Born on October 6, 1976, Brett Gelman’s path to Hollywood began in the comedy scene of the early 2000s. Performing regularly at New York City’s Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Gelman developed a distinctive style of humor that blended absurdity, sharp timing, and an unmistakable voice. His work at UCB laid the groundwork for an expansive career, allowing him to transition seamlessly between stage, screen, and voice acting.
Gelman’s early television work included appearances on Adult Swim shows like Eagleheart, where he co-starred alongside Chris Elliott, embracing surreal comedy with a fearless commitment. His signature style quickly caught the attention of mainstream networks, leading to ensemble roles in NBC’s Go On and FX’s Married. These performances highlighted Gelman’s ability to balance comic absurdity with grounded, relatable moments, a combination that would define much of his career.
One of Gelman’s breakout roles arrived with Fleabag, the critically acclaimed BBC series, where he portrayed Martin. Gelman’s performance, subtle yet painfully hilarious, showcased his knack for navigating nuanced character work within a stellar ensemble cast. He brought a relatable discomfort and wit to Martin that resonated with audiences, further cementing Gelman’s status as a versatile actor capable of thriving in both comedic and dramatic landscapes.
Beyond live-action, Gelman has carved out a significant niche as a voice actor, demonstrating adaptability and a unique vocal presence. He has lent his voice to projects like Jeff & Some Aliens, TripTank, Netflix’s I Heart Arlo, and Inside Job, infusing animated characters with his signature comedic timing and eccentric energy. Each performance emphasizes his ability to inhabit diverse worlds, from absurd comedy to sci-fi satire, while maintaining a distinct voice that audiences instantly recognize.
Gelman’s film credits also reveal a range that oscillates between broad comedy and understated character work. He appeared in The Other Guys and 30 Minutes or Less, providing memorable comic moments while supporting leading roles. His career-long embrace of absurdity and nuance is further exemplified in Camping and Mr. Mercedes, where he seamlessly blends humor with tension and pathos. These roles collectively illustrate Gelman’s commitment to crafting layered performances that engage audiences across multiple formats.
As Stranger Things gears up for its fifth season this November, Brett Gelman’s Murray Bauman remains a character audiences are eager to see evolve. Introduced in Season 2 as a conspiracy theorist and former journalist, Murray has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to Gelman’s delivery of wit, sarcasm, and genuine humanity. With Gelman’s broad range, the fifth season promises to reveal new facets of Murray’s personality while continuing to intertwine him with the show’s supernatural and political intrigue.
Gelman’s career trajectory, from the comedy stages of UCB to critically acclaimed series like Fleabag and blockbuster Netflix hits, illustrates a remarkable adaptability and dedication to his craft. His ability to navigate between voice acting, film, and television makes him a versatile asset in the entertainment industry. As Murray Bauman navigates the dangerous mysteries of Hawkins, viewers can appreciate that the character’s charm and eccentricity are grounded in Gelman’s exceptional skill set.
Whether in absurd comedy, tense drama, or voice-over artistry, Brett Gelman continues to captivate audiences, reflecting an unwavering commitment to his craft. As Stranger Things reaches its climactic conclusion, Murray Bauman—and the talent behind him—stands poised to leave a lasting impression, demonstrating that the show’s supporting characters often hold as much narrative weight and fan devotion as the protagonists themselves.
