American comedian, actor, writer, and musician born August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas. Among the most influential stand-up comedians of the 1970s before pivoting to film (The Jerk, 1979; Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 1987; Father of the Bride, 1991, etc.). Also a virtuoso bluegrass banjoist who has released several albums of original instrumental music.
Released the stand-up comedy albums Let's Get Small (1977, Grammy winner) and A Wild and Crazy Guy (1978, Grammy winner). Subsequent bluegrass releases include The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo (2009, Grammy winner) and the collaborations with the Steep Canyon Rangers (2011-2018). Co-stars in the Hulu mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building (2021-present).
