Cast as geeky computer expert Bill Hoyt in JJ Abrams' short-lived spy series, "Undercovers" (NBC 2010), Schwartz's subsequent small-screen venture proved to be less successful. But following a small part in the Will Ferrell action comedy "The Other Guys" (2010), Schwartz achieved his major breakthrough when he appeared as Pawnee's big-haired resident sleazebag Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, the wealthy best friend of would-be player Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari), in the second season of "Parks & Recreation" (NBC 2009-2014). Following minor roles in the low-budget comedies "Mystery Team" (2009) and "I Hate Valentine's Day" (2009), Schwartz filmed a scene with Robert De Niro in "Everybody's Fine" (2009), won an Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics Emmy for his contribution to Hugh Jackman's opening number at the 2009 Academy Awards, and starred as Nathan Meyerwitz, a novelist who exposes his family secrets in ensemble piece "Peep World" (2010). Schwartz made his on-screen debut as Russ in comedy drama "New York City Serenade" (2007) and was hired as a staff writer for the third season of "Robot Chicken" (Adult Swim 2005-). With a little guidance from cast member Horatio Sanz, Schwartz then wrote for the Weekend Update segment of "Saturday Night Live" (NBC 1975-). Keen to follow in the all-conquering footsteps of the theatre's famous alumni, Schwartz landed a job as a page on David Letterman's late-night talk show, where he was eventually given the opportunity to write jokes for the host's opening monologues. ![]() Born in the Bronx neighbourhood of Riverdale, NY, in 1981, Schwartz first began performing at the UCB in 2003, the same year he graduated from Union College with a double major in psychology and anthropology, where he hooked up with Adam Pally and Gil Ozeri to form improv trio Hot Sauce. ![]() A veteran of the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy troupe, writer, stand-up and actor Ben Schwartz worked his way up from working as a studio page for "The Late Show With David Letterman" (CBS 1993-2015) to one of Hollywood's go-to funny guys thanks to a willingness to experiment, a razor-sharp wit and an impressively prolific work ethic.
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