Joe Pera

Joe Pera (born Joseph Pera on July 24, 1988) is an American comedian, writer, and actor known for his gentle, grandfather‑like delivery and affection for everyday American life. Born in Buffalo, New York and raised in the suburb of Amherst, he developed an early love for storytelling that later flourished at Ithaca College where he studied film and won the school’s stand‑up competition three times before graduating in 2010. After moving to New York City, he immersed himself in the open‑mic circuit, honing a style that blends observational comedy with character work, often focusing on mundane topics such as tomatoes, bathroom routines, or the simple pleasure of finding the perfect Christmas tree. Pera’s breakout moment arrived with the Adult Swim infomercial "Joe Pera Talks You to Sleep", a soothing series of bedtime monologues that showcased his ability to make viewers feel both relaxed and oddly introspective. The success of that special led to additional Adult Swim projects, including the holiday special "Joe Pera Helps You Find the Perfect Christmas Tree" and a celebrated appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Building on that momentum, he co‑founded the production company Chestnut Walnut with Conner O'Malley, and in 2018 launched the critically acclaimed series "Joe Pera Talks with You", which ran for three seasons and solidified his reputation as a unique voice in modern comedy. Beyond television, he released a whimsically titled book in 2021, "A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping or Peeing but Using the Bathroom as an Escape," illustrated by Joe Bennett, and in 2023 debuted the monthly podcast "Drifting Off With Joe Pera" to help listeners unwind. His personal life reflects his authentic persona: a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan with a well‑documented enthusiasm for heirloom tomatoes, and an engaged citizen who publicly supported Democratic mayoral candidate India Walton in 2021. Though he keeps his private relationships out of the spotlight, his public work continues to resonate with audiences seeking calm, sincere humor in a fast‑paced world.