Henry Zebrowski
Henry Thomas Zebrowski Jr. (born May 1, 1984) is an American actor, comedian, and podcast host recognized for his distinctive performances in film and television, as well as his contributions to true crime and horror-themed comedy content.[1][2] Born in Florida to parents Linda and Henry Zebrowski, he attended Florida State University before pursuing a career in comedy and acting.[3][4] Early in his career, Zebrowski performed stand-up and joined the comedy troupe Murderfist, alongside his sister Jackie Zebrowski, staging shows in unconventional venues like gay bars.[4] Zebrowski gained prominence in acting with his role as Alden Kupferberg, the "Sea Otter," in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), marking a breakthrough in feature films.[1] He followed this with recurring appearances as Quentin Frady in the NBC miniseries Heroes Reborn (2015) and a lead role as Claude in the Adult Swim comedy-horror series Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell (2013–2019), where his manic energy defined the show's satirical tone.[1][5] Additional notable credits include the web series The Characters (2016), in which he portrayed multiple eccentric personas, and voice work in animated projects like The Shivering Truth.[1] In podcasting, Zebrowski co-hosts Last Podcast on the Left, a long-running series launched in 2011 that blends humor with in-depth explorations of serial killers, cults, UFOs, and cryptids, originally alongside Marcus Parks and Ben Kissel before later featuring Ed Larson.[6][7] The podcast has amassed a dedicated audience, leading to live tours, merchandise, and the co-authored book The Last Book on the Left: The Bestselling Chronicle of True Crimes and the Occult (2020), which became a New York Times bestseller.[8] As co-owner of The Last Podcast Network, he oversees a portfolio of shows focused on comedy, horror, and alternative topics.[9] Zebrowski's versatile style, often drawing on his Polish, Irish, Italian, and Scottish heritage for comedic inspiration, has also led to guest spots on programs like Duncan Trussell Family Hour and appearances in documentaries, while his 2007 audition for Saturday Night Live—involving a memorable naked entrance—remains a quirky footnote in his career.[10][11]Early life and education
Early life
Henry Thomas Zebrowski Jr. was born on May 1, 1984, in Queens, New York.[12] His family relocated to Florida during his childhood, where he grew up in the Palm Harbor area with his parents, Linda and Henry Zebrowski Sr., and his younger sister Jackie, who is three years his junior.[10][13] His family was not involved in show business, but they fostered a humorous household environment, with his father relying on a single recurring punchline and his mother sharing a keen interest in the paranormal and true crime, which sparked Zebrowski's early fascination with horror and dark subjects.[13] Zebrowski's Polish heritage traces through his paternal grandfather, whose parents were Polish immigrants, alongside mixed Irish, Italian, and Scottish ancestry from other grandparents.[10] As a child, he and his sister Jackie bonded over imaginative play, including games like "Animals" captured on a bulky 25-pound VHS camcorder, which introduced early elements of performance and comedy into their sibling dynamic.[13] Family vacations, though often chaotic, left lasting impressions, such as a memorable incident involving bats during a trip reminiscent of a Batman scene.[13] During his high school years at Palm Harbor University High School in Palm Harbor, Florida, Zebrowski's interest in performance emerged more formally through theater involvement.[14] In ninth grade, he was cast in a production of Woody Allen's Don't Drink the Water, a comedy featuring slapstick elements, but the play was canceled by school administrators amid concerns over simulated violence following the Columbine High School shooting.[14] Zebrowski expressed disappointment at the time, noting the significant effort he and his classmates had invested, which had even impacted his grades, highlighting his budding commitment to stage work.[14] Influences like the film Ghostbusters further shaped his appreciation for blending humor with supernatural themes during this formative period.[13]Education
Zebrowski attended Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he studied theater.[15][13] During his time there, he earned a degree, though the specific field beyond theater remains unspecified in available records.[16] His involvement in comedy began during his college years, starting with performances in the sketch group Oncoming Traffic.[17] He later joined the improv and sketch troupe initially known as Girls Aren't Funny, which evolved into Murderfist, a group he co-founded with fellow students including Holden McNeely and John Moreno.[15] These experiences included early stage shows at local venues like the gay bar Brothers in Tallahassee, where the group performed weekly sketches for three years, honing a style of absurd, violent slapstick humor.[15] Through these university performances, Zebrowski developed his distinctive comedic voice, characterized by manic energy and character-driven improvisation, which laid the foundation for his subsequent professional endeavors in entertainment.[15][13]Career
