Adam Pally
Adam Saul Pally (born March 18, 1982) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his starring roles in the ABC comedy series Happy Endings (2011–2013) as Max Blum and in the Fox series The Mindy Project (2013–2015) as Dr. Peter Prentice.[1][2] Born in New York City to an osteopathic internist father and a medical office manager mother, along with two sisters, Pally was raised across New York, New Jersey, and Chicago.[3][4] He earned a bachelor's degree from The New School University in New York City, where he honed his comedic skills through improv and sketch performances at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.[5][6] Pally's early career featured supporting roles in films such as Taking Woodstock (2009), Solitary Man (2009), and Iron Man 3 (2013), alongside guest appearances on television shows like Californication (2011) and Kroll Show (2013–2015).[1][4] His breakthrough came with Happy Endings, a cult-favorite ensemble comedy that showcased his improvisational talents and led to a 2013 Critics' Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.[2][7] Following its cancellation, he transitioned to The Mindy Project as a series regular, further establishing his reputation in workplace comedies.[1] Pally later headlined the short-lived Fox time-travel sitcom Making History (2017) and appeared in films including Dirty Grandpa (2016), Don't Think Twice (2016), and Band Aid (2017).[8][4] In the late 2010s and 2020s, Pally expanded into voice acting and major franchises, voicing characters in animated series such as BoJack Horseman and Solar Opposites, while appearing in live-action projects including The Mandalorian, and playing Wade Whipple in the blockbuster Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy (2020, 2022, and 2024).[9][4] His film credits also include The To Do List (2013), A.C.O.D. (2013), Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016), and Shimmer Lake (2017), amassing over 100 acting credits across television and film.[2] More recently, he starred opposite Stephen Curry in the Peacock comedy series Mr. Throwback (2024), co-created a wellness podcast with comedian Jon Gabrus in April 2025, and debuted his first stand-up special, An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally, on HBO on October 17, 2025.[10][11][12]Early life and education
Family and childhood
Adam Pally was born Adam Saul Pally on March 18, 1982, in New York City, to Dr. Steven Pally, an osteopathic internist, and the late Caryn Pally, who managed her husband's medical practice.[13][3][14] He grew up alongside two sisters in a close-knit family.[13] Pally was raised across multiple locations, including New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois, which exposed him to diverse urban environments during his formative years.[13][15] His family is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and he was raised in a Jewish household that observed Jewish traditions.[16] Pally's early interest in comedy stemmed from his family's creative background, as his parents had previously worked as performers in a band touring the Catskills region, performing vaudeville-style acts with his father on piano and his mother singing.[17] This environment, combined with his urban upbringing, fostered his initial fascination with performance and humor.[17]Schooling and training
Pally attended Livingston High School in Livingston, New Jersey, where he met his future wife and developed early performance interests through participation in school bands and the use of the school's TV studio.[18][17] His Jewish upbringing served as a subtle influence on his humor style, evident in his role as the class clown during Hebrew school.[19] Pally initially attended the University of Arizona for approximately two years before transferring to The New School's Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts in New York City, from which he graduated in 2004 with a degree in liberal arts.[18][20][21] In November 2002, shortly before his college graduation, Pally began improvisational training at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCBT) in New York.[17] During these early 2000s sessions at UCBT, he joined the sketch comedy group "Chubby Skinny Kids" alongside Dan Gregor and Doug Mand, as well as the improv group "Hot Sauce" with Ben Schwartz and Gil Ozeri.[22]Career
Improvisational comedy beginnings
