Jay Chandrasekhar

Jay Chandrasekhar was born on April 9, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, both physicians, were immigrants from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He spent his early childhood in Oak Park before his family moved to Hinsdale, Illinois. Chandrasekhar attended Lake Forest Academy for high school and later graduated from Colgate University, majoring in European history with a minor in philosophy. During his time at Colgate, he became involved in comedy, forming the sketch comedy group “Charred Goose Beak,” which later evolved into Broken Lizard after the members relocated to New York. This early immersion in sketch comedy and directing short films laid the groundwork for his extensive career in entertainment.

Chandrasekhar’s professional journey began with Broken Lizard, where he served as a director, actor, and writer for numerous projects. The group’s self-funded film, “Puddle Cruiser,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1997. This was followed by the independent film “Super Troopers” in 2001, where Chandrasekhar directed and co-starred. He continued to direct and contribute to other Broken Lizard films such as “Club Dread” (2004) and “Beerfest” (2006), solidifying his reputation within the comedy genre. Beyond his work with Broken Lizard, Chandrasekhar’s directorial talent was recognized when he directed “The Dukes of Hazzard” in 2005.

His career further diversified into television directing, undertaking episodes for a range of comedy series. He directed multiple episodes for prominent shows like “Community” (2010–2015), “The Goldbergs” (2014–2021), “New Girl” (2014–2018), and “Resident Alien” (2021). These roles allowed him to apply his comedic sensibilities and directing expertise to the episodic format. Chandrasekhar has also continued to act, appearing in various films and TV shows, and he performs stand-up comedy, often touring with fellow Broken Lizard members, showcasing his range as a performer and creative professional.