50 Facts About Seth Meyers

Early Life and Education

Seth Meyers, a name synonymous with comedy, has a fascinating backstory that shaped his career. Let's dive into his early life and education.

1. Seth Meyers was born on December 28, 1973, in Evanston, Illinois. He spent his early years in Okemos, Michigan, before moving to Bedford, New Hampshire.

2. His mother, Hilary Claire (née Olson), was a French teacher, and his father, Laurence Meyers Jr., worked in finance. This diverse family background influenced his upbringing.

3. Meyers's paternal grandfather was an Ashkenazi Jewish emigrant from Lithuania. His ancestry also includes Czech, Austrian, Croatian, Swedish, English, and German roots.

4. He discovered on "Finding Your Roots" that his family's original surname was Trakianski. His great-grandfather changed it to Meyers after his own father, Mejer Trakianski.

5. Meyers attended Edgewood Elementary in Okemos and graduated from Manchester High School West in New Hampshire. His early education laid the groundwork for his future success.

6. He went on to Northwestern University in Evanston, where he majored in film and television production. This education provided a solid foundation for his career in entertainment.

7. During his time at Northwestern, Meyers became a member of the fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. This experience helped him build lifelong connections.

8. He took classes at ImprovOlympic, which further fueled his passion for improv comedy. This training was pivotal in shaping his comedic style.

Early Career and Improv

Meyers's journey into comedy began with improv, a crucial stepping stone in his career.

9. Meyers was a member of Mee-Ow, the improv sketch comedy group at Northwestern. This experience was transformative for his comedic skills.

10. After graduating in 1996, Meyers moved to Chicago to join The Second City, a renowned improv group. This move marked the beginning of his professional comedy career.

11. In the late 1990s, Meyers moved to New York City to pursue a career in television. This bold step led to significant opportunities.

12. He began working as a writer for various shows, including "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). This gig would become a defining chapter in his career.

Saturday Night Live (SNL)

SNL played a monumental role in Meyers's rise to fame. His tenure on the show is legendary.

13. Meyers joined SNL in 2001 and quickly became a key member of the show. His talent was evident from the start.

14. He served as the head writer and anchor of the news parody segment, "Weekend Update," from 2006 until his departure in 2014. This role solidified his reputation as a sharp satirist.

15. As the anchor of "Weekend Update," Meyers read roughly 800 jokes every week. He narrowed them down to about 30 for the actual show.

16. In 2004, Meyers won the third season of Bravo's "Celebrity Poker Showdown." He donated the $100,000 prize to the Boston-based Jimmy Fund.

17. Meyers and SNL castmate Bill Hader penned a Spider-Man one-off entitled "The Short Halloween." It was illustrated by Kevin Maguire and published on May 29, 2009.

18. Meyers, along with Mike Shoemaker of SNL, created an animated series titled "The Awesomes." The show aired on Hulu beginning August 2013.

Podcasts and Other Ventures

Meyers has also ventured into the world of podcasts, showcasing his versatility.

19. Meyers and his brother Josh host a podcast called "Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers." The first episode was released on June 27, 2023.

20. During the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, Meyers hosted the comedy podcast "Strike Force Five." He collaborated with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and John Oliver.

21. Meyers also hosts "The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast" with The Lonely Island. This podcast discusses the comedy group's SNL Digital Shorts.

Late Night with Seth Meyers

In 2014, Meyers took on a new challenge, hosting his own late-night show.

22. Meyers took over as the host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" in 2014. The show has become renowned for its witty monologues and engaging interviews.

23. One of the most significant contributions of the show is the "A Closer Look" segment. This segment focuses on current events, particularly those involving then-president Donald Trump.

24. The "A Closer Look" segment doubled the show's YouTube monthly views. It cemented Meyers's reputation as a sharp commentator on political issues.

Hosting and Advocacy

Meyers's talents extend beyond comedy; he's also a sought-after host and advocate for social causes.

25. Meyers has hosted the prestigious Primetime Emmy Awards three times. His charismatic and comedic hosting skills have been consistently praised.