Adam Pally began his professional career in improvisational comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCBT) in New York City in the mid-2000s, shortly after graduating from The New School in 2004. He immersed himself in the theater's training program, taking classes from instructors including Danielle Schneider, Matt Walsh, and Paul Scheer, and quickly progressed to performing on stage. By 2005, Pally had joined his first Harold team, Killebrew, marking his debut in house team performances, where he contributed to long-form improv sets alongside peers like Gil Ozeri and Ben Schwartz. He later became a member of the influential house team Death by Roo Roo, formed around 2006, which performed regularly at UCBT and helped solidify his reputation within the New York improv scene.[23][24][25] In addition to live improv, Pally participated in sketch comedy shows at UCBT, co-hosting events like "The Dirtiest Sketch Show," which emphasized edgy, boundary-pushing material. These performances, often held in the theater's intimate spaces, allowed him to hone his skills in both structured sketches and spontaneous improvisation from 2005 to 2010. During this period, he also engaged in small theater productions and ongoing house team runs, contributing to UCBT's vibrant ecosystem of weekly shows that attracted a dedicated audience of comedy enthusiasts.[26] Pally's early web and short-form contributions further highlighted his comedic versatility. In 2009, he co-created the web series parody "David After Divorce" for UCB Comedy, a humorous take on the viral "David After Dentist" video, in which he portrayed a disoriented character navigating post-divorce confusion. The series, shot by Chris Kula, quickly gained traction online, amassing over 4.9 million views on YouTube. This project exemplified his ability to blend improv techniques with digital media, bridging live theater and emerging online platforms.[27] Through his UCBT affiliations in the late 2000s, Pally transitioned from improv and sketch work to scripted roles, leveraging connections formed in the theater's collaborative environment. His experience writing sketches and producing shorts at UCBT directly informed this shift, opening doors to professional writing and acting opportunities beyond the stage.[28]Breakthrough in television
Adam Pally achieved his breakthrough in television with the role of Max Blum, the slacker best friend in the ABC ensemble comedy series Happy Endings, which aired from 2011 to 2013 across 57 episodes.[29] The series, created by David Caspe, showcased Pally's quick-witted, improvisational style as part of a group of young adults navigating post-breakup friendships in Chicago, helping to define his on-screen persona as a relatable, sarcastic everyman.[30] His performance in the third season earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2013 Critics' Choice Television Awards.[2] Following the cancellation of Happy Endings, Pally transitioned to a recurring role as Dr. Peter Prentice, an obstetrician-gynecologist and Mindy's charming but immature colleague, on Fox's The Mindy Project from 2013 to 2015, appearing in 44 episodes.[31] The part allowed Pally to lean into romantic comedy dynamics, often playing the flirtatious foil to Mindy Kaling's lead character, with his improv roots enabling seamless ad-libbed banter that enhanced the show's ensemble humor.[32] He departed as a series regular after the third season to pursue other projects but returned for guest spots in later episodes.[33] Pally's early television exposure included a cameo as Maverick Bully on The Colbert Report in 2008, marking one of his initial on-screen credits in satirical comedy.[34] In more recent years, he has taken on prominent roles in genre-spanning projects, including reprising Wade Whipple, the enthusiastic human ally to the echidna warrior, in the 2024 Paramount+ miniseries Knuckles, a spin-off from the Sonic the Hedgehog films.[35] He starred as Danny, a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer seeking redemption through a childhood connection to NBA star Steph Curry, in the 2024 Peacock mockumentary series Mr. Throwback.[36] Additionally, Pally provided the voice of Santa Claus in the 2024 animated short A Very Sonic Christmas, further expanding his work in the Sonic universe.[37]Film appearances
Adam Pally began his film career with a supporting role as Freddy Bismark in the 2008 neo-noir comedy Assassination of a High School President, directed by Brett Simon, marking his debut in feature-length cinema.[38] Pally's entry into major studio productions came with his breakout supporting performance as Gary, an enthusiastic cameraman and Tony Stark admirer, in the 2013 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Iron Man 3, directed by Shane Black.[39] This role, which showcased his comedic timing in high-stakes action sequences, helped elevate his visibility beyond television. His success on shows like Happy Endings contributed to such casting opportunities in blockbusters.[40] In the 2020s, Pally became a key part of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, portraying the live-action character Wade Whipple, the bumbling yet endearing sheriff of Green Hills, Montana. He first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), directed by Jeff Fowler, where Whipple aids the titular hedgehog and his allies against Dr. Robotnik.[41] Pally reprised the role in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), expanding Whipple's involvement in the escalating adventure with new characters like Tails and Knuckles. The character's arc culminated in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), where Whipple plays a more integral part in the battle against Shadow, further solidifying Pally's presence in family-oriented blockbusters. Alongside mainstream successes, Pally has pursued independent cinema, often in lead or prominent roles that highlight his dramatic range. In the 2015 romantic comedy Slow Learners, directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce, he starred as Jeff, a socially awkward high school guidance counselor who embarks on a self-reinvention journey with his best friend.