Brooks Wheelan is an accomplished American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster who gained significant recognition as a cast member and writer for the iconic NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live during the 2013–2014 season. His journey into comedy began in his late teens in Iowa, where he honed his craft before moving to major cities like Kansas City and Chicago, ultimately settling in Los Angeles to pursue stand-up full-time. His unique blend of humor and storytelling quickly set him apart in the competitive comedy scene.
In 2013, Wheelan’s talent was recognized when he was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live, and he was promoted to cast member just before the season commenced. Although his tenure on the show was brief, he made a lasting impact, particularly through his recurring appearances on the Weekend Update segment, where he delivered humorous public service announcements that resonated with audiences. Following his departure from SNL, Wheelan embraced the opportunity to tour with his stand-up show, “The Brooks Wheelan Falls Back on Standup Comedy (Sorta) Tour,” showcasing his resilience and commitment to his craft.
Wheelan’s first stand-up comedy album, “This Is Cool, Right?” released in January 2015, received critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the best albums of the year by The Laugh Button. His ability to weave personal anecdotes into relatable humor has garnered him a loyal fanbase, and he has continued to expand his reach through various media appearances, including Late Night with Seth Meyers and Comedy Central’s The Half Hour.
In addition to his stand-up career, Wheelan launched the podcast “Entry Level with Brooks Wheelan” in 2017, where he interviews guests about their often low-paying or undesirable jobs prior to achieving success in the entertainment industry. This podcast has further solidified his presence in the comedy landscape, allowing him to connect with audiences on a more personal level while sharing insights into the journey of success in show business.