Early career
After graduating from Florida State University, Henry Zebrowski relocated to New York City in the late 2000s with fellow members of the sketch comedy troupe Murderfist, with whom he had begun performing during his college years, to pursue a professional career in comedy.[18][15] In the city, the group organized independent live sketch shows at venues like Rififi and later secured a monthly residency at The People's Improv Theater (The Pit), where they delivered absurd, boundary-pushing performances characterized by chaotic energy and dark humor, often drawing comparisons to influences like Mr. Show.[18][15][19] Zebrowski also ventured into stand-up comedy within New York's alt-comedy scene, participating in shows alongside comedians such as Kumail Nanjiani and Michael Che, while contributing to the troupe's writing and on-stage antics that blended sketch elements with stand-up fearlessness.[18][19] Zebrowski's initial acting opportunities emerged through these comedy connections, marking his entry into on-screen work in the early 2010s. His first professional television appearance was a recurring role in the 2009-2010 Comedy Central sketch series Michael & Michael Have Issues, facilitated by his association with Nanjiani.[18][16] He followed this with a guest spot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2010 and a small supporting role as one of the brothers in the independent film White Irish Drinkers that same year, portraying a character involved in a heist plot set in 1975 Brooklyn.[16] These minor parts, often in comedic or dramatic ensemble contexts, provided foundational experience amid the competitive New York entertainment landscape.[16] Establishing a foothold proved challenging, as the group lacked formal comedy training and faced rejections in a nascent sketch scene, prompting them to create their own opportunities through persistent, low-stakes performances at bars and warehouses.[15][18] Zebrowski encountered notable setbacks in auditions, including a bold 2010 attempt for Saturday Night Live where he performed a planned nude monologue on the 8H stage, emerging fully naked midway through the set, which amused some producers like Lorne Michaels but ultimately did not secure him a spot on the show.[20] Footage of this audition was featured in the 2025 documentary series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.[11] Despite such hurdles, these early efforts honed his distinctive style of unfiltered, physical comedy.[15]Film roles
Zebrowski's breakthrough in film came with his portrayal of Alden Kupferberg, nicknamed "Sea Otter," a dim-witted broker at the fictional Stratton Oakmont firm in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). This comedic supporting role showcased his ability to embody the excess and absurdity of the Wall Street satire, contributing to the ensemble's frenetic energy alongside stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill.[16] Behind the scenes, Zebrowski and the other brokers prepared by attending a sales seminar hosted by real-life Stratton Oakmont founder Jordan Belfort at DiCaprio's apartment, where Belfort demonstrated the firm's lavish culture by tossing stacks of cash onto a table. Scorsese fostered an improvisational environment during the two-week rehearsal period, encouraging skilled actors like Zebrowski to ad-lib lines in key sequences, such as the office sales montages and the chaotic airplane orgy scene, where Zebrowski psyched himself up by repeatedly affirming his character's love for strippers and cocaine while snorting vitamin B12 as fake drugs.[21] In subsequent films, Zebrowski played Officer Reiter, a hapless police officer, in the raunchy road-trip comedy Dirty Grandpa (2016), directed by Dan Mazer and starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron. He later appeared as Wade in the indie horror-comedy After Midnight (2019), co-written and directed by Jeremy Gardner, where his character added quirky humor to the story of a man stalked by a mysterious creature amid relationship turmoil.[22][23] More recent credits include supporting roles in Scrambled (2023) as a quirky friend, How to Ruin the Holidays (2023) as Larry, Self-Tape (2024), and Sisters Have Crush on the Same Man (2025). In 2025, he announced a new sci-fi comedy project titled UFO: Unbelievably Friendly Organisms, which he is developing via Kickstarter.[1][24] Zebrowski's film work often features eccentric, humorous characters marked by sharp comedic timing and physical expressiveness, as seen in his bumbling yet endearing "Sea Otter" persona that amplified The Wolf of Wall Street's satirical bite. His performances in these roles have been praised for injecting memorable levity into ensemble casts, helping establish his reputation for blending awkward charm with over-the-top antics in comedic cinema.[16][25]Television roles
