Michael Strassner | |
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| Born | August 18, 1989 [1] |
| Education | University of Maryland |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2014–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.
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]
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]