Ever find yourself wondering about those actors who are always funny in everything but maybe not quite household names? Well let's talk about Ike Barinholtz. This guy has been quietly killing it in comedy for years and now he's stepping into a brand new Apple TV+ show called " The Studio " that might just make him... well even more "fame-ish" than he already is.
'The Studio': Ike Barinholtz and Seth Rogen Dive Deep into the Hilarious Chaos of Hollywood Movie Making
“The Studio” is the brainchild of comedy powerhouses Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and it looks seriously funny. Ike stars as Sal Saperstein a studio executive described as a "hot-mess" which honestly sounds perfect for Ike's brand of chaotic energy. The show itself is a satire of the movie industry taking aim at all the absurd things that happen behind the scenes. Think studio heads chasing the next big IP like a Kool-Aid Man movie (yes really) and asking horror directors to make wink-y versions of their scary hits. It's Hollywood turned up to eleven.
The show is packed with celebrity cameos playing heightened versions of themselves. We're talking Martin Scorsese Charlize Theron Olivia Wilde and tons more. Ike's character Sal is right in the middle of all this mayhem navigating ridiculous meetings out-of-control sets and the general madness of trying to make movies in Hollywood. If you love inside-baseball comedy and laughing at the entertainment industry this show seems custom-made for you. It premieres on Apple TV+ on March 26th so mark your calendars.
From Mad TV Mayhem to Comedy Cornerstone: Ike Barinholtz's Journey Through the Funny World
But Ike Barinholtz is no newcomer to the comedy scene. This Chicago native has been honing his funny bones for decades. He got his start in improv comedy working with legendary groups like ImprovOlympic and Second City alongside future stars like Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's hubby Jeff Richmond. He even spent time in Amsterdam with the Boom Chicago troupe hanging out with Jordan Peele Seth Meyers and Jason Sudeikis. Talk about a comedy pedigree!
For many people Ike first popped onto their radar with Mad TV. He was a cast member there bringing his signature high-energy humor to sketch comedy. Since then he has been all over the place from writing and starring in "The Mindy Project" to appearing in blockbuster movies like "Neighbors" and "Suicide Squad." He even wrote directed and starred in his own political satire film "The Oath." The guy is a comedy machine in all forms.
Grocery Shopping with Ike Barinholtz: Fame-ish Encounters and a Gourmet Bodega Sandwich
Here's a fun fact about Ike: he might be "fame-ish" but he still does normal stuff like grocery shopping. A recent Rolling Stone article hilariously details a trip to the Farmers Market with Ike where he gets recognized but not quite in a "stop traffic" kind of way. Cashiers shoppers even security guards ask "Are you famous?" It's that perfect level of recognition where people think they know him but aren't 100% sure.
In the article Ike is on a mission to make a chopped cheese a classic bodega sandwich but with gourmet ingredients from the market. This anecdote really captures Ike's personality. He's down-to-earth loves good food and can find humor in everyday situations even slightly awkward fame encounters. He’s also apparently a skilled cook making dinner for his family five nights a week and even planning elaborate Super Bowl menus. Comedy and cooking they seem to go hand in hand for Ike.
Comedy Jazz and Hollywood Legends: Seth Rogen Calls Ike a Comedy Master Improviser
Seth Rogen who has worked with Ike on multiple projects including "The Studio" calls him a "comic actor's comic actor" and compares his comedy style to jazz music. Rogen says Ike's improv skills are built on solid technique and attention to detail. This made Ike invaluable on the set of "The Studio" where they shot in a challenging improvisational style. Rogen notes Ike "ate it up" loving the freedom and fast pace.
Ike's dedication to comedy craft is clear. He and Seth Rogen share a similar comedic sensibility that blends silly with smart. Ike describes their brand of humor as "Comedy with a capital C" focusing on "stupid people saying stupid things in nine seconds" and prioritizing "hard jokes". This shared vision is probably why their collaboration on "The Studio" is so promising.
Working with Scorsese and Comedy Heroes: Ike's Brush with Greatness in "The Studio"
One of the coolest parts of "The Studio" for Ike was getting to work with legendary director Martin Scorsese who makes a cameo in the show. Ike even got to perform a hilariously over-the-top "ass-kissing" scene with Scorsese. Apparently Scorsese himself even helped write the scene coming up with the perfect line for Ike to say: "Well people always come up to me and say You’re the reason I got into movies". Ike was a bit embarrassed by the line admitting "Oh shit — I’m one of those guys."
But beyond Scorsese Ike has a history of working with comedy heroes. He's worked with Mel Brooks on "History of the World Part II" and Norman Lear on live "All in the Family" specials. He's clearly drawn to and respected by the giants of comedy which speaks volumes about his own talent and comedic instincts.
Ike Barinholtz: Must-Watch Projects
- TV Shows:
- Mad TV
- The Mindy Project
- Eastbound & Down
- Bless the Harts
- History of the World, Part II
- Running Point (Co-Creator & Executive Producer)
- The Studio (Apple TV+)
- Movies:
- Neighbors
- Blockers
- Suicide Squad
- Sisters
- Late Night
- The Oath (Writer, Director & Star)
Get Ready for Ike's Moment: "The Studio" Could Launch Him to the Next Level of "Famous"
So is Ike Barinholtz famous? Well maybe not in a Brad Pitt kind of way but he is definitely a respected and in-demand comedic force in Hollywood. And with "The Studio" about to drop on Apple TV+ that "fame-ishness" might just tip over into full-blown stardom. With his sharp wit improv skills and knack for playing hilarious characters Ike Barinholtz is an actor to watch and "The Studio" is the perfect showcase for his comedic brilliance. Get ready to see a lot more of Ike because his moment is definitely simmering and about to boil over.