John Melendez

Born on October 4, 1965, in Massapequa, Long Island, New York, John Edward Melendez began his career in entertainment after attending New York University’s film school. His stutter played a pivotal role in his early career when his college roommate, Mitch Fatel, recommended him for an internship at The Howard Stern Show in 1988. Melendez quickly gained national recognition as “Stuttering John” due to his distinctive interviewing style, where he would ask celebrities confrontational and often humorous questions at various events. This unique approach, combined with regular appearances in sketch pieces and man-on-the-street interviews, made him a prominent figure on the show for 14 years. During this period, segments of the radio show were also televised as the nationally syndicated E! television show ‘Howard Stern’, further increasing his visibility. Melendez also pursued acting during this time, appearing in films such as ‘Airheads’ (1994), ‘Private Parts’ (1997), and ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’ (2000), and had guest roles on television series like ‘Wings’ and ‘Baywatch Nights’.

In 2004, Melendez transitioned to NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, serving as the nightly announcer and a staff writer for 10 years. He also appeared in comedy sketches and correspondent pieces for the show. This move marked a significant career progression, showcasing his versatility beyond his “Stuttering John” persona. After Leno’s departure from The Tonight Show in 2014, Melendez continued to evolve his career. In 2008, he wrote, produced, and starred in his own full-length feature film, ‘One, Two, Many’. He also lent his voice to the animated series ‘Tripping the Rift’ as “Bob” from 2004 to 2007. More recently, in 2018, he launched ‘The Stuttering John Podcast’, which features his commentary and interviews. A notable event in his podcasting career was a prank call to then-President Donald Trump, which garnered significant media attention and further diversified his public persona.