Al Franken
Birthday: Born in 1951-05-21 in Manhattan, New York, USA
Deathday: Alive
Alan Stuart Franken is an American comedian, politician, media personality, and author who served as a United States senator from Minnesota from 2009 to 2018. He became well known in the 1970s and 1980s as a staff writer and performer on the television comedy show Saturday Night Live.
TV Credits
The Daily Show
Character: Self
The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture....
The View
Character: Self
ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View....
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
Character:
From living with his deadbeat son, Ben, to his day-to-day dealings with his stunningly sarcastic secretary, Laura, join therapist Jonathan Katz as he picks the brains of your favorite stand-up comedians....
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Character: Self
Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world....
LateLine
Character:
LateLine is an American TV sitcom that ran on NBC from March 17, 1998, through March 16, 1999. Due to an abrupt cancellation, there were seven unaired episodes. Created by John Markus and Al Franken, LateLine depicted the behind-the-scenes goings-on of a fictitious late-night television news broadcast, patterned in part after the long-running ABC program Nightline. Many plotlines in the series were satirical, dealing with topics like Deep Throat and the Watergate break-in, and the episodes ofte...
Politically Incorrect
Character: Self
Politically Incorrect was an American late-night, half-hour political talk show hosted by Bill Maher that ran from 1993 to 2002. It premiered on Comedy Central in 1993, moved to ABC in January 1997, and was canceled in 2002. The show first originated from New York City, but soon moved to Los Angeles to make it easier to get "stars" as guests. The New York episodes were shot at the CBS Broadcast Center and the Los Angeles episodes at CBS Television City, where it remained even after its move to ...
The Colbert Report
Character: Self
The Colbert Report is an American satirical late night television program that airs Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central. It stars political humorist Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Colbert Report is a spin-off from and counterpart to The Daily Show that comments on politics and the media in a similar way. It satirizes conservative personality-driven political pundit programs, particularly Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor. The show focuses on a ...
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Character: Self - Guest
Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical numbers typical of late-night talk shows, this program make frequent use of odd walk-on characters and frequent "visits" from celebrity guests....
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
Character: Self
Craig Kilborn hosted this zany talk show, which followed David Letterman's show, from 1999 until 2004. Kilborn left The Daily Show in 1999 to be this show's host after Tom Synder retired. The segment "5 Questions" was carried over from when he was on The Daily Show. Kilborn was frequently beaten in the ratings by his NBC timeslot rival, Conan O'Brien. Kilborn left The Late Late Show to pursue new opportunities....
From the Earth to the Moon
Character: Jerome Weisner
The story of the United States' space program, from its beginnings in 1961 to the final moon mission in 1972....
Saturday Night Live
Character: McSooshi Announcer (voice) (uncredited)
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest....
Chelsea
Character: Self
It's not her first talk show, but it is a first of its kind. Ideas, people and places that fascinate her, all in her unique style....
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Character: Self
After Jay Leno's second retirement from the program, Jimmy Fallon stepped in as his permanent replacement. After 42 years in Los Angeles the program was brought back to New York....
The History of Comedy
Character: Self
Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history....
Tanner on Tanner
Character: Self
Sixteen years ago, Jack Tanner's bid for the White House ended at the 1988 Democratic convention. Now the former congressman is the subject of a documentary film directed by his daughter Alex focusing on the toll paid by failed contenders....
I Love You, America
Character: Self
Follow Sarah Silverman as she looks to connect with people who may not agree with her personal opinions through honesty, humor, genuine interest in others and not taking herself too seriously. She feels that now more than ever it's crucial to connect with un-like-minded people....
Biography: Comedy Icons
Character: Himself
Part of the award-winning Biography series, A&E Network will premiere three new documentaries exploring the lives and careers of comedy giants Chris Farley, Jeff Dunham and Jeff Foxworthy. Airing across two days, the specials will delve deep into the careers and personal lives of these dynamic performers to give viewers an insider’s look at what it took for each to reach the top....
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Character: Self
Seth Meyers, who is "Saturday Night Live’s" longest serving anchor on the show’s wildly popular "Weekend Update," takes over as host of NBC’s "Late Night" — home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable comedy and the best in musical talent. As the Emmy Award-winning head writer for "SNL," Meyers has established a reputation for sharp wit and perfectly timed comedy, and has gained fame for his spot-on jokes and satire. Meyers takes his departure from "SNL" to his new post at "Late Night," as Jimmy ...