Zebrowski gained prominence in television through his portrayal of the bumbling demon Gary Bunda in the Adult Swim series Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, appearing in all 42 episodes across four seasons from 2013 to 2019. As Gary, a low-level soul-collection specialist in Hell prone to chaotic schemes and physical comedy, Zebrowski embodied a manic, inept supernatural bureaucrat, drawing comparisons to animated characters like Stimpy for his exaggerated, grotesque humor.[25] In the NBC miniseries Heroes Reborn (2015–2016), Zebrowski played Quentin Frady, a conspiracy theorist and activist entangled in a world of superpowered individuals, across 13 episodes. His character arc explored themes of paranoia and moral ambiguity, evolving from a fringe investigator to a key ally in uncovering a larger threat, blending dramatic tension with speculative elements.[26] Zebrowski also appeared as the aspiring comedian Porter in six episodes of the HBO series Crashing (2017–2019), where he depicted a frustrated performer navigating the New York comedy scene. Additionally, in 2016, he wrote and starred in a self-titled episode of the Netflix sketch comedy anthology The Characters, portraying an obnoxious everyman forced to reckon with his flaws in a surreal afterlife scenario. He provided a voice role as Radio Host 3 in the 2024 Apple TV+ series Presumed Innocent.[27][1] These television roles, particularly his work as Gary Bunda, solidified Zebrowski's reputation in the comedy-horror genre by showcasing his ability to merge visceral, dark humor with character-driven absurdity, earning him a cult following among fans of boundary-pushing sketch and genre television.[25]Podcasting
Henry Zebrowski has been a co-host of the comedy podcast The Last Podcast on the Left since its launch in 2011, alongside Marcus Parks and, initially, Ben Kissel.[28][29] The show explores true crime, cults, serial killers, the occult, UFOs, ghosts, and cryptids, blending thorough historical research with irreverent humor to make dark subjects more accessible.[30][31] Zebrowski contributes significantly to the episodes through his energetic storytelling and comedic timing, often drawing from his background in improv comedy to deliver manic, high-pitched rants that punctuate the narrative.[32][33] In September 2023, co-host Ben Kissel took an indefinite hiatus amid personal struggles with addiction and allegations of abusive behavior toward an ex-partner, leading to his permanent departure from the show in October 2023.[34][35] The podcast transitioned smoothly, with producer Ed Larson elevated to co-host alongside Parks and Zebrowski, maintaining its weekly format while expanding into related content like the bonus series Side Stories, which features lighter, tangential discussions on pop culture and oddities.[28][36] The show also produces The Last Stream on the Left, a video companion streamed live on YouTube every Tuesday, offering visual enhancements to episode topics.[37] Live specials have become a staple, with the hosts touring theaters for stage performances since 2018, including a filmed show at Thalia Hall and ongoing events like a 2025 appearance at the Ryman Auditorium.[38][39] Zebrowski's distinctive style—characterized by rapid-fire impressions and enthusiastic dives into esoteric details—has helped propel the podcast's popularity, amassing over 700 million downloads since inception and averaging 4.3 to 6.4 million monthly downloads by 2025.[28][40] This growth reflects the show's appeal in the true crime and horror podcast genre, where Zebrowski's research contributions and humorous delivery provide a counterbalance to the grim subject matter.[41] Beyond The Last Podcast on the Left, Zebrowski co-hosts Side Stories with Larson and appears in Last Podcast Network spin-offs like LPN Deep Dives, focusing on in-depth explorations of specific themes such as New Orleans history or film adaptations.[42] He has also made guest appearances on other audio programs, including discussions tied to his horror interests, further extending his podcasting footprint.[5]Personal life
Family
Henry Zebrowski has been married to actress and content creator Natalie Jean since October 13, 2018.[43][44] The couple began dating in 2015 after meeting through connections in the entertainment and podcasting circles.[45] The couple has made joint public appearances, such as on a 2022 Last Podcast on the Left tour, and collaborates on projects within the Last Podcast Network, where Jean co-hosts her own show, Some Place Under Neith.[34][46] As of November 2025, the couple has no children and shares their home with two dogs. Zebrowski's father, Henry Zebrowski Sr., died in May 2025.[47]Heritage and interests
