Brett Gelman, Bio, Family, Career Journey, Awards and Net Worth

Brett Gelman is an American actor and comedian known for his sharp, oddball comic voice and his talent for playing characters who are equal parts unsettling and endearing

Over two decades he has moved from the improv stages of New York to major streaming hits.

Fans recognize him for Murray Bauman in Stranger Things, for memorable turns in Fleabag and Inside Job, and for a steady array of film and TV appearances that show range and fearlessness.

This article presents a short life story, a career timeline, a stats table, an easily filmography summary, answers to common questions and a reliable list of sources.

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Brett Gelman’s Biography

Early life and education

Brett Gelman grew up in Highland Park, Illinois. He was raised in a Jewish household. His father worked as a photo salesman and he has a younger sister who became a speech pathologist.

Gelman attended Highland Park High School and later studied drama at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

He graduated with a BFA and went on to train in theater, a foundation he credits for his acting technique and his comfort with both dramatic and comic parts.¹

Those early years established two habits that shape his work. First, he built a habit of steady practice through theater and improv.

Second, he embraced a taste for risky, slightly uncomfortable comedy. That blend of craft and edge shows in many of his roles.

Sending all of my love and my deepest condolences to the families of the executed hostages. 💙💙💙 I am so sorry for your loss.

— Brett Gelman (@brettgelman) September 3, 2024

Quick Facts and Stats

Career Beginnings: Improv, UCB and Comedy Duos

After college Gelman moved to New York City. He became active with Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

There he performed sketches and built a partnership with Jon Daly.

Together they formed the comedy duo Cracked Out and worked on sketch groups like Mr. A$$. Gelman also built a following with a one-man show called 1,000 Cats and with appearances in short comedy pieces and digital shorts.

He supported himself for a time with a New York Lottery commercial that ran widely. That ad and his stage work helped him transition into television and film roles.

Early on he appeared in guest roles on shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Office while also landing parts on cable comedies.

Rise on Television and Adult Swim

Gelman’s early screen work included sketch and niche comedy on networks like Adult Swim. He played Brett Mobley on Eagleheart, an offbeat Adult Swim series.

He became a recurring presence in the Adult Swim and comedy circuit, appearing in sketch series and voice projects. He also launched a podcast called Gelmania, a personal, often darkly funny show that ran on the Earwolf network. These projects cemented his reputation as a comedian willing to push boundaries.

That Adult Swim and podcast era taught him how to shape odd sketches into memorable characters. It also raised his profile in the comedy community and opened the door to more mainstream television roles.

Breakthrough in Mainstream Television

Gelman’s move into broader TV arrived gradually. He landed series roles and regular parts on network and cable shows.

Notable examples include:

• Go On (NBC): He had a recurring comic role in the sports therapy sitcom.²

• Married (FX): He was a series regular on this dark comedy about a long-term relationship.

• Another Period and other cable comedies: He appeared in ensemble and recurring roles on various series.

These roles showed his range. He could play unhinged, awkward, or quietly dangerous. Casting directors began seeing him as an actor who could bring both comic timing and an unsettling edge.

The Murray Bauman Moment: Stranger Things

In 2016 Gelman joined the cast of Netflix’s Stranger Things as Murray Bauman, a conspiracy researcher who becomes a key ally to the series’ leads.

The role revived his visibility worldwide. What made Murray stand out was Gelman’s ability to balance eccentricity with sudden emotional honesty.

The character grew across seasons and became a beloved, if unconventional, part of the ensemble. Gelman’s work on the show has led to a steady rise in high-profile offers and a reputation as a trustworthy character actor on major streaming projects.

Interviewers have noted how the role allowed him to explore more dramatic stakes while keeping comedic instincts intact. The show’s global reach widened his audience and introduced his work to viewers who had not seen his earlier, edgier comedy.

Film Work and Voice Acting

Alongside TV, Gelman has maintained a steady film presence. He has small but vivid parts in comedies and dramas.

He has also worked extensively as a voice actor. Notable voice projects include roles on animation for Comedy Central and Netflix.

His voice work displays his gift for vocal character and timing. Film credits and voice roles are listed in major film and TV databases.³

Recent and Notable Projects

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Gelman gained acclaim for supporting roles in hits like Fleabag, and for voice work on animated series such as Inside Job.

He also appeared in Apple TV’s Lady in the Lake and in a variety of guest spots that show his range from dry British comedy to American genre TV.

