Bert Kreischer

Albert Charles Kreischer Jr., born on November 3, 1972, in St. Petersburg, Florida, embarked on a career in entertainment that began with an unusual distinction. While attending Florida State University, where he majored in English and was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Kreischer was prominently featured in a 1997 Rolling Stone article. The magazine identified him as “the top partyer at the Number One Party School in the country.” This article, “Bert Kreischer: The Undergraduate,” documented his college experiences, including instances of heavy drinking and public nudity, and later served as the inspiration for the 2002 film “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder.” Kreischer’s early life laid the foundation for his distinct comedic style, characterized by honest and often self-deprecating anecdotes.

Kreischer transitioned into stand-up comedy, marking his debut at Potbelly’s in Tallahassee, Florida. A pivotal moment in his early career was when a recording of one of his sets led to an invitation to New York City by a talent agent. He subsequently worked at the Boston Comedy Club, refining his craft. His stand-up gained recognition for his shirtless performances and his storytelling ability. His most well-known story, detailing how he inadvertently assisted the Russian mafia in a train robbery during a college trip, earned him the nickname “The Machine” and became the basis for a 2023 feature film of the same name. Over the years, Kreischer has appeared on various late-night talk shows, further establishing his presence in the comedy scene.

Beyond stand-up, Kreischer has built a significant media presence. He hosted television series such as “Hurt Bert” on FX, and “Bert the Conqueror” and “Trip Flip” on Travel Channel. His podcasting ventures, “Bertcast,” “Open Tabs,” and “2 Bears 1 Cave” (co-hosted with Tom Segura), have garnered a large following. He also hosts the YouTube cooking show “Something’s Burning.” Netflix has produced multiple stand-up specials for Kreischer, including “Secret Time” (2018), “Hey Big Boy” (2020), and “Razzle Dazzle” (2023), with “Lucky” anticipated for 2025. In 2014, he published his book, “Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child,” consolidating his status as a multi-talented entertainer.