Andrew Cameron Schulz, born on October 30, 1983, in New York City, is a multi-talented American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and podcast host. Known for his brash, blunt humor, and strong social media presence, Schulz has become one of the most recognizable names in contemporary comedy. With his career spanning stand-up comedy, television, film, and podcasts, he has amassed a devoted following and built a highly successful brand for himself.
Early Life and Education
Andrew Schulz was born into a family with diverse backgrounds. His mother, Sandra Cameron, was a professional ballroom dancer of Scottish descent, while his father, Larry Schulz, was an American military veteran and reporter of German and Irish ancestry. The couple ran the Sandra Cameron Dance Center in Lower Manhattan for over three decades, which significantly influenced Andrew’s upbringing.
Growing up in the East Village of New York City, Schulz attended public schools, including Lillie Devereaux Blake Primary School, Robert F. Wagner Middle School, and Baruch College Campus High School. After completing high school, he went on to study at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It was here that he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, although he would later find his true calling in comedy, not in psychology.
The Beginnings of a Comedy Career
Schulz’s journey into stand-up comedy began when he returned to New York after his time at university. He started performing at various comedy venues across the city, gaining experience and honing his craft. His debut on the big stage came in 2008 when he performed at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland. This exposure helped Schulz garner attention in the comedy world.
In 2011, Schulz took on his first major television appearance as part of the MTV2 comedy-reality show Guy Code. His appearance on the show, along with its spin-off Guy Court, gave him widespread recognition, as Guy Code became one of MTV2’s most popular shows, attracting millions of viewers.
Rise to Fame and Breakthrough Projects
As Schulz’s reputation grew, so did his opportunities. After his successful run on Guy Code, he appeared on several other MTV2 series, including Jobs That Don’t Suck, Girl Code, and The Hook-Up. These shows not only showcased his comedic talents but also solidified his position in the comedy world.
In 2014, Schulz’s career took another big leap when he co-hosted The Brilliant Idiots podcast alongside radio personality Charlamagne tha God. The podcast, which tackles current events, world news, and pop culture, became a massive hit and has continued to attract a large audience. As of 2023, The Brilliant Idiots boasts over 400k listeners per episode.
Schulz’s comedy also translated to the small screen. In 2015, he starred in the IFC comedy series Benders, which ran for one season, and also played a recurring role in the crime series Sneaky Pete on Amazon Prime Video from 2015 to 2017. He also made an appearance in the Hulu biographical series There’s…Johnny! in 2017, which centered around The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson.
Comedy Specials and Major Success
Schulz’s path to stardom accelerated with the release of his stand-up comedy specials. His first special, 4:4:1, dropped on YouTube in 2017, followed by 5:5:1 in 2018. The latter, which was independently produced and released through 800 Pound Gorilla Records, quickly became a hit, topping charts on iTunes, Apple Music, and even the Billboard Comedy Albums chart.
In 2020, Schulz released his Netflix special, Schulz Saves America, which dealt with the socio-political and economic issues of the time. While the special received some criticism for controversial jokes, it further cemented Schulz’s place as one of comedy’s boldest voices. The following year, he released Views from the Cis and Brilliant Idiot, two more comedy EPs that showcased his unique blend of observational humor and sharp wit.
2022 was another major year for Schulz when he released his special Infamous on YouTube. The special was well-received, with Schulz continuing to gain praise for his fearless comedy style. His willingness to tackle sensitive and controversial topics with honesty and humor has earned him both admirers and detractors.
Podcasts and Other Ventures
In addition to his stand-up career, Schulz has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world. Along with The Brilliant Idiots, he also co-hosts Flagrant 2 with fellow comedian Akaash Singh. The podcast, which discusses sports, pop culture, and societal issues, has also gained a large following. Schulz’s audience can access bonus episodes through the Patreon page, where members, known as the “Asshole Army,” engage directly with the creators.
Flagrant 2 has also extended into video content, with Schulz directing and producing the miniseries Flagrant 2: Greatest NFL Story Ever Told. Schulz’s podcasting efforts continue to be an integral part of his brand, as they give his fans an opportunity to engage with him on a more personal level.
In 2023, Schulz starred in the Netflix film You People, co-written by Jonah Hill and directed by Kenya Barris. He also appeared in the remake of the classic film White Men Can’t Jump, playing the character TJ. These roles highlighted Schulz’s ability to expand beyond the stand-up comedy scene and into acting.
Social Media Presence and Influence
Schulz’s success is also heavily tied to his social media presence. As of 2024, he has a massive following across multiple platforms. He boasts 4.9 million followers on TikTok, 4.4 million on Instagram, and 3 million on YouTube. His TikTok videos, which often feature his interactions with the audience during live shows, have garnered millions of views, further propelling his rise to fame.
Schulz’s ability to blend his stand-up comedy with social media has allowed him to connect with a younger, more tech-savvy audience, which has played a pivotal role in expanding his reach and popularity.
Personal Life
Andrew Schulz’s personal life has been relatively private, though he has shared aspects of it through his public appearances and interviews. He married Emma Turner in December 2021 in Montecito, California. The couple’s wedding marked a significant milestone in Schulz’s personal life, as he had been very open about the challenges he faced in balancing his career with his personal relationships.
Despite his fame, Schulz has often spoken about the difficulties of breaking into the comedy industry, especially when major networks and content platforms rejected his specials. Undeterred, he took matters into his own hands, writing, producing, and editing his content independently before releasing it on platforms like YouTube, where it gained widespread attention.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024, Andrew Schulz’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including his stand-up comedy tours, podcasting, acting roles, and the successful release of his comedy specials. Schulz’s decision to self-produce and distribute his specials independently has been a key factor in his financial success, as he retains control over his content and its revenue.
Conclusion
Andrew Schulz’s rise to fame is a testament to his relentless work ethic, bold humor, and entrepreneurial spirit. From his humble beginnings in New York to becoming a multi-millionaire comedian with a massive global following, Schulz’s story is one of persistence and self-reliance. Whether through his stand-up specials, podcasts, or social media content, he continues to evolve and connect with audiences worldwide. With an expanding career in acting and continued success in comedy, Schulz’s future in the entertainment industry remains bright.