Michael David Strassner (born August 18, 1989) is an American actor and comedian. He starred in The Baltimorons (2025), which he co-wrote with Jay Duplass.
Early life
Strassner grew up in the Baltimore neighborhoods of Hampden and Roland Park. His interest in comedy and performing began at early age; when he was four, he dressed up as Mrs. Doubtfire after seeing the Robin Williams film. He attended the Loyola Blakefield college preparatory school, where he participated in the performing arts program. He also began drinking when he was fifteen years old. After one year as a business major at East Carolina University, he transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a degree in theater in 2011.
Career
After graduating from college, Strassner moved to Los Angeles to pursue a comedy career. His early credits included small roles on the television series Parks and Recreation (as Ron Swanson's brother), Black-ish, and Modern Family. While performing with the Groundlings improvisational group, he was close getting to a job on Saturday Night Live, auditioning in person in New York, but was ultimately passed over for his friend Heidi Gardner. He also supported himself by working as a lacrosse coach, swim instructor, and substitute teacher.
In 2018, after the Groundlings fired him as a result of his drinking, Strassner attempted suicide. The next day, he entered a twelve-step program to get sober. After rediscovering his ability to be funny without alcohol, he returned to the comedy scene. In 2019, he created the web series Johnno and Michael Try with his friend Johnno Wilson. His later television credits included small roles on Young Rock (as Jerry Lawler) and English Teacher.
Strassner gained attention for his starring role in the film The Baltimorons, which he co-wrote with director Jay Duplass. The writing partnership began when Strassner reached out to Duplass during the COVID-19 pandemic after the director followed him on social media. Based loosely on his own experiences, Strassner played Cliff Cashin, an improv comedian and recovering alcoholic. Shot on a low budget in locations around Baltimore, the film won the Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight on its premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival. Reviews were positive and included praise for the chemistry between Strassner and his co-star Liz Larsen.
Filmography
Film
Year Title Role Notes 2015 Fantasy Life Guy 1 TV film 2017 SexDotCom Interviewee 2017 How to Be a Slut in America 2018 Grandmother's Gold Eddie 2019 Web Series: The Movie Jeremy Mann 2020 Good Luck With Everything Paul 2021 Bigfoot Famous Les Gordon 2021 Agent Michael 2023 This Time 2025 Cliff Also co-writer 2025 Hiking Guy 2026 Carson
Television
Year Title Role Notes 2015 Parks and Recreation Vaughn Swanson 2 episodes 2016 Mike Wake 2 episodes 2016 Life in Pieces Head Wound Guy Episode: "Receptionist Pot Voting Cramp" 2016–2017 WingWoman Jim 2 episodes 2017 Game Shakers Rodney Episode: "Air TnP" 2017 Black-ish Gym Teacher Episode: "Public Fool" 2018–2019 Modern Family Ike 2 episodes 2019 Johnno and Michael Try Michael Main role; also co-director 2022 Young Rock Jerry Lawler 3 episodes 2024 English Teacher Mitch Episode: "Convention"
References
External links