode 4.1: "Jumper" Main cast member in fifth season |
| 1997–2003 | Just Shoot Me! | Roland Devereaux | Episode 7.15: "A Simple Kiss of Fate" |
| 2000 | Bette | Himself | Episode 1.15: "Polterguest" |
| 2002 | Son of the Beach | Father of B.J.'s Baby | Episode 3.14: "Bad News, Mr. Johnson" |
| 2004–05 | Las Vegas | Fred Puterbaugh | Appeared in three episodes |
| 2006 | Two and a Half Men | Archie Baldwin | Episode 3.17: "The Unfortunate Little Schnauzer" |
| 2010 | WWE Raw | Himself | Guest Host[6] |
| 2011 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (Cameo) | Episode 36.14: Host: Dana Carvey |
| 2011-12 | Hot in Cleveland | Homeless man/Artie | Recurring role |
| 2012- | Mr. Box Office | Bobby Gold | Main cast member |
Other work [edit]
- Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget (2008) - Himself
- Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen (2011) - Himself
- Cranium Command (1989) - Right Brain
- The Critic (webisodes) (2000–2001) - Jay Sherman
Awards [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Jewishbiography.com > Jewish Biography --> Biographies --> List of Jewish Actors and Actresses > Jon Lovitz. Retrieved on 2012-02-03.
- ^ Jon Lovitz - Ethnicelebs.com. Retrieved 2012.
- ^ Gianatasio, David (March 31, 2006). "Lovitz Makes His Subway Debut in MMB Effort". Adweek. ISSN 0199-2864. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
- ^ AdamCarolla.com (2011). Universal Live Show. Retrieved April 15, 2011.
- ^ http://silentbobspeaks.com/?p=415
- ^ "World Wrestling Entertainment". Retrieved 5 December 2010.
External links [edit]
- Jon Lovitz at the Internet Movie Database
- Jon Lovitz at the Internet Broadway Database
- Jon Lovitz On MySpace.com
| Preceded by Will Smith |
MTV Movie Awards host 1995 (with Courteney Cox) |
Succeeded by Janeane Garofalo and Ben Stiller |
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- 1957 births
- Living people
- Actors from California
- American film actors
- American stand-up comedians
- American television actors
- American voice actors
- American people of Romanian-Jewish descent
- American people of Hungarian-Jewish descent
- American people of Russian-Jewish descent
- Jewish American actors
- Jewish comedians
- The Groundlings
- People from the Greater Los Angeles Area
- University of California, Irvine alumni