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Character: Self
The Rosie O'Donnell Show was an American daytime television talk show hosted and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. It aired for six seasons from 1996 to 2002. Topics often discussed on the show include Broadway, children, extended families and charitable works, people and organizations. The show was based out of Studio 8G at NBC's Rockefeller Center studios in New York City, NY, USA and was produced and syndicated by KidRo Productions, Telepictures Productions and Warner Bros. Te...
Saturday Night Live
Character: Self - Various Characters
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest....
3rd Rock from the Sun
Character: Frank Gansmiller
The high commander of an alien expedition lands on Earth -- what he considers to be the least-important planet -- in human form as Dick Solomon. Along for the ride are his alien compatriots Harry, Sally and Tommy -- who is the eldest of the group but is now angrily trapped in a teen's body....
Saturday Night Live
Character: Self - Cameo (uncredited)
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest....
Saturday Night Live
Character: Self / Various
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest....
Saturday Night Live
Character: Self - Special Guest
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest....
Real Time with Bill Maher
Character: Self
Each week Bill Maher surrounds himself with a panel of guests which include politicians, actors, comedians, musicians and the like to discuss what's going on in the world....
The Daily Show
Character: Self - Guest Host
The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture....
Clerks
Character: Mayor McCheese (voice)
The continuing adventures of store clerks Dante and Randal, who try to make the best of their menial labor, with no help from Jay and Silent Bob....
Conan
Character: Self
A late night television talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien....
Minnesota Experience
Character: Self (archive footage)
For decades, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) has dived into the whitewater of bygone eras and emerged with insight about our shared past and values as Minnesotans. Tapping into TPT’s rich archive of historical stories and adding new ones to the fold, Minnesota Experience holds the mirror of history up to the modern moment as a force that can forever change who we are and who we want to be....
Movie Credits
Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism
Character: Self (archive footage)
This film examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a "race to the bottom" in television news, and provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangerous impact on society when a broad swath of media is controlled by one person. Media experts, including Jeff Cohen (FAIR) Bob McChesney (Free Press), Chellie Pingree (Common Cause), Jeff Chester (Center for Digital Democracy) and David Brock (Media Matters) provide context and guidance for the story of Fox Ne...
Stuart Saves His Family
Character: Stuart Smalley
A self-help advocate struggles to put his dysfunctional family in its place....
Lord, Save Us from Your Followers
Character: Self
The humorous, provocative and moving examination of the Culture Wars and faith in America. Featuring interviews from all sides of the issues, the film is a balanced, challenging and entertaining foray into the most divisive and difficult topics in our culture. Includes interviews with Al Franken, Sen. Rick Santorum, Dr. Tony Campolo, Sister Mary Timothy, Michael Reagan, Ron Luce as well as rousing man-on-the-street interviews with director Dan Merchant dressed as Bumpersticker Man, a wild Cultur...
Hot Coffee
Character: Self
Most people think they know the "McDonald's coffee case," but what they don't know is that corporations have spent millions distorting the case to promote tort reform. HOT COFFEE reveals how big business, aided by the media, brewed a dangerous concoction of manipulation and lies to protect corporate interests. By following four people whose lives were devastated by the attacks on our courts, the film challenges the assumptions Americans hold about "jackpot justice."...
Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater
Character: Self
The life and career of conservative icon Barry Goldwater is recounted from his days as an Arizona businessman to his five-term Senate career and his ill-fated run for president in 1964. Produced by the politician's granddaughter C.C. Goldwater, this profile features interviews with a host of media and political luminaries, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Edward Kennedy, John McCain, Al Franken, Robert MacNeil, Ben Bradlee and others....
Left of the Dial
Character: Self
A documentary look at the troubled first year of liberal talk radio start up Air America and its slate of hosts, including Al Franken, Rachel Maddow, and Marc Maron....
David Letterman: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize
Character: Self
Emmy Award-winning comic and talk show host David Letterman accepts the 2017 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. An outstanding lineup of entertainers gathers in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to salute David Letterman, recipient of the 20th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor....
Tab Lloyd: Investigative Reporter
Character:
Spoof comedy....
