Brett Gelman: Who is Stranger Things' Murray?
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Brett Gelman, an American actor and comedian, has gained prominence for his roles as Murray Bauman in Netflix's "Stranger Things" and Martin in the BBC comedy "Fleabag." Known for his versatile performances across television and film, Gelman has recently faced controversy surrounding his outspoken support for Israel, leading to the cancellation of several book tour events for his debut literary work.
Early Life: Drawing Inspiration From His Jewish Upbringing
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Brett Gelman was born on October 6, 1976, in Highland Park, Illinois, to Jewish parents1. Growing up in a Jewish family, Gelman's heritage played a significant role in shaping his identity and later influencing his comedy and acting career. His father worked selling photographs, while his mother was supportive of his early interest in comedy2. Gelman's Jewish identity became a cornerstone of his artistic expression, often exploring themes of Jewish pain and experiences in his work. As a child, he was drawn to comedy, finding inspiration in legendary Jewish comedians like the Marx Brothers and Mel Brooks2. This early exposure to comedy, combined with his Jewish upbringing, laid the foundation for Gelman's future as an actor, voice actor, and creator of comedy specials that often touch on issues of antisemitism and the Jewish experience in America.
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Breakthrough: Murray in "Stranger Things"
gq.com
Brett Gelman's breakthrough in the entertainment industry came through his unique blend of comedy and acting, often drawing from his Jewish identity and experiences. His role as Murray Bauman in the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things" catapulted him to wider recognition, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with depth and humor.1 Gelman's comedy specials, such as "Dinner With Family With Brett Gelman And Brett Gelman's Family" on Adult Swim, further established him as a provocative voice in comedy, unafraid to explore themes of Jewish pain and family dynamics.2 His podcast "Gelmania" and appearances in shows like "Married" and "Eagleheart" demonstrated his versatility as both an actor and voice actor, allowing him to reach diverse audiences while maintaining his distinctive comedic style rooted in his Jewish heritage.
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Brett Gelman (Photos)
Brett Gelman's Filmography
Brett Gelman's filmography showcases his versatility as an actor, voice actor, and comedian across various mediums. His work often incorporates themes related to his Jewish lineage and explores complex social issues through comedy.
Gelman's work often incorporates elements of his Jewish lineage, particularly in his comedy specials and writing projects. His roles in both live-action and animated productions demonstrate his range as an actor and voice actor, while his comedy specials provide a platform for exploring more personal themes related to Jewish experiences and social commentary.123
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Other Guys | Hal | Film |
| 2011 | A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas | T.V. Director | Film |
| 2014 | Dinner with Friends with Brett Gelman and Friends | Himself | Comedy Special |
| 2015 | Dinner with Family with Brett Gelman and Brett Gelman's Family | Himself | Comedy Special |
| 2016 | Fleabag | Martin | TV Series |
| 2017 | Lemon | Isaac | Film (also writer) |
| 2017 | Jeff & Some Aliens | Jeff | Animated Series (voice) |
| 2017-2022 | Stranger Things | Murray Bauman | TV Series |
| 2019 | Mr. Mercedes | Roland Finkelstein | TV Series |
| 2021 | Inside Job | Magic Myc | Animated Series (voice) |
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Brett Gelman's Awards and Honors
Brett Gelman's career as an actor, comedian, and voice actor has garnered recognition in various forms, though he has not received major individual awards. His contributions to ensemble casts and his work on critically acclaimed shows have been acknowledged.
While Gelman's individual performances have not been specifically honored with major awards, his participation in the ensemble cast of "Stranger Things" has contributed to the show's recognition. His unique comedic style, often exploring themes of Jewish pain and antisemitism, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following in the comedy world.12 Gelman's work in comedy specials and as a voice actor has further solidified his reputation as a versatile performer in the entertainment industry.
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Stranger Things | Won |
| 2020 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Stranger Things | Nominated |
| 2022 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Stranger Things | Nominated |
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Brett Gelman's Interviews (Videos)
Brett Gelman's Personal Life
timesofisrael.com
Brett Gelman's personal life is deeply intertwined with his being a Jew and his career in comedy and acting. He was married until 2019 but is now divorced and focuses on his work1. Gelman's Jewish heritage plays a significant role in his comedy and acting, often exploring themes of Jewish pain and experiences in his performances2. His comedy specials, such as "Dinner With Family With Brett Gelman And Brett Gelman's Family," blend elements of his personal life with his unique brand of humor that often touches on issues of antisemitism and the Jewish experience in America2. As a voice actor and comedian, Gelman uses his platform to address social issues, particularly those affecting Jewish people and other marginalized groups3. His work consistently reflects his commitment to storytelling that highlights both the struggles and triumphs of his Jewish identity.
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Closing Thoughts on Brett Gelman
Brett Gelman’s work consistently challenges perceptions of Jewish people in comedy and entertainment, often addressing issues of antisemitism and Jewish pain through his performances and comedy specials. Gelman's ability to weave his personal experiences as a Jewish person into his roles and stand-up routines has made him a unique voice in an industry that sometimes struggles with authentic representation.
As both an on-screen actor and voice actor, Gelman has demonstrated remarkable versatility, from his breakout role in "Stranger Things" to his provocative comedy specials. His recent book further cements his status as a multifaceted artist unafraid to confront difficult topics. By openly discussing his experiences as a Jewish person in Hollywood, Gelman has become an important advocate for Jewish representation, challenging the notion that Jewish people are not considered people of color in discussions about diversity. Through his comedy and acting, Gelman continues to tell stories that resonate with Jewish audiences while educating others about the complexities of Jewish identity in contemporary society.12
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Related
How does Brett Gelman balance his activism with his acting career
What impact has Brett Gelman's advocacy had on the Jewish community
How does Brett Gelman's upbringing in Highland Park influence his views on Jewish identity
What are the main themes in Brett Gelman's latest book
How has Brett Gelman's activism affected his relationships in Hollywood
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