Interviews from outlets like The Guardian reflect on how Stranger Things changed how he views the types of parts he wants.⁴

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Personal Life

Gelman tends to keep his personal life private, though he shares occasional updates publicly. In June 2024 he married musician and actress Ari Dayan in Tuscany, Italy.

The wedding was described by People magazine as an intimate weekend celebration that mixed Jewish tradition with playful, personal touches. The couple had been together for several years before their engagement in April 2023.⁵

What makes Brett Gelman stand out as a performer?

1. Range of tone. He can shift quickly from broad physical comedy to quiet menace. That makes him a go-to actor for writers who want characters who surprise.

2. Commitment to character. Gelman often commits fully to accents, physical tics and improvised beats that make small scenes memorable.

3. Background in ensemble improvisation. His UCB roots and duo work with Jon Daly shaped his timing and his feel for scene work.

4. Voice versatility. He stands out in animation and voice projects for rapid shifts in mood and energy.

Filmography

Below is a short, readable list of key film and TV credits. This is not exhaustive. For a full list see major film databases cited below.

Television (select):

• Stranger Things — Murray Bauman.

• Fleabag — Martin.

• Married — A.J. (series regular).

• Go On — Guest/recurring role.

• Eagleheart — Brett Mobley.

• Inside Job — Voice role.

Film (select):

• The Other Guys — small role.

• 30 Minutes or Less — cameo.

Podcasts and other projects:

• Gelmania — creator and host.

Career Timeline

• 1999 — Graduates from UNCSA drama program.

• Early 2000s — Moves to New York, performs with UCB and forms comedy duo Cracked Out.

• 2008–2011 — Appears in New York Lottery campaign and gains visibility.

• 2010s — Recurring TV roles on cable and network series, voice projects for Adult Swim and Comedy Central.

• 2016 onward — Joins Stranger Things. Role grows across seasons.

• 2020s — Voice work on major animated series. Continues in high-profile TV and film roles.

Quotes and Interviews

Gelman has spoken in interviews about his path from improv stages to TV. He often credits theater training and the honesty of early mentors for shaping his craft.

In interviews he has also reflected on how roles like Murray changed his career, offering larger dramatic beats and new opportunities.

For deeper insights, see his interviews in outlets like The Guardian and long-form podcast conversations where he speaks freely about acting and comedy.

Style and Approach as an Actor

Brett Gelman’s performances often trade on the unexpected. He is willing to play characters who make an audience uncomfortable at first and then reveal depth.

That approach shows his training and his willingness to accept risk. Directors report that Gelman is collaborative yet bold in bringing choices to scenes.

His stage and improv roots let him react in the moment rather than rely only on rehearsed beats.

Awards and Recognition

Gelman is not primarily known as an awards-oriented actor. Instead, his recognition comes from critics, fans and creators who praise his work.

Reviews of projects he appears in often single him out for memorable bits and scene-stealing turns. For precise, up-to-date awards and nominations, consult entertainment databases and press coverage.

 

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FAQ’s

Q: When and where was Brett Gelman born?

A: He was born on October 6, 1976, in Highland Park, Illinois.

Q: What is Brett Gelman best known for?

A: He is best known for playing Murray Bauman on Stranger Things. He is also known for roles in Fleabag, Married, and for many voice roles.

Q: What training does Brett Gelman have?

A: He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a degree in drama. He trained in theater and began his career in sketch and improv.

Q: Is Brett Gelman married?

A: Yes. He married musician and actress Ari Dayan in June 2024. The wedding was reported by People magazine.

Q: Has he done podcasts or other audio work?

A: Yes. He hosted a podcast called Gelmania. He also appeared often on the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast and others on the Earwolf network.

Q: What kind of roles does Brett Gelman usually play?

A: He often plays eccentric, intense, or slightly unhinged characters. He can do both comedy and dark drama. Casting directors value his mix of comic timing and dramatic presence.

Q: Where can I see his full filmography?

A: Search databases such as IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Wikipedia for a full, up-to-date list. See sources below.

Conclusion

Brett Gelman is a modern character actor. He blends sharp comic instincts with a readiness to go dark. That combination makes his performances memorable and often surprising.

He demonstrates how a solid foundation in theater and improvisation can lead to a diverse and lasting screen career. Whether he plays an eccentric conspiracy theorist or a quieter oddball, he brings commitment and craft.

Fans of bold, slightly off-kilter acting will likely see him more in the years ahead as his profile continues to rise.

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1. en.wikipedia.org
2. rottentomatoes
3. imdb
4. theguardian
5. people