James Adomian

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James Adomian
Adomian in 2016
Born (1980-01-31) January 31, 1980 (age 44)
Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
MediumStand-up comedy, television
Years active2005–present
Notable works and rolesTrump vs. Bernie
Websitejamesadomian.com

James Adomian (born January 31, 1980) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and impressionist. He is best known for his work on Comedy Bang! Bang!, Chapo Trap House, Last Comic Standing, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson where he impersonated President George W. Bush until 2009, and for portraying Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Trump vs. Bernie tour. He voices Talking Ben in the Talking Tom and Friends animated series.

Early life[edit]

Adomian was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 31, 1980, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was ten years old.[1] Adomian is an alumnus of Los Angeles Baptist High School and attended Whittier College studying in a self-designed major in Economics and Theatre Arts.[2] He notes that he did not graduate during a 2017 interview with Pete Holmes.[3] Adomian is of partial Armenian descent.[4]

Career[edit]

Adomian began appearing as President George W. Bush frequently on The Late Late Show after Craig Ferguson took over hosting the show in January 2005 until 2009.

He has appeared on several other comedy programs, including MADtv, Mind of Mencia, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Short Circuitz, Atom TV, Cavemen, Recount and Players.[5]

Adomian has appeared in the films Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and Miss March.

As a voice-over artist, Adomian performed on The Onion Radio News, as several recurring characters on the PBS cartoon series WordGirl, as President Bush on a few episodes of MADtv, as Jimmy Kimmel on Celebrity Deathmatch, and on a number of other cartoons.

In 2011, he was cast as a co-lead in the unaired Kari Lizer pilot project for NBC alongside Sarah Paulson and Tim Meadows.

In 2012, Adomian appeared on Comedy Bang! Bang! as PBS broadcaster Huell Howser, on Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital as Madonna, and on MTV's Money from Strangers as himself, also making regular appearances as various sketch characters on Conan.

In 2018, Adomian was one of the headliners at the Portland Queer Comedy Festival.[6][7]

For the Freddie Mercury episode of the 2019 Netflix program Historical Roasts, Adomian played the title character.[8]

Stand-up comedy album[edit]

In 2012, Adomian released his debut comedy album Low Hangin Fruit. The release was the first album released by Earwolf, and received mostly positive reviews.[9] The one-hour stand-up set features personal stories, a number of celebrity impressions and political material including observations regarding the cultural perceptions of LGBT people.

Live appearances[edit]

James Adomian (right) performing as Bernie Sanders, along with Anthony Atamanuik as Donald Trump at Politicon in Pasadena, California.

Adomian frequently performs live at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in sketch and stand-up shows such as Comedy Bang! Bang!, Who Charted?, and many others. He is also an alumnus of the Sunday Company at The Groundlings Theatre, where he still frequently performs. He also regularly performs at "The Tomorrow Show" and other stand-up shows in Hollywood. Adomian is known for doing many impressions at live shows, both in-costume and as part of his standup act, including Vincent Price, Lewis Black, Orson Welles, Jesse Ventura, Paul Giamatti, Michael Caine, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Elliott, Al Franken, Huell Howser, Christopher Hitchens, Gary Busey, John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Marc Maron, Jimmy Kimmel, Andy Kindler, Tom Leykis, Todd Glass, George W. Bush, Bernie Sanders and Slavoj Žižek.[10] He has performed several impressions as recurring characters on Comedy Bang! Bang![11]

Adomian often makes live appearances around the country doing standup or characters, particularly at left-wing political events like YearlyKos, Laughing Liberally, the National Conference for Media Reform and campaign events for Congressman Alan Grayson. In 2010, he made several live standup appearances across North America in the Breaking Even tour.[citation needed]

In 2008, he appeared with comedian Greg Giraldo at venues around the country as part of the Indecision '08 Tour produced by Comedy Central. He has performed at comedy festivals across North America, including Just for Laughs in Montreal.[12] In March 2012, Adomian had his first overseas appearance, headlining a sold-out two night show in Seoul, South Korea for Stand Up Seoul.[13]

Adomian toured the US with the Trump vs. Bernie tour in February–March 2016.

