Raised in Madison, WI

Was a founding member of a theater group, Animal Crackers

Joined the Second City National Touring Company after graduating from college; was brought to the Main Stage at Second City by acting/improv teacher Del Close

Was performing at the Second City Theater in Chicago when he was invited to audition for Lorne Michaels, producer of "Saturday Night Live"

Joined the cast of the long-running NBC variety show, "Saturday Night Live" (left show in 1995)

Earliest non "SNL" TV credit include an appearance on the comedy-variety tribute special, "A Comedy Salute to Michael Jordan"

Feature acting debut, a small role in the comedy, "Wayne's World"

Had a small but memorable role as Ronnie the Mechanic in "Coneheads" the movie

First leading role in a feature, "Tommy Boy"

Cast as a well-meaning but incompetent brother of a gubernatorial candidate (Tim Matheson) in "Black Sheep"

Final film appearance, "Almost Heroes"

Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (August)