Fred Armisen Biography: Fereydun Robert Armisen, born on December 4, 1966, is an American actor, comedian, musician, and writer. He gained widespread recognition as the co-creator and co-star of the IFC sketch comedy series Portlandia, alongside comedy partner Carrie Brownstein. Armisen also co-created and starred in the mockumentary-style comedy Documentary Now! on IFC and the Showtime series Moonbase 8. Armisen served as the bandleader and frequent drummer for the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Fred Armisen Biography
Fereydun Robert Armisen is an American actor, comedian, and writer who began his career in music, performing with bands like Trenchmouth and the Blue Man Group. His transition to comedy came with his breakthrough role on Saturday Night Live, where he was a cast member from 2002 to 2013.
Fred Armisen Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Fereydun Robert Armisen
December 4, 1966 Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Education | School of Visual Arts |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1984–present |
| Spouses |
Sally Timms (m. 1998; div. 2004)
Elisabeth Moss
(m. 2009; div. 2011)
Riki Lindhome
(m. 2022) |
| Genres |
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| Instruments |
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| Labels | Skene!/East West |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Fred Armisen
Fereydun Robert Armisen is an American actor, comedian, musician, and writer. With his comedy partner Carrie Brownstein, he co-created and co-starred in the IFC sketch comedy series Portlandia. He also co-created and starred in the mockumentary IFC series Documentary Now! and the Showtime comedy series Moonbase 8.
Fred Armisen Personal Life
This success opened the door to further creative projects, including co-creating Documentary Now! (2015) with fellow SNL alumni Bill Hader and Seth Meyers, and Portlandia (2011) with Carrie Brownstein, both for IFC. Armisen has also appeared in a variety of film and television roles, such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006), and Easy A (2010). His voice work includes notable performances in The Looney Tunes Show (2011).
Fred Armisen Achievements
He was also a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2002 to 2013, where he became known for his versatile impressions and characters. In addition to his live-action work, Armisen has a prolific career in voice acting. He voiced Speedy Gonzales in The Looney Tunes Show and contributed his voice to a range of animated films, including The Smurfs (2011), The Smurfs 2 (2013).
Fred Armisen Wiki
- Born: 4 December 1966 (age 58 years), Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States
- Music groups: Trenchmouth (Since 1988), Trenchmouth, Old 97’s, The 8G Band, Those Bastard Souls
- Spouse: Riki Lindhome (m. 2022), Elisabeth Moss (m. 2009–2011), Sally Timms (m. 1998–2004)
- Parents: Hildegardt Mirabal, Fereydun Armisen
- Height: 1.75 m
- Nationality: American
Early Life
Fred Armisen was born on December 4, 1966, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Hildegardt Mirabal Level, a schoolteacher, and Fereydun Herbert Armisen, an IBM employee. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to New York, and he spent a portion of his childhood living in Brazil. He was raised in Valley Stream, New York, where he attended school alongside future Saturday Night Live castmate Jim Breuer. Armisen briefly studied at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan but left to pursue a career as a rock drummer. His passion for performing was sparked early, heavily influenced by watching bands like The Clash and Devo on television.
His mother was Venezuelan, born in San Fernando de Apure, and his father was born in Soltau, Germany, to a German mother and a Korean father. For years, Armisen believed his paternal grandfather, known professionally as Masami Kuni, was Japanese. In reality, his grandfather, Park Yeong-in, was Korean and originally from Ulsan.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Fereydun Robert Armisen
- Date of Birth: December 4, 1966
- Place of Birth: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Children: 1
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Family Background
Fred Armisen was born to a culturally rich and diverse family. His mother, Hildegardt Mirabal Level, is Venezuelan, and his father, Fereydun Herbert Armisen, is of German and Korean descent. Raised in Valley Stream, New York, Armisen was exposed to a blend of artistic and cultural influences that helped shape his creative instincts from a young age. His grandfather, Park Yeong-in (also known as Masami Kuni), was a prominent Korean-born dancer who trained in Japan and later moved to Germany and the U.S., where he taught modern dance. This artistic lineage played a key role in inspiring Armisen’s career in performance.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Armisen’s professional journey began in the late 1980s as the drummer for the Chicago punk band Trenchmouth. His musical background laid the foundation for his stage presence and comedic rhythm. Transitioning from music to comedy, Armisen gained national attention when he joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2002. Over 11 seasons, he became known for his eccentric characters and sharp impressions, helping to define an era of the show.
In 2011, he co-created and starred in Portlandia with Carrie Brownstein. The series earned critical acclaim for its witty take on alternative culture in Portland, Oregon. He followed this with Documentary Now! in 2015, co-created with Bill Hader and Seth Meyers, parodying iconic documentary films and further proving his creative range.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Armisen’s talents span television, film, and voice work. He has appeared in hit films like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), EuroTrip (2004), and Easy A (2010). His distinctive voice has been featured in animated works such as The Looney Tunes Show, The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), and The Lego Ninjago Movie. He’s earned two Peabody Awards—one for political satire on SNL (2008) and another for Portlandia (2011). In 2019, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Standup for Drummers, a performance that fused his comedic and musical talents.