Personal life[edit]

Adomian is gay.[14] He is the grandson of Armenian-American mathematician George Adomian.[15] He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.[16]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2008 Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay George W. Bush
2009 Miss March Deadbeat Dad Voice
2011 The Treasure Hunt: A Chad, Matt & Rob Interactive Adventure The Gunslinger
2011 Freak Dance Mickey Stardust, Zip Fleestreet, Fraggle McWinkerbean
2014 Hits Donovan
2016 Storks Additional voice
2017 Love After Love Chris
2019 The Day Shall Come Settmonk
2020 Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics Various voices

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2005 Yacht Rock Vincent Price Episode: "Believe in It"
2005–2007 The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson George W. Bush 49 episodes
2006–2009 MADtv Voice, episode #12.4
2006 Mind of Mencia 2 episodes
2007 Celebrity Deathmatch Jimmy Kimmel Voice, episode: "The Banter Bloodbath"
Short Circuitz George W. Bush Episode #1.4
Cavemen Waiter Episode: "Her Embarrassed of Caveman"
The Right Now Show Ensemble sketch cast member, various Pilot
2008–2015 WordGirl Captain Huggyface Voice, main role
2009 Atom TV George W. Bush 2 episodes
The Jay Leno Show Mad Doctor Unknown episodes
Popzilla Various characters Voice
2010 Players Barfly Episode: "Barb's Husband"
Last Comic Standing Himself (standup) 10 episodes
2011–2012 Conan Various sketch characters Unknown episodes
2012–2013 Money From Strangers Himself 5 episodes
2012–2016 Comedy Bang! Bang! Various 10 episodes
2012–2015 Childrens Hospital 3 episodes
2012 Gravity Falls Additional voices Episode: "Headhunters"
2012–2014 The Eric Andre Show Various 2 episodes
2013 The Chris Gethard Show Jesse Ventura Episode: "Loser Is Still the New Nerd"
Adventure Time Ogdoad Voice, episode: "The Suitor"[17]
Maron Brian Burkman Episode: "Jen Moves to L.A."
2013–2015 Axe Cop Various Voice, 4 episodes
2013–2015 Animation Domination High-Def Voice, 3 episodes
2014 Drunk History Alexander Cochrane Episode: "Baltimore"
2014–2021 Talking Tom & Friends Talking Ben, Maurice Claremont, Ronnie Bergstedt, McGillicuddy, various Voice[17]
2015 Kroll Show Alan the Limo Driver Episode: "Lizards vs. Penguins"
2015–2019 BoJack Horseman Stuart 7 episodes
2015 Major Lazer General Rubbish, various Voice, 8 episodes
2015–2018 The Venture Bros. Phineas Phage, Night Dick, S-464, Lawyer, Termite, Mission Creep, Sensei Finkelstein, Blackout Voice, 8 episodes[17]
2015–2017 Pig Goat Banana Cricket President of the Planet, additional voices Voice, 17 episodes[17]
2015 The Jim Gaffigan Show Himself Episode: "Go Shorty, It's Your Birthday"
2015–2016 Regular Show Rikki, Harry Voice, 2 episodes[17]
2015 TripTank Brunette, Blonde Voice, episode: "Short Change"[17]
2016–2017 @midnight Bernie Sanders 2 episodes
2016 Trump vs. Bernie: Debate for America TV special
Trump vs. Bernie: Shout the Vote! TV special
The UCB Show Episode: "Feel the Bern"
Man Seeking Woman Spider Episode: "Balloon"
Star Wars Rebels Imperial Captain Voice, episode: "The Forgotten Droid"
Wander Over Yonder Gluteus Maximus Voice, episode: "The Party Poopers"[17]
2016–2018 Future-Worm! Future-Worm Voice, main role
2016–2021 American Dad! Various Voice, 5 episodes
2016 Zoolander: Super Model Voice, television film.,
Take My Wife Theater Owner Episode: "Applause Break"
2017 The President Show Bernie Sanders 2 episodes
2017–2019 The Special Without Brett Davis Sebastian Gorka, Jesse Ventura 2 episodes
2017 Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ Maximillian Blanc Episode: "The Platinum Curse"
2018–2020 Our Cartoon President Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz, Sean Hannity, Bill Clinton, various Voice, 46 episodes
2018 Random Acts of Flyness Everybody Dies! TV Talk Show Host Episode: "What are your thoughts on raising free black children?"
Bob's Burgers Glenn Voice, episode: "Nightmare on Ocean Avenue Street"[17]
2019 Historical Roasts Freddie Mercury Episode: "Freddie Mercury"
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Stinkbomb, Harold Voice, episode: "How to Make Enemies and Bend People to Your Will"
Amphibia Sheriff Buck Leatherleaf Voice, episode: "Girl Time"[17]
DuckTales Jones Voice, episode: "Whatever Happened to Donald Duck?"[17]
2019–present Harley Quinn Bane, Ratcatcher, Clock King, Nelvin Eckles, Snowflame, Chaz, Ian Voice, recurring role[17]
2020 Central Park Jimmy Voice, episode: "Hot Oven"
Hoops Voice, 2 episodes
2020–2022 Duncanville Voice, 19 episodes
Close Enough Randy Voice, 24 episodes
2021 Let's Be Real Jeff Bezos Voice, 2 episodes
Q-Force Ennis Voice, episode: "Backache Mountain"
Tig n' Seek H.G. Fluffenfold Voice, episode: "Chester's Roasting On A Open Fire"
2021–2022 Looney Tunes Cartoons Rocky Voice, 2 episodes[17]
Rugrats Mr. Garth Voice, 2 episodes
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Various 10 episodes[18]
Inside Job Various voices 4 episodes
2022 Cat Burglar Rowdy Voice, main role[19]
Human Resources The Need Demon Voice, episode: "Bad Mummies"
Rick and Morty Voice, 2 episodes
Teen Titans Go! Bane Voice, episode: "The Great Holiday Escape"
2022–2023 Hamster & Gretel Rodney Thunderpants, various Voice, 3 episodes[17]
2023 Velma Thespian Voice, episode: "The Candy (Wo)man"[17]
History of the World, Part II Richard Nixon 2 episodes
2024 Kite Man: Hell Yeah! Bane Voice[20]

