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.