Recent Work and Continued Influence
Armisen served as the bandleader and drummer for the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers, showcasing his musical skills on a nightly platform. He also co-created Los Espookys (2019–2022), a Spanish-language comedy series that pushed creative boundaries and spotlighted Latin American voices. As of 2025, Armisen remains active in film, television, and voice acting, taking on diverse projects that highlight his multifaceted career. His ability to innovate and adapt keeps him a relevant and influential figure in comedy and entertainment.
Personal Life and Relationships
Armisen’s personal life has occasionally made headlines. He was married to actress Elisabeth Moss from 2009 to 2011. Their marriage ended on difficult terms, with Moss calling it “traumatic,” and Armisen admitting to having been a “terrible husband.” From 2014 to 2022, he was in a high-profile relationship with actress Natasha Lyonne. The two were frequently seen at events together and worked on multiple creative collaborations before their amicable split.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Multicultural Roots: Armisen’s heritage includes Venezuelan, German, and Korean ancestry. This diverse background has informed much of his work, influencing the cultural depth seen in his characters and projects.
- Musician First: Before his comedy career took off, Armisen was the drummer for the punk band Trenchmouth. His music roots still shine today, notably in his comedy special Standup for Drummers, a hybrid of stand-up and percussion.
- SNL Legacy: During his 11-season run on Saturday Night Live, Armisen was known for his transformative impressions of figures like Barack Obama, Prince, and even Queen Elizabeth II, demonstrating his remarkable comedic range.
- Voice Acting Success: His distinctive voice has led to standout roles in animated series and films, including The Lego Ninjago Movie, Adventure Time, The Simpsons, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
- Unique Humor: Armisen is recognized for his dry, absurdist comedic style. His delivery often blurs the line between satire and sincerity, which has become a signature of his performances.
- Cultural Influence: Although his grandfather originally passed as Japanese, he was Korean—known as Park Yeong-in, a professional dancer. This cultural history sparked Armisen’s fascination with Japanese aesthetics, often subtly referenced in his work.
Charitable Involvement and Legacy
Armisen actively supports causes related to music education, cultural preservation, and arts accessibility. He has participated in benefit events and has aligned with organizations that provide underrepresented communities with exposure to the performing arts. His legacy is one of creative innovation. From redefining sketch comedy through Portlandia to genre-bending work like Documentary Now!, Armisen is widely regarded as a trailblazer who merges music, performance, and offbeat humor in a distinctly original way.
Looking Ahead and Cultural Impact
Fred Armisen remains a highly active and relevant figure in entertainment. He continues to lend his voice to major animated projects and is collaborating on new ventures with fellow comedy veterans. His ability to adapt to shifting trends in comedy and entertainment ensures his work continues to resonate with new audiences. Fred Armisen’s influence goes beyond traditional comedy. His thoughtful, culturally nuanced humor—seen in series like Los Espookys—has set a new standard for inclusive, globally aware storytelling in comedy, securing his place as one of the most inventive and culturally attuned comedians of his generation.
Fred Armisen Net Worth 2025
Fred Armisen has an estimated net worth of $8 million, earned through a multifaceted career spanning television, film, music, writing, and producing. His income streams include acting roles, stand-up performances, voice work, and show development across networks like IFC, HBO, and NBC. Armisen and then-partner Riki Lindhome made headlines with the purchase of a $4 million cottage, highlighting his interest in real estate and comfortable living. Known for his artistic sensibilities and quirky taste, Armisen enjoys a lifestyle that reflects both his creative spirit and financial stability.
FAQs
Does Fred Armisen have a partner?
Armisen began dating and married comedian Riki Lindhome later that year, and they purchased a home together in Los Feliz. Armisen is a fan of the Red Dead video game franchise, and voiced characters in Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Does Fred Armisen have a child?
The couple does not have any biological children together. However, Armisen and Lindhome consider Lindhome’s surrogate son, Keaton, an integral part of their family. Lindhome had struggled with IVF treatments and adoption for years before finally welcoming her son, Keaton, on March 1, 2022.
Is Fred Armisen’s wife?
Personal life. Armisen was married to musician Sally Timms from 1998 to 2004 and actress Elisabeth Moss from 2009 to 2010. In 2022 he married fellow comedian Riki Lindhome.
What race is Fred Armisen?
Fred Armisen was born in Long Island, NY to a Venezuelan mother and a German/Japanese father; later making him the second Asian-American (after Rob Schneider) and Latino (after Horatio Sanz) “Saturday Night Live” cast member in the show’s over 30-year history.