Michael Strassner

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.

Michael Strassner
Born	(1989-08-18) August 18, 1989 (age 36)[1]
Education	University of Maryland
Occupations	Actor comedian screenwriter
Years active	2014–present

Early life

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]

Career

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]