Neil Hamburger

Neil Hamburger is a distinctive standup comedian and singer, conceptualized and embodied by American entertainer Gregg Turkington. The character first emerged in 1992 as part of a prank call on the album “Great Phone Calls Featuring Neil Hamburger,” evolving from a “weird recording project” into a full-fledged persona. Hamburger is characterized by his misanthropic jokes, intentionally stilted delivery, and unconventional anti-comedy approach. His act typically involves abrasive question/answer jokes targeting celebrities, delivered with a rasping voice and frequent throat-clearing, often leading to awkward silences. This confrontational style has drawn comparisons to other alternative comedy figures. Initially, Turkington envisioned Hamburger as a studio-only project, releasing albums like “America’s Funnyman” (1996), “Raw Hamburger” (1998), “Left for Dead in Malaysia” (1999), and “50 States, 50 Laughs” (2000) on Drag City Records.

The character’s career expanded beyond audio recordings when Turkington began performing live. His early live shows included supporting the punk rock band Frenzal Rhomb in Australia, where his performances often incited negative audience reactions such as booing and heckling. This unexpected audience engagement further shaped the character, highlighting a new dimension where internal failure translated into external conflict. Hamburger gained wider exposure through frequent guest appearances on internet talk shows such as “Tom Green’s House Tonight” (2006–2013), and later hosted his own show, “Poolside Chats with Neil Hamburger.” He also made a cameo in the 2006 film “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny” and opened for Tenacious D on their “Pick of Destiny” tour, including a notable performance at Madison Square Garden.

Neil Hamburger’s discography includes albums featuring original songs and cover versions backed by “The Too Good For Neil Hamburger Band,” such as “Neil Hamburger Sings Country Winners” (2009) and “First of Dismay” (2014). In 2015, the character was the subject of the Rick Alverson film “Entertainment,” which offered a fictionalized portrayal of the man behind the act, showcasing his onstage and offstage life. Turkington co-wrote the script for the film, contributing to its improvised dialogue and further developing the Hamburger persona. In addition to his comedy work, Hamburger has released various EPs, contributed to compilation albums, and appeared in music videos, including those for Frenzal Rhomb’s “Ballchef” and “Punisher” in 2003, and Ugly Kid Joe’s “I’m Alright” in 2015. His diverse portfolio extends to television appearances on programs like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!”, and he won “Best Guest Host” of Tim Heidecker’s podcast “Office Hours” in 2021.