Rory Scovel, a comedian known for his infectious goofy energy and improvisation-heavy performances, grew up in Greenville, South Carolina. As a child, he channeled his hyperactive energy into basketball, soccer, tennis, and goofing around, eventually finding his true calling in comedy. His tall and lanky frame, combined with a humorous disposition, set the stage for a career in making people laugh.
After graduating from the University of South Carolina Upstate, Scovel was inspired by the comedic style of fellow southern comedian David Cross. This inspiration motivated him to start performing at open mic nights around South Carolina. His comedic journey took him up the East Coast, spending three years in Washington D.C. before moving to New York, where he continued to develop his unique style. During these years, Scovel honed his stand-up skills, mixing absurd non-sequiturs, faux audience disdain, light-hearted wordplay, and silly voices into his act. His performances often reflect his Southern roots, frequently featuring a perplexed southern gentleman observing the modern world through an exaggerated drawl.
In 2011, Scovel released his first hour-long stand-up album, "Dilation!". Demonstrating his love of music, his second album, 2013's "Rory Scovel Live at Third Man Records," was recorded at Jack White's renowned studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and is available exclusively on vinyl. Scovel's humor has also reached broader audiences through several memorable appearances on Conan, where his Andy Kaufman-esque antics have delighted viewers. Notable appearances include performing as a suave yet unhinged nightclub singer and collaborating with comedian Jon Dore to pretend the show mistakenly booked two guests.
Scovel took a bold step by filming his first hour special, 2015’s "Rory Scovel: the Charleston Special," using his own funds. It became the inaugural special on the all-comedy streaming network Seeso and was later made available for purchase on his website. Scovel’s comedic ventures continued with the release of his second hour special, humorously titled "Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time," which premiered on Netflix on June 20. His innovative style and commitment to his art have solidified Rory Scovel as a distinctive voice in the world of comedy.