26. He has hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner twice. His performances at the dinner have been notable for their wit and satire.

27. Meyers is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. He uses his platform to promote open conversations about mental well-being.

28. He is also a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. His advocacy is part of his broader commitment to social issues.

Personal Life and Interests

Despite his busy career, Meyers remains a family man with diverse interests.

29. Meyers is a rabid sports fan, counting the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Boston Red Sox, and the Northwestern Wildcats among his favorite teams. His enthusiasm for sports is well-known.

30. He often incorporates personal anecdotes and family stories into his comedy routines. This makes him relatable to audiences.

31. Meyers is a huge fan of comic books. He has named Batman, Justice League, Hawkeye, and Locke & Key as some of his favorites.

32. He once told Time Out that there's no reason for a pedestrian to stop at a light in New York City. This quirky take reflects his unique perspective on urban life.

33. During his time at SNL, Meyers had a tradition of making T-shirts for his fellow writers and cast members. These shirts often featured inside jokes or lines from scenes that didn't make it to air.

34. In Donald Trump's book "In Time to Get Tough: Making America #1 Again," Trump criticized Meyers for his performance at the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Trump described Meyers as a "third-rate comedian."

35. After graduating from Northwestern, Meyers moved to Amsterdam with his brother Josh. They both joined Boom Chicago, an improv comedy troupe.

36. Meyers auditioned for SNL in 2001 with impressions of Russell Crowe, Hugh Grant, and David Arquette. His first show as a cast member was the infamous post-9/11 episode.

37. At the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Meyers joked about Osama Bin Laden hosting a show on C-SPAN. This joke was made just a day before Bin Laden was killed by Navy SEALs.

38. Meyers is known for his poker skills, having won the third season of Celebrity Poker Showdown in 2004. He donated the $100,000 prize to the Jimmy Fund charity.

39. Meyers is a self-proclaimed cheese lover. His fondness for cheese reflects his quirky personality.

40. One of Meyers' most controversial contributions to late-night television was when he decided to sit down during his monologue. This simple change drew significant attention.

41. Meyers has hosted the ESPYs more than once. His hosting skills have been praised for their energy and humor.

42. Meyers's family background has significantly influenced his career. His mother's teaching and his father's finance background instilled in him a strong sense of discipline.

43. Meyers's education at Northwestern University played a crucial role in shaping his career. His major in film and television production provided him with a solid foundation in storytelling.

44. Meyers's experience with Mee-Ow at Northwestern was pivotal in his development as a comedian. Being on stage in front of people was a transformative experience.

45. Meyers's time at The Second City was instrumental in his career. It was here that he honed his comedic skills.

46. Meyers's tenure at SNL was a defining period in his career. As the head writer and anchor of "Weekend Update," he gained fame for his sharp wit.

47. Meyers's win at Celebrity Poker Showdown in 2004 was a significant moment in his career. Donating the $100,000 prize to the Jimmy Fund charity showcased his generosity.

48. Meyers's collaboration with Bill Hader on "The Short Halloween" was a notable achievement. The Spider-Man one-off received positive reviews.

49. Meyers's creation of "The Awesomes" with Mike Shoemaker showcased his ability to break into the superhero genre. The animated series aired on Hulu beginning August 2013.

50. Meyers's podcast "Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers" offers a glimpse into the personal lives of the Meyers brothers. The first episode was released on June 27, 2023.

Seth Meyers: A Comedy Icon

Seth Meyers has made a lasting impact on the comedy world. From his early days in improv to his role as the host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers," he's consistently delivered laughs and sharp commentary. His time on "Saturday Night Live" as the head writer and "Weekend Update" anchor cemented his reputation for wit and satire. Beyond TV, Meyers has shown versatility with projects like "The Awesomes" and various podcasts. He's also a passionate advocate for mental health and social issues. Whether he's hosting the Emmys or making us laugh about current events, Meyers's influence is undeniable. His journey from a comedy enthusiast to a respected late-night host is a testament to his talent and dedication. Seth Meyers continues to entertain and inspire, proving that humor and insight can go hand in hand.