Ed Helms is an American actor, writer, and musician known for his film, television, and comedy work. He was born on January 24, 1974, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is best known for his role as Andy Bernard in the popular TV series, “The Office.” Helms is also recognized for his performances in blockbuster films such as “The Hangover” trilogy and “Vacation.” In addition to his acting career, Helms is a talented musician, playing the banjo and guitar, and has performed with notable bluegrass bands.
Quick facts about Ed Helms
- Underwent open-heart surgery at the age of 14 to treat a heart murmur.
- Attended the same high school as his “The Office” co-star Brian Baumgartner, and the two acted together in school plays.
- Sang a capella with the Obertones during his college years, similar to his character Andy Bernard on “The Office,” but only stayed in the group for one semester.
- Started college as a geology major but eventually switched to film theory and technology after two years.
- Studied improvisation with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York after completing college.
- Worked as a correspondent for four years at “The Daily Show.”
- Considers his brother Paxton and the late Phil Hartman as his role models.
Ed Helms Early Life
Ed Helms, a renowned American actor, comedian, and musician, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He comes from a diverse ancestry that includes English, Irish, German, Dutch, and French heritage. At 13, Helms underwent a nine-hour open-heart surgery to correct a heart defect involving supravalvular aortic and pulmonic stenosis. After the surgery, he spent a week in the intensive care unit for recovery.
Despite his passion for comedy, Helms initially worked as an intern with WNBC’s press and publicity department, preventing him from accepting Late Night’s internship offer from Conan O’Brien. This decision ultimately led him down a path that would establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Educational background
As a youth, Helms attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and in 1992, he graduated from The Westminster Schools, one year after his fellow The Office castmate, Brian Baumgartner. Helms enrolled at Oberlin College as a geology major before graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in film theory and technology. During his college years, he became an exchange student at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, spending one semester there.
Career
He began as a writer and performer with sketch comedy bands in New York City. During his study of improvisation with the Upright Citizens Brigade troupe, he worked at a post-production facility as a trainee film editor at Crew Cuts.
Television
Ed Helms’ comedic career reached new heights when he became a correspondent on “The Daily Show.” Later that month, NBC announced that Helms would be added to the mockumentary “The Office” cast in a recurring role as Andy Bernard, a nostalgic Cornell graduate obsessed with a cappella music.
Helms’ character quickly became a fan favorite, and he was promoted to series regular in February 2007. By February 2010, he was added to the show’s opening credits. However, his success did not end there. On July 21, 2008, he returned to the show for “Obama Quest,” a segment covering then-Senator Barack Obama’s trip to Iraq.
In addition to his work on “The Office,” Helms has appeared on numerous other television shows, including “The Mindy Project,” “Wilfred,” Tanner on Tanner,” “Children’s Hospital,” “Arrested Development,” and “Cheap Seats,” to name a few.
Commercials
Helms has lent his voice to several commercial campaigns, including Burger King, Doritos, Hotels.com, Sharp Aquos, and Advair asthma medication. He also voices Neil the Angel on Cartoon Network’s Weighty Decisions. In addition to his acting and comedy work, Helms is a musician who plays guitar, banjo, piano, and even the sitar in some of his performances.
Movies
Ed Helms has had a successful career as an actor and starred in several popular films. In 2011, he starred in Cedar Rapids and the major hit The Hangover film trilogy as Stuart Price. He also had minor roles in other films, including Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.
In 2015, Helms took on the lead role of Rusty Griswold in the film Vacation, a spin-off of the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. That same year, he starred in Jessie Nelson’s movie, Love the Coopers. He voiced the role in the DreamWorks animated film Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, which was released in 2017.
In 2018, Helms played the role of Joe Gargan in the film Chappaquiddick. His diverse range of roles and ability to take on comedic and dramatic roles have made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.
Other notable works
In addition to his successful acting career, he has pursued his passion for bluegrass music by performing in a band with friends called The Lonesome Trio. Along with his friend Amy Reitnouer, he also co-founded a music blog called The Bluegrass Situation. More recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Helms helped launch a weekly music and comedy program called The Whiskey Sour Happy Hour, which benefits the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and Direct Relief.
Helms is a performer and producer, launching his production company, Pacific Electric Picture Company, in 2013. The company would sign a two-year development deal with Universal Television. In that same year, Helms co-wrote, produced, and starred in the web series Tiny Commando for Yahoo! Screen.
Awards and Honors
Ed Helms has received various awards and recognitions throughout his career. In 2007, Helms won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. He also received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Knox College in 2013, where he delivered the Commencement speech. In May 2014, he gave the convocation speech at Cornell University, the alma mater of the character he played for seven seasons on The Office, Andy Bernard. In May 2015, he gave a commencement speech at the University of Virginia.
In 2019, he won the Writers Guild Award for Comedy/Variety – Music, Awards, Tributes – Specials. He has also been nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008.
Personal life
In addition to his work in entertainment, Helms is also actively involved in political activism. He serves on the board of RepresentUs, a non-profit organization focusing on anti-corruption laws in the United States. Helms is married and has one daughter.
Helms enjoys an appreciable number of following on social media platforms such as Twitter with the handle @edhelms where he has over one million followers. Also on Instagram, he goes by @edhelms with similar numbers to his Twitter followers.
Ed Helms Net worth
Helms has also been successful in television, where he was a regular cast member of the acclaimed sitcom, The Office. During his tenure, Helms reportedly earned $100,000 per episode.
According to the richest, Ed Helms has accumulated a net worth of $20 million throughout his career. He has appeared in several popular movies, including The Hangover trilogy and Cedar Rapids.
Conclusion
Ed Helms has had a successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry. He first gained widespread recognition for his work on “The Daily Show” before going on to star in popular comedies like “The Hangover” trilogy and “The Office”. Helms’ legacy will likely be that of a talented and versatile performer who brought a unique brand of humor and charisma to his roles.
