John Paul Reynolds is an American actor and writer who rose from the Chicago improv scene to steady work on film and television
He is best known for playing Drew Gardner on the dark comedy series Search Party.
He has also appeared in popular shows such as Stranger Things in a recurring role and other TV and film projects that show his range from awkward comedy to tense drama.
This biography traces his early life, training, career milestones, notable roles, approach to acting, and public profile.
It also includes a quick stats table, a filmography summary, frequently asked questions, and sources for further reading.
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Table of Contents
John Paul Reynolds’ Biography
Early life and training
John Paul Reynolds was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He attended Madison West High School.
He found his way into performance early and moved into the Chicago comedy and improv world as a young adult.
Chicago has a long tradition of improv and sketch comedy training, and Reynolds took advantage of that path. He trained at the IO Training Center and completed the Second City Conservatory program.
Those schools and theaters are known for shaping comedians who go on to television and film. Reynolds spent his early years performing regularly at venues such as The Annoyance, IO Chicago, Chemically Imbalanced Comedy, and similar spaces that emphasize sketch, improv, and experimental stage work.
That grounding built his timing and ability to create oddball but human characters.1
Quick Facts and Stats
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | John Paul Reynolds. |
| Birth date | August 5, 1991. |
| Age | 34 (as of 2025). |
| Birthplace | Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, writer. |
| Years active | 2013–present. |
| Training | IO Training Center, Second City Conservatory, Chicago improv/theater background. |
| Notable roles | Drew Gardner (Search Party), Officer Phil Callahan (Stranger Things), Caleb Duffy (Four Weddings and a Funeral miniseries). |
| Height (reported) | Listed variably online; some industry sources list his height around 6’5″. Use caution; heights on fan and industry pages may be inconsistent. |
Breakthrough: Search Party and Breakout Recognition
Reynolds’s highest profile breakthrough came with Search Party, a dark comedy series that premiered in 2016.
The show mixes sharp satire, mystery, and character-driven humor.
Reynolds played Andrew “Drew” Gardner, a role that allowed him to display both comedic awkwardness and deeper emotional beats. Search Party grew a dedicated audience and critics praised the series for its tone and ensemble performances.
Reynolds’s work on the show is frequently cited as a defining early role in his career and it opened doors to recurring parts in other prominent series.
Television Work and Recurring Roles
After Search Party, Reynolds built a steady TV career with a mix of guest and recurring parts. One of his most widely noticed recurring roles is Officer Phil Callahan on Stranger Things.
While not a lead on that series, the role placed him in one of the most watched shows of the streaming era and expanded his visibility.
He has also been associated with series projects across genres, such as the Hulu miniseries Four Weddings and a Funeral, where he took on romantic comedy elements that contrasted with his darker comedic work.
Reynolds’s ability to shift tone between projects makes him a flexible casting choice for both comic and dramatic directors.2
Film Work and Independent Projects
Reynolds has worked in independent film as well as television. His filmography includes small and supporting parts in indie comedies and dramas that let him explore different character types.
Like many performers who come out of the improv world, he takes roles in projects that value unique voices and offbeat characters.
While he has not been the lead in major studio blockbusters, his steady presence across indie films demonstrates commitment to craft rather than celebrity alone. Industry sites list his film credits and roles going back to the early 2010s, which confirms a steady climb from stage to screen.
Creative Approach and Acting Style
Reynolds’s training in Chicago improv and sketch informs how he approaches characters. Improv training teaches listening, being present, and building scenes off small truthful details.
Those skills help him bring sincerity to awkward or comedic beats. He often plays characters who are socially out of step, anxious, or oddly earnest.
Critics and interviews describe his performances as embracing the small human moments that make a scene land, rather than relying on broad comic beats. That subtlety allows him to work in dark comedies and in more serious shows without feeling out of place.
Collaborators and Creative Circles
Reynolds emerged from a circle of Chicago performers and writers. He has been connected to other comedians and writers from the Kill All Comedy collective and the broader Chicago scene.
These ties often translate into collaborations later in film and TV production. The comedy community in Chicago is tight-knit; performers advise and cast each other, so Reynolds’s roots have likely helped him gain roles and creative opportunities over time.
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Public Image and Media Coverage
Reynolds tends to keep a lower public profile compared with some actors who pursue high social media presence.
Coverage of his personal life appears primarily in entertainment profiles or in pieces that discuss his acting work.
Where media pieces exist they generally focus on his roles and the craft of his performances. Fan-oriented sites and celebrity pages provide additional biographical details and photos, but authoritative career summaries come from industry pages and interviews.
For detailed credits and professional listings, authoritative databases like IMDb and entertainment press remain the main sources.
Notable credits
Below is a concise list of notable screen credits. This is not exhaustive. For full credit listings consult industry databases.