References[edit]

  1. ^ James Adomian: An up-and-comer hits the Lodge., Time Out, October 4, 2011
  2. ^ Notable Whittier College Alumni: Entertainment, Arts & Literature, whittier.edu
  3. ^ "You Made It Weird #387: James Adomian". Nerdist. October 11, 2017. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  4. ^ The always funny & fresh to death James Adomian, May 8, 2013
  5. ^ "James Adomian". IMDb. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  6. ^ Oregonian/OregonLive, Mike Acker | For The (July 13, 2018). "Portland Queer Comedy Festival is back for year two, with a more expansive lineup". The Oregonian. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  7. ^ "Portland Queer Comedy Festival 2018". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  8. ^ Lindsay, Kathryn. "All The Hilarious Comedians In Netflix's New Show "Historical Roasts"". refinery29.com. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  9. ^ Wenzel, John. "James Adomian Low Hangin Fruit album review". The Spit Take. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  10. ^ Machen, Rod (March 10, 2023). "Getting Sweaty With this Year's SXSW Comedy Keynote, Impressionist James Adomian". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved April 19, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ "James Adomian on Earwolf". Comedy Bang! Bang!. Archived from the original on September 18, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  12. ^ "Just for Laughs | James Adomian". jamesadomian.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  13. ^ MacDonald, Hamish (February 28, 2012). "James Adomian brings the funny to Seoul". The Korea Herald. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  14. ^ McKee, Ryan. "How to Improve 'Last Comic Standing': Bring Back The House!". TV Squad. Archived from the original on July 21, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2011. - "When James Adomian performs, it's more exciting if you know he could be the first gay comic to win 'LCS.' Wait, you didn't even know he's gay? My point exactly. Bring back the house."
  15. ^ "Probably Science : Episode 017 - James Adomian". Probablyscience.libsyn.com. April 23, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  16. ^ @JAdomian (February 8, 2018). "I became a member of the DSA specifically so that I could be dragged into a pedantic semantic feud at any hour in every timezone" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "James Adomian (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 10, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
  18. ^ "Trump REALLY Exaggerated His Wealth, Jimmy's Pick for Supreme Court & Doocy's Stupid Non-Questions - YouTube". Retrieved January 26, 2022 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ "Cat Burglar". Netflix. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  20. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (September 14, 2023). "'Harley Quinn' Spin-Off 'Kite Man: Hell Yeah!' Ready to Soar with New Teaser". animationmagazine.net. Retrieved December 10, 2023.

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