There so many "graduates" of the Chicago improv scene in
television and movies nowadays. Here are some of the projects coming from our
(collective) alumni!
Away We Go - Catherine O'Hara (she's probably best
remembered as the mom in Home Alone, but she is amazing in the largely
improvised movie, Best in Show) she plays John Krasinski's mom.
The Hangover - Matt Walsh (UCB in NYC) and Gillian Vigman (I
went through iO classes with her!)
My Life in Ruins - Nia Vardalos (whose "My Big Fat Greek
Wedding" was about about her marriage to fellow Chicago improv alum Ian Gomez)
and Rachel (yay!) Dratch are both in this romantic comedy.
Year One - sure, Matt Besser, Horatio Sanz and Harold Ramis
are both in this prehistoric movie, but David Pasquesi plays a Prime Minister!
If you haven't seen David Pasquesi improvise you really should... when he's not
in movies (like Angels & Demons, ) he plays on Wednesdays at iO in "TJ &
Dave.)
TV Stuff
Okay, Conan O'Brien. He's technically a veteran of the
Chicago Improv and Sketch community (he lived here years ago and roomed with "Curb
Your Enthusiasm's" Jeff Garlin!) He's on the last Leno (boo) Tonight Show
tonight and then opens his Tonight Show (yay!) on Monday!!
And the Conan Tonight Show has an amazing roster of
ex-Chicago improv folks on the writing staff! (Of recent note; Brian Stack, who
was in the Office finale as a very vocal member of the closed Buffalo Branch.)
This will be updated! Know of a Chicago Improviser making music,
shows, plays or movies? Let me know!!