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Search Party (TBS/HBO Max, 2016–2022) — Andrew “Drew” Gardner. Series regular; career-defining role.
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Stranger Things (Netflix, recurring) — Officer Phil Callahan. Recurring supporting role in a major streaming hit.
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Four Weddings and a Funeral (Hulu miniseries) — Caleb Duffy. Romantic comedy/miniseries.
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Various independent films — Supporting roles across indie comedies and dramas. Details listed on IMDb and filmography pages.
Awards and Recognition
As of the latest profile updates, Reynolds has not amassed a wide shelf of major individual awards.
His recognition has been primarily critical and audience-based through his performances in ensemble-driven series like Search Party.
Industry listings record theatrical and ensemble nominations for shows he has been part of, but for the most current award information consult entertainment award trackers and his official representation.
Career Timeline
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Early 2010s — Acting and improv training in Chicago; performing at The Annoyance, IO Chicago, and similar venues.
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2013–2015 — Early screen roles, building film and TV credits.
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2016 — Search Party premieres. Reynolds cast as Drew. This role significantly raises his profile.
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2016–present — Recurring and guest roles on series including Stranger Things, plus film projects and continued TV work.3
A closer look: Drew Gardner on Search Party
Reynolds’s role as Drew Gardner on Search Party showcases his strengths. Drew is a character blend of passive tendencies, subtle insecurities, and the kind of awkward humanity Reynolds plays well.
The show’s tone allows for both dry humor and moments of darker satire. Critics and fans pointed to the ensemble chemistry and specific performances when praising the show.
Reynolds’s contribution helped define the show’s social commentary on a certain millennial malaise while still offering comedic relief. This role remains central when people discuss his work.
Industry Perception and Future Prospects
Casting directors and showrunners often look for performers who can pivot between comedy and drama. Reynolds’s resume shows that capacity.
Given his background, he fits projects that want actors who can react naturally in both scripted and spontaneously comic moments. As streaming platforms continue to develop niche and ensemble series, performers like Reynolds who bring reliable nuance to supporting and lead roles remain in demand.
His future prospects likely include more recurring roles in streaming series, leads in independent features, and possibly stage work should he choose to return to theater.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2015 | Early indie projects | Film/TV | Supporting roles (various) — see IMDb for specifics. |
| 2016–2022 | Search Party | TV series | Andrew “Drew” Gardner — series regular. |
| 2016–present | Stranger Things | TV series | Officer Phil Callahan — recurring. |
| 2019 | Four Weddings and a Funeral | Miniseries | Caleb Duffy. |
| 2010s–2020s | Various indie films | Film | Supporting credits listed on industry databases. |
Personal Life and Off-screen Interests
Public information about Reynolds’s private life is limited. He keeps a relatively low profile and does not frequently appear in tabloid coverage.
When media discuss his background they emphasize his professional path from the Midwest to Chicago and then into television. Social profiles and occasional interviews give glimpses into his personality, but he remains more focused on craft than personal branding.
For current updates about personal details such as relationships or new endeavors, check verified interviews or his official representation.
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FAQ’s
1. Who is John Paul Reynolds?
John Paul Reynolds is an American actor and writer known for his roles in Search Party, Stranger Things, and other TV and film projects. He trained in Chicago and has a background in improv and sketch comedy.
2. When and where was he born?
He was born on August 5, 1991, in Madison, Wisconsin.
3. What is his best-known role?
His best-known role is Andrew “Drew” Gardner on Search Party, which ran across multiple seasons and earned critical attention.
4. Has he appeared in Stranger Things?
Yes. He played Officer Phil Callahan in a recurring role on Stranger Things.
5. Where did he train as a performer?
Reynolds trained at the IO Training Center and completed programs at the Second City Conservatory. He performed regularly in Chicago venues noted for improv and sketch.
6. What upcoming projects does he have?
For the latest information on upcoming projects consult his IMDb page or official representation pages. Credits and new announcements appear there first.
7. Is his height really 6’5″?
Some listings show that height, but online height listings can be inconsistent. Industry pages and casting notes sometimes differ. Treat such details as reported rather than confirmed unless from an official source.
8. Does he write as well as act?
Yes. He is credited as a writer in addition to acting, reflecting the multi-hyphenate path common among performers from the improv world. Check specific credits for writing roles on professional databases.
Conclusion
John Paul Reynolds represents a type of modern actor who moves fluidly from live performance to streaming television to independent film.
His Chicago improv and sketch training gave him a foundation in listening and character work. His role on Search Party established him in the public eye, and Stranger Things expanded his visibility.
For fans and researchers, industry databases like IMDb and reputable entertainment journalism outlets remain the best way to follow new credits and verify details.
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