| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ike Barinholtz |
| Birth Date | February 18, 1977 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Professions | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Director, Voice Actor |
| Notable TV Work | MADtv (2002–2007), The Mindy Project (2012–2017), History of the World, Part II (2023) |
| Notable Film Work | Neighbors (2014), Suicide Squad (2016), Blockers (2018), The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) |
| Writing & Directing Credits | Co-writer of Central Intelligence (2016); Writer/Director of The Oath (2018) |
| Philanthropy | $1M raised for Pacific Clinics via Celebrity Jeopardy!; $1M donated to ASL program on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire |
| Mother | Peggy Barinholtz – Family matriarch and primary influence |
Early Life and Improv Beginnings
Ike Barinholtz grew up in Chicago’s lively comedic scene. He was inspired to pursue daring creative projects by his mother, Peggy Barinholtz, who instilled a love of comedy and hard labor. Barinholtz left Boston University to focus on improvisational comedy at Chicago’s ImprovOlympic. He subsequently joined Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, where he worked with future comedy stars Seth Meyers, Jason Sudeikis, and Jordan Peele.
Rise to Television Fame
Barinholtz’s breakthrough came in 2002 when he was cast as a repertory performer on MADtv. Over five seasons, he became known for his sharp character work and memorable celebrity impressions. In 2012, he transitioned to The Mindy Project, where he portrayed the charmingly irreverent Morgan Tookers for five seasons, solidifying his status as a versatile ensemble player. His television résumé continued to expand with guest roles on Eastbound & Down, voice work on Bless the Harts, and starring turns in Netflix’s ensemble comedy The Afterparty. In 2023, he joined the cast of History of the World, Part II, showcasing his adaptability across sketch formats and streaming platforms.
Film Success and Creative Ventures
On the big screen, Barinholtz made an indelible mark with his scene-stealing turn in Neighbors (2014) opposite Seth Rogen and Zac Efron. He reprised his role in the 2016 sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and that same year appeared as Polka-Dot Man in the blockbuster Suicide Squad. His comedic range was further evident in Sisters (2015), Snatched (2017), and Blockers (2018). Behind the camera, he co-wrote the action-comedy Central Intelligence (2016) for Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart and made his feature directorial debut with the dark comedy The Oath (2018), in which he also starred and produced.
Family Influence and Philanthropy
Peggy Barinholtz’s role as family matriarch has been pivotal throughout Ike’s life and career. She and her husband, attorney-actor Alan Barinholtz, fostered a home environment where artistic pursuits and civic engagement were equally valued. In 2023, Ike channeled his competitive spirit into Celebrity Jeopardy!, winning $1 million for Pacific Clinics. Then, in 2024, Peggy cheered on Ike and his brother Jon during their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where they secured another $1 million to establish an American Sign Language program for their nephew Dezi, reflecting the family’s commitment to community and inclusion.
FAQ
Who is Ike Barinholtz?
Ike Barinholtz is an American actor and comedian born in Chicago in 1977, renowned for his work on MADtv, The Mindy Project, and numerous feature films.
Where did Peggy Barinholtz fit into Ike’s career?
Ike’s mother and mentor, Peggy Barinholtz, instilled humor, determination, and family in him, shaping his life and career.
Which films feature Ike Barinholtz?
He is best known for roles in Neighbors, Suicide Squad, Blockers, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, among others.
What has Ike done for charity?
Ike raised $1 million for Pacific Clinics on Celebrity Jeopardy! and donated $1 million to an ASL program via Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
How did Ike start his comedy career?
He began performing improv at Chicago’s ImprovOlympic, then joined Boom Chicago in Amsterdam before landing a cast spot on MADtv.