[42] Similarly, in the 2017 indie dramedy Band Aid, written and directed by Zoe Lister-Jones, Pally led as Ben, a frustrated musician in a strained marriage who channels marital discord into a rock band with his wife.[43] These projects allowed him to explore relational dynamics and personal growth in more intimate settings. Pally's recent film work includes a supporting turn as the Deli Manager in the 2024 sports comedy The Gutter, directed by Yassir Lester and Isaiah Lester, which follows a young bowler's rise amid workplace chaos.[44] He also took on a dramatic role as Sam, a computer programmer assisting a grieving neuroscientist, in the 2025 sci-fi dramedy O Horizon, directed by Madeleine Sackler, premiering at festivals like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.[45] This performance underscores his versatility in blending humor with emotional depth in genre-bending narratives.Stand-up specials and media contributions
Adam Pally has contributed to various comedy sketches on the humor website Funny or Die, most notably through his series Riding Shotgun with Adam Pally, a 2011 web series in which he conducted short interviews with celebrities while driving them around in his car.[46][47] In 2011, he co-starred in the comedic stage production The Realest Real Housewives, a parody created by his Happy Endings co-star Casey Wilson.[48] These digital and live contributions drew on Pally's improvisational background to deliver spontaneous, character-driven humor. Pally made his stand-up debut with the HBO special An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally, which premiered on October 17, 2025, and blends stand-up comedy, documentary-style storytelling, and musical performances featuring Pally on guitar.[49][50] Filmed in Brooklyn, New York, the one-hour special explores personal truths through a mix of observational bits and original songs, marking a shift from his ensemble acting roles to a more intimate, solo format.[51][52] In podcasting, Pally co-hosts Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally, a comedic health and wellness series launched on April 24, 2025, under SmartLess Media, where he and Gabrus discuss personal anecdotes, interview experts, and explore wellness topics with humor.[11][53] Earlier, Pally made frequent guest appearances on Earwolf's Comedy Bang! Bang!, including episodes in 2012 with Casey Wilson promoting Happy Endings and in 2025 discussing his stand-up special.[54][55] Pally has also engaged in extended non-scripted media events, such as co-hosting a live-streamed 50-hour marathon of the entire Entourage series in June 2015 alongside Gil Ozeri and John Gemberling, which featured rotating comedian guests and commentary during the viewing.[56][57] Additionally, he appeared in the 2012 web series Happy Endings: Happy Rides, a Subaru-sponsored spin-off from his ABC show, where the cast navigated comedic scenarios involving car storage and sales.[58][59]Personal life
Marriage and family
Adam Pally married Daniella Liben, his high school sweetheart from Livingston, New Jersey, on July 3, 2008, in a ceremony at Pier 60 in Chelsea Piers, New York, officiated by Rabbi Stanley Asekoff.[60][17] The couple has three children: a son, Cole, born in 2012; a daughter, Georgia Grace, born in 2013; and another son, Drake, born in 2017.[3][61] Pally and Liben have centered their family life on raising their children in New York City's urban environment, where Pally has discussed the challenges of balancing his acting career with parenting responsibilities, including during periods of lockdown and professional travel.[62][63] The family incorporates Jewish traditions into their celebrations.[60]Life in New York
After brief periods away, including time in Chicago during his early career, he returned to the city and has maintained a long-term residence there. As of 2025, Pally lives in Manhattan with his family, having purchased a single-family home in Harlem in 2021.[64] Pally's connections to the New York comedy scene remain strong, with ongoing involvement in the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCBT), where he first trained after college. He continues to perform locally, including intimate comedy nights and new shows at UCBT venues in 2025, reflecting his enduring ties to the improvisational community that shaped his early professional path.[65][66][67] Beyond comedy, Pally is an avid music enthusiast who plays guitar, a passion showcased in his 2025 HBO special An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally, which blends stand-up, documentary elements, and musical performance. He is also a dedicated film buff, notably co-hosting a 2015 marathon viewing of every episode of Entourage to celebrate its finale. Additionally, Pally supports urban Jewish community events, such as the 2023 "Pally Hanukkah Breakfast" at the Stephen Gaynor School in New York, which highlighted traditional foods and communal gatherings.[52][2][57][68]Filmography
