Danny Pudi Biography

Fast Facts

• Received a nomination for an INOCA Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 for his role in "Mythic Quest․"
• Won the Chris Farley Scholarship while studying at Marquette University, which led to meeting comics Jim Breuer and Dave Chappelle at an improv event
• Studied improv at The Second City in Chicago
• Attended Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Ill
• Is the father of twin sons, James Timothy and Fiona Leigh
• Married Bridget Showalter, whom he met as a freshman at Marquette, on June 5, 2004
• Graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis․, with a bachelor's degree in communication and theatre
• Is of both Indian and Polish descent, and was raised speaking Polish
• Worked as a recruiter for an executive search firm while seeking his early TV and film roles
• Quote: "You know, I’ve never dwelt on 'making it․' Just being able to make people laugh and work in a creative environment is enough for me․ Of course, if I can make a good living doing it, that’s a really nice bonus․"
• Has appeared in TV ads for Snickers, Verizon and T-Mobile, among others
• Best known for his portrayal of Abed Nadir on NBC's "Community," an eccentric, fourth wall-breaking character based on a real-life friend showrunner Dan Harmon
• Earned the nickname "Study Poison" while at Marquette University
• Gave the 2013 commencement address at Notre Dame College Prep
• First met "Community" co-star Jeff McHale while working on a pilot called "Giants of Radio․"
• Is a big fan of sports, especially of the Marquette basketball team
• Is an avid runner who tries to run five or six days a week and often participates in marathons