Zebrowski's heritage traces back to Polish roots on his father's side, with his paternal grandfather, Jon P. Zebrowski, born to Polish immigrant parents in New York, instilling elements of Eastern European cultural identity in the family.[10] His broader ancestry also encompasses Irish, Italian, and Scottish lineages, reflected through his paternal grandmother's likely Irish and Italian background and his maternal grandparents' Scottish and Irish heritage, contributing to a diverse ethnic tapestry that shapes his personal worldview.[10] Beyond his ancestry, Zebrowski harbors deep personal interests in the macabre and the unexplained, including a longstanding fascination with horror cinema—favoring classics like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—and esoteric subjects such as aliens, UFOs, and ritual magic, influenced by his Catholic upbringing and later embrace of Satanism as outlined in Anton LaVey's The Satanic Witch.[48] He regularly engages with conspiracy-oriented media, tuning into radio programs like Coast to Coast AM and browsing sites such as Above Top Secret, while dedicating daily time to learning Tarot for personal insight.[49] These pursuits extend to gaming hobbies, where he has played tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu since childhood, alongside modern video titles including Civilization VI and Disco Elysium.[50] Zebrowski's affection for animals is evident in his role as a self-proclaimed "dog father," expressing a strong preference for dogs—particularly corgis—over cats, which underscores his advocacy for pet companionship in his daily life.[49] He maintains a low-key lifestyle in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, having purchased a gated home there in 2020, where he enjoys relaxed routines involving coffee, morning walks, Asian cuisine with friends, and cozy evenings watching films or series like Twin Peaks and Planet Earth II alongside his wife, Natalie Jean, whose shared enthusiasm for horror bolsters their bond.[51][49]Filmography
Film
Henry Zebrowski's feature film credits span a variety of genres, from independent dramas to mainstream comedies and horror.| Year | Title | Role | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | White Irish Drinkers | Jerry | John Gray [52] |
| 2013 | Awful Nice | Jasper | Todd Sklar [53] |
| 2013 | The Wolf of Wall Street | Alden Kupferberg ('Sea Otter') | Martin Scorsese [54] |
| 2015 | The D Train | Craig | Andrew Mogel, Jarrad Paul [55] |
| 2015 | 3rd Street Blackout | Wasserman / Blaine | Negin Farsad, Jeremy Redleaf [56] |
| 2016 | Dirty Grandpa | Officer Reiter | Dan Mazer [57] |
| 2017 | Return to Return to Nuke 'Em High AKA Vol. 2 | Chet Boden | Lloyd Kaufman [58] |
| 2017 | Cut Shoot Kill | Edward Shipman | Michael Walker [59] |
| 2019 | After Midnight | Wade | Jeremy Gardner, Christian Stella [60] |
| 2023 | The Puppetman | Podcaster (voice) | Brandon Christensen [61] |
| 2023 | Scrambled | Conor | Leah McKendrick [62] |
| 2023 | How to Ruin the Holidays | Larry | Arlen Konopaki [63] |
Television
Zebrowski began his television career with recurring and guest roles in various comedy and drama series. His breakthrough came with the lead role of Gary Bunda in the Adult Swim series Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, which ran for four seasons. He has since balanced recurring parts in scripted shows with voice work in animated series and one-off guest appearances.[1]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Michael & Michael Have Issues | Male Sketch Performer | Recurring (7 episodes) |
| 2010 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Mark | 1[64] |
| 2010 | Blue Bloods | Hugh Stayton | 1 |
| 2010 | Beach Lane | Steve | TV movie (1) |
| 2011 | Eden | Milo Dupree | 1 |
| 2012 | Girls | Gavin | 1[65] |
| 2013 | Royal Pains | Chris | 1 |
| 2013 | Aqua Teen Hunger Force | Merlo | 1 |
| 2013–2019 | Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell | Gary Bunda | 42 |
| 2014 | Friends of the People | KKK Leader | 1 |
| 2014 | A to Z | Stu | 13 |
| 2014 | TripTank | Lobster Suit Guy (voice) | 1 |
| 2015 | Heroes Reborn | Quentin Frady | 13 |
| 2015 | Aqua Teen Hunger Force | Toby (voice) | 1 |
| 2016 | The Characters | Various | 1 |
| 2017 | Elementary | Cosmo | 1[66] |
| 2017–2018 | Crashing | Porter | 6[67] |
| 2017 | The Guest Book | Ethan | 1 |
| 2020 | Superstore | Hank | 1 |
| 2021 | A Comedy of Horrors: Volume 1 | Shane | TV special (1) |
| 2022 | Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Aquadonk Side Pieces | Merlo (voice) | Short series (1 episode) |
| 2022 | Baby Oopsie: The Series | Special Guest | Web series (1)[68] |
| 2024 | Presumed Innocent | Radio Host 3 (voice) | 1 |
| 2025 | Sisters Have Crush on the Same Man | Detective Popcorn | TV Mini Series |