Films
Adam Pally has appeared in numerous feature films throughout his career, often in supporting comedic roles. The following is a comprehensive chronological list of his film credits, including release year, title, role, and notes on role type where applicable.[1]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Assassination of a High School President | Tendrick | Supporting |
| 2009 | Taking Woodstock | Artie Kornfeld | Supporting |
| 2009 | Solitary Man | Handsome Cab Driver | Supporting |
| 2010 | Please Give | Young Man | Supporting |
| 2010 | The Freebie | Bartender | Supporting |
| 2011 | A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas | Mobile Hot Dog Vendor | Supporting |
| 2012 | Sleepwalk with Me | Andrew | Supporting |
| 2013 | Iron Man 3 | Gary | Supporting |
| 2013 | The To Do List | Ferris | Supporting |
| 2013 | A.C.O.D. | Pauly | Supporting |
| 2013 | Monsters University | Art | Voice, supporting |
| 2014 | Life After Beth | Garett | Supporting |
| 2015 | Slow Learners | Jeff | Lead |
| 2016 | Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life | Brooks | Supporting |
| 2016 | Dirty Grandpa | Nick | Supporting |
| 2016 | Joshy | Josh | Lead |
| 2016 | Indubious | Billy | Supporting |
| 2017 | Band Aid | Ben | Lead |
| 2017 | Shimmer Lake | Reed Ethington | Supporting |
| 2018 | The New Romantic | Craig | Supporting |
| 2018 | Life of the Party | Jack | Supporting |
| 2018 | Dog Days | Dax | Supporting |
| 2019 | Brittany Runs a Marathon | Seth | Supporting |
| 2020 | Sonic the Hedgehog | Wade Whipple | Supporting |
| 2020 | Friendsgiving | Dan | Supporting |
| 2020 | Happiest Season | Niko | Supporting |
| 2020 | Uncle Frank | Randy | Supporting |
| 2021 | The Map of Tiny Perfect Things | Mark | Supporting |
| 2022 | Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Wade Whipple | Supporting |
| 2023 | Finestkind | Marty | Supporting |
| 2023 | Bottoms | Mr. G | Supporting |
| 2024 | The Instigators | Agent Morales | Supporting |
| 2024 | The 4:30 Movie | Emo Usher | Supporting |
| 2024 | The Gutter | Darren | Lead |
| 2024 | Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Wade Whipple | Supporting |
| 2025 | Hell of a Summer | John | Supporting |
| 2025 | O Horizon | Sam | Supporting |
Television shows
Adam Pally has appeared in over 40 television productions throughout his career, spanning series regular roles in ensemble comedies, recurring parts in dramatic series, and numerous guest spots in both scripted and unscripted shows.[1] His television work often highlights his improvisational comedy background, with standout commitments to long-running series.[1] The following table catalogs his key television credits chronologically, distinguishing between series regular (main cast with substantial episode involvement), recurring (multiple episodes but not main cast), and guest (limited appearances, typically 1-2 episodes) roles. Episode counts are included where applicable for context on involvement level.[1]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Role Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Californication | Young Hollywood Douchebag | 1 | Guest |
| 2010 | The Office | Vartann | 1 | Guest |
| 2011–2013 | Happy Endings | Max Blum | 57 | Series Regular |
| 2012–2017 | The Mindy Project | Dr. Peter Prentice | 55 | Series Regular |
| 2013–2015 | Kroll Show | Various | 3 | Guest |
| 2014 | New Girl | Simon | 1 | Guest |
| 2015 | Difficult People | Adam | 1 | Guest |
| 2015 | BoJack Horseman | Trip (voice) | 1 | Guest |
| 2015 | Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Dr. Epstein | 1 | Guest |
| 2015 | The Grinder | Ollie | 1 | Guest |
| 2016 | Younger | Ross | 1 | Guest |
| 2017 | Making History | Dan Chambers | 9 | Series Regular |
| 2017 | The President Show | Anthony Scaramucci | 1 | Guest |
| 2019 | Billions | Agent Tennant | 2 | Recurring |
| 2019 | The Good Fight | Frank | 1 | Guest |
| 2020 | For Life | Jamie | 1 | Guest |
| 2020 | Indebted | Dave Freeman | 10 | Series Regular |
| 2020–2022 | Central Park (voice) | Reed Durham | 12 | Recurring |
| 2021 | The White Lotus | Chief | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | Gossip Girl | Mike | 3 | Recurring |
| 2021 | Mythic Quest | Dan | 1 | Guest |
| 2022 | Loot | Adam | 1 | Guest |
| 2022 | Solar Opposites | Linus (voice) | 1 | Guest |
| 2022– | 101 Places to Party Before You Die | Himself (host) | 8 | Series Regular |
| 2023 | The Mandalorian | Bike Scout Trooper #2 | 1 | Guest |
| 2023 | FUBAR | The Great Dane | 5 | Recurring |
| 2023 | History of the World, Part II | Various | 1 | Guest |
| 2024 | Knuckles | Wade Whipple | 6 | Series Regular |
| 2024 | Mr. Throwback | Danny | 8 | Series Regular |
| 2025 | The Simpsons | Ben (voice) | 1 | Guest |
| 2025 | An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally | Himself | 1 (special) | Lead |