Raised in Philadelphia as the fifth of six siblings, Paul F. Tompkins grew up in a lively household where his father worked on the railroads for 35 years, and his mother served as a receptionist at her brother's piano-tuning company. Throughout his childhood, Tompkins was a huge fan of comedians Steve Martin and Jonathan Winters, often staying up late to watch SCTV and The Tonight Show, which fueled his early passion for comedy. Tompkins attended Temple University but left during his first semester, realizing that his true calling was in stand-up comedy. He began his career in his hometown in 1986, performing his first gig at The Comedy Works as part of a duo with the late Rick Roman. In 1994, Tompkins moved to Hollywood, where he encountered Jay Johnston. The two shared a similar comedic sensibility and formed a sketch duo called "The Skates." This collaboration led to their involvement in the cult sketch comedy show "Mr. Show with Bob and David" on HBO. Tompkins contributed as a performer in the first season and as a writer in the second and third seasons, earning an Emmy for his writing skills. Tompkins also made notable appearances on the comedy series "Tenacious D," portraying "Paul," the host of the open mic night frequented by the show's titular duo. He reprised this role in the film "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny." In 1998, Tompkins wrote and starred in his one-man show "Driven to Drink," which aired on HBO. The special humorously explored the contrasts between sober life and the drinking world, with Tompkins managing to consume four beers throughout the performance. Later in his career, Tompkins became a familiar face on VH1's "Best Week Ever." Initially serving as a commentator, he eventually became the show's anchor under its revised format, delivering witty commentary on the week's celebrity happenings. However, the show went on hiatus in 2010, with its future uncertain. Known for his distinctive and sharp sense of style, Tompkins stands out as a well-dressed figure in the comedy scene, a departure from the typical stand-up comic's attire. When in Los Angeles, he regularly hosts a show at the alternative comedy venue Largo, delighting audiences with his unique brand of humor.