Chris D'Elia was 16 the first time he performed stand-up comedy. His early comedic spark was ignited in an unconventional setting—church. Known for his antics, a pastor made a deal with him: behave during the service, and he'd get some stage time afterward. Though Chris didn't quite follow through on the behavior part, he still got his moment in the spotlight, marking the unofficial start of his journey into comedy.
East Coast born and West Coast raised, Chris ultimately found himself in Los Angeles, diving headfirst into the city's vibrant stand-up scene. He graced any stage available, from local coffee shops to the smallest dive bars. Through relentless performances each night, Chris quickly established himself as a regular at the prestigious comedy clubs throughout Hollywood.
Known for his unique style that combines silly, physical humor with an array of characters and voices, Chris's approach is a nod to his acting background. "I never really feel like just standing there and telling jokes. I wanna move around," he explained. His animated delivery and penchant for ending up on the floor make his performances as much about the movement as the punchlines themselves.
Chris has shared the stage with comedic heavyweights, touring with Jo Koy and opening for Carlos Mencia. His television appearances include performing stand-up on Showtime’s "Live Nude Comedy" and Comedy Central’s "Live at Gotham." In 2011, he showcased his talent with his own half-hour "Comedy Central Presents" special.
Named one of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” Chris's television career blossomed as he starred as Danny on NBC’s comedy "Undateable." He also gained recognition starring opposite Whitney Cummings in NBC's "Whitney." Other notable TV credits include appearances on Comedy Central’s "Workaholics," TBS’ "Glory Daze," and Showtime’s "Live Nude Comedy."
Today, Chris D’Elia continues to live in Los Angeles, where he remains an influential figure in the world of comedy, admired for his distinctive style and energetic performances.
Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch”