Robert Smigel

Born:February 7, 1960

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Robert Smigel, born on February 7, 1960, is a multi-talented American artist with a diverse skill set that has left a lasting impact on the world of comedy and entertainment. His versatility as an actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, and puppeteer has earned him a well-deserved reputation in the industry.

One of Smigel's most notable contributions is his work on "Saturday Night Live" where he created the beloved "TV Funhouse" cartoon shorts. These segments showcased his unique blend of humor and creativity, captivating audiences with their wit and charm. His ability to infuse satire and social commentary into his comedy set him apart as a true visionary in the world of television.

Beyond his work on SNL, Smigel gained widespread recognition for his iconic character Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. As the puppeteer and voice behind this irreverent and hilarious persona, he brought laughter to countless viewers and solidified his status as a comedic genius. Triumph's sharp wit and biting humor became a staple of pop culture, earning Smigel a dedicated fan base.

In addition to his work in television, Smigel has made significant contributions to the world of film. He co-wrote the first two installments of the popular "Hotel Transylvania" franchise, showcasing his talent for crafting engaging and entertaining stories for audiences of all ages. His collaboration with Adam Sandler on films like "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" further demonstrated his ability to create memorable and engaging content for the big screen.

As a writer, Smigel's work is characterized by its sharp humor, clever wordplay, and insightful social commentary. His unique perspective and comedic sensibilities have resonated with audiences around the world, earning him a reputation as a master of his craft. Whether through his writing, acting, or puppeteering, Smigel's creative vision shines through in everything he touches.

Throughout his career, Smigel has demonstrated a remarkable ability to push boundaries and challenge conventions, all while maintaining a sense of humor and irreverence that is uniquely his own. His willingness to take risks and explore new comedic territory has endeared him to fans and critics alike, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of comedy.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Smigel is also known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to using his platform for good. His charitable work and advocacy have made a positive impact on the lives of many, further cementing his reputation as not only a talented artist but also a compassionate and generous individual.

With a career spanning decades and a body of work that continues to inspire and entertain audiences, Robert Smigel has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and entertainment. His contributions to television, film, and comedy as a whole have earned him a well-deserved place among the industry's most respected and beloved figures. As he continues to innovate and create, fans eagerly anticipate what new and exciting projects he will bring to life in the future.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Pixels

White House Reporter #2

2015

Video game experts are recruited by the military to fight 1980s-era video game characters who've attacked New York.

Hotel Transylvania

Fake Dracula / Marty (voice)

2012

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula has invited all his best friends to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!

Leo

Miniature Horse / Drone / Old Lizards #1 & #3 (voice)

2023

Jaded 74-year-old lizard Leo has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium-mate turtle. When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside but instead gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students — including an impossibly mean substitute teacher.

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

Yosi

2008

An Israeli counterterrorism soldier with a secretly fabulous ambition to become a Manhattan hairstylist. Zohan's desire runs so deep that he'll do anything -- including faking his own death and going head-to-head with an Arab cab driver -- to make his dreams come true.

Hotel Transylvania 2

Marty (voice)

2015

When the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.

Happy Gilmore

IRS Agent

1996

Failed hockey player-turned-golf whiz Happy Gilmore — whose unconventional approach and antics on the green courts the ire of rival Shooter McGavin — is determined to win a PGA tournament so he can save his granny's house with the prize money. Meanwhile, an attractive tour publicist tries to soften Happy's image.

Marriage Story

Mediator

2019

A stage director and an actress struggle through a grueling, coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them to their personal extremes.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

Mailman

2007

Firefighters Chuck Ford and Larry Valentine are guy's guys, loyal to the core—which is why when widower Larry asks Chuck to pose as his lover so that he can get domestic partner benefits for his kids, his buddy agrees. However, things get dicey when a bureaucrat comes calling, and the boys are forced to present a picture of domestic bliss.

This Is 40

Barry

2012

Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart.

Little Nicky

Beefy

2000

After the lord of darkness decides he will not cede his throne to any of his three sons, the two most powerful of them escape to Earth to create a kingdom for themselves. This action closes the portal filtering sinful souls to Hell and causes Satan to wither away. He must send his most weak but beloved son, Little Nicky, to Earth to return his brothers to Hell.

Billy Madison

Mr. Oblaski

1995

Billy Madison is the 27 year-old son of Bryan Madison, a very rich man who has made his living in the hotel industry. Billy stands to inherit his father's empire, but only if he can make it through all 12 grades, 2 weeks per grade, to prove that he has what it takes to run the family business.

Punch-Drunk Love

Walter the Dentist

2002

A socially awkward and volatile small business owner meets the love of his life after being threatened by a gang of scammers.

The Do-Over

Doctor

2016

The life of a bank manager is turned upside down when a friend from his past manipulates him into faking his own death and taking off on an adventure.

Wayne's World 2

Concert Nerd

1993

A message from Jim Morrison in a dream prompts cable access TV stars Wayne and Garth to put on a rock concert, "Waynestock," with Aerosmith as headliners. But amid the preparations, Wayne frets that a record producer is putting the moves on his girlfriend, Cassandra, while Garth handles the advances of mega-babe Honey Hornée.

The Wedding Singer

Andre

1998

Robbie, a local rock star turned wedding singer, is dumped on the day of his wedding. Meanwhile, waitress Julia finally sets a wedding date with her fiancée Glenn. When Julia and Robbie meet and hit it off, they find that things are more complicated than anybody thought.

The King of Staten Island

Male Pharmacy Owner

2020

Scott has been a case of arrested development ever since his firefighter father died when he was seven. He's now reached his mid-20s having achieved little, chasing a dream of becoming a tattoo artist that seems far out of reach. As his ambitious younger sister heads off to college, Scott is still living with his exhausted ER nurse mother and spends his days smoking weed, hanging with the guys — Oscar, Igor and Richie — and secretly hooking up with his childhood friend Kelsey. But when his mother starts dating a loudmouth firefighter named Ray, it sets off a chain of events that will force Scott to grapple with his grief and take his first tentative steps toward moving forward in life.

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

Self

2025

Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.

Between the Temples

Rabbi Bruce

2024

A grief-stricken cantor in a crisis of faith finds his world turned upside down when his grade school music teacher re-enters his life as his new adult Bat Mitzvah student. The two forlorn souls develop a special connection.

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog (voice)

2002

The owner of a bank (Miss Bitterman) wants to own the Muppet Theatre so she can build a nightclub over it. After she tricks Pepe into giving her the only copy of the contract between her father and the Muppets, she changes it so the Muppets have very little time to pay a debt they owe. Meanwhile, the Muppets are trying to put on a Christmas show. After the Muppets are confronted by Bitterman, they make a lot of sacrifices to save up so they can keep the Theatre.

Production

Hotel Transylvania

Executive Producer

2012

Leo

Director

2023

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

Screenplay

2008

Hotel Transylvania 2

Executive Producer

2015

When the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a collision of supernatural old-school and modern day cool.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

Thanks

2013

After the disastrous food storm in the first film, Flint and his friends are forced to leave the town. Flint accepts the invitation from his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, which has been tasked to clean the island, and where the best inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind. When Flint discovers that his machine still operates and now creates mutant food beasts like living pickles, hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees and apple pie-thons, he and his friends must return to save the world.

Jack and Jill

Executive Producer

2011

Jack Sadelstein, a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his twin sister Jill. Jill's neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down.