Tunnel Vision
Character: Al
A committee investigating TV's first uncensored network examines a typical day's programming, which includes shows, commercials, news programs, you name it. What they discover will surely crack you up! This outrageous and irreverent spoof of television launched the careers of some of the greatest comedians of all time....
Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue
Character: Gramps (voice)
Family frenemies, Gracie and Pedro, must put their differences aside, embarking on a thrilling quest packed with perilous escapades in order to reunite with their owners....
The Definite Maybe
Character: Vagabond
When 25-year-old New Yorker Eric Traber gets fired from his job and kicked out of his apartment, he fears the worst. But his best friend, Ziggy, shows up A.W.O.L. from the Peace Corps and leads him out to the swank Hamptons for Easter weekend in search of betterment and understanding. Once there, they confront the adult roles of life for the first time; fraud, attempted murder, two-faced disloyalty and well-catered cocktail parties!...
Al Franken: God Spoke
Character: Self
Join filmmaking duo Chris Hegedus and Nick Doob as their cameras follow Franken to book signings, campaign rallies and the launch of Air America Radio, documenting his transformation from irreverent funnyman to political pundit....
Earth to America
Character: Self
Tom Hanks is the host of this show with a comic approach to raise awareness concerning the environment....
Harvard Man
Character: Al Franken
College has always been a time for experimentation, sexual, cultural and otherwise. "Harvard Man" plays out against a background of love, sex, basketball, crime and experimentation. Action and philosophy in young people's quest to discover their true identity....
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
Character: Self
A decade after An Inconvenient Truth brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the riveting and rousing follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight, traveling around the world training an army of climate champions and influencing international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes—in moments private and public, funny and poignant—as he pursues the empowering notion that while the s...
When a Man Loves a Woman
Character: Co-Pilot (uncredited)
An airline pilot and his wife are forced to face the consequences of her alcoholism when her addictions threaten her life and their daughter's safety. While the woman enters detox, her husband must face the truth of his enabling behavior....
One More Saturday Night
Character: Paul Flum
The problems faced by both teenagers and adults in a small Minnesota town who are trying to get dates for a Saturday night....
Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary
Character: Self
A TV special celebrating the 15th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Before a celebrity audience, many of the former cast members and guest hosts return to perform their signature monologues and present a look back at some of the best comedy skits and musical numbers of the past 15 years....
Wellstone!
Character: Self
Paul Wellstone was the charismatic Minnesota progressive who used grassroots organizing to get elected and give ordinary people a stake in government. His 3rd election campaign was cut short when his small plane crashed into the north woods of Minnesota just 11 days before the 2002 election. Wellstone! explores the origin of his politics, his controversial road to the United States Senate, his deep bond with his wife and 'co-senator' Sheila, and the legacy of a life of progressive populism....
Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel
Character: The Awesome Pair
A humourous telling of the history of the comic book superhero....
The Words That Built America
Character: Self - Reader: The Constitution
In recognition of the 4th of July, several celebrities and politicians of differing ideologies join to read the historic documents which laid the foundation for the United States of America....
Dean and Me: Roadshow of an American Primary
Character: Himself
Feature length documentary about Howard Dean and the Democratic primary....
Long Strange Trip
Character: Self
The tale of the Grateful Dead is inspiring, complicated, and downright messy. A tribe of contrarians, they made art out of open-ended chaos and inadvertently achieved success on their own terms. Never-before-seen footage and interviews offer this unprecedented and unvarnished look at the life of the Dead....
The N.Y. Friars Club Roast of Chevy Chase
Character: Self - Roaster
Chevy Chase bitterly takes in his roast....
Trading Places
Character: Baggage Handler #1
A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires....
Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable
Character: Self
Twenty million people live within a 50-mile radius of the Indian Point Energy Center and its three nuclear reactors. This film takes a cautionary look at the possible consequences of an accident or terrorist attack on the facility--a catastrophe that could potentially render much of the Hudson River Valley and New York City uninhabitable....
Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead
Character: Self - Host
Recorded October 30th and 31st, 1980, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Dead Ahead showcases the recently reformed Grateful Dead lineup in acoustic and electric splendor....
Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh
Character:
Comic Chris Farley breaks through as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" and later stars in several iconic big-screen comedies, but behind his over-the-top stage presence lay insecurities deeply tied to his addictive personality....
Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special
Character: Self
A TV special celebrating the 25th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Before a celebrity audience, many of the former cast members and guest hosts return to perform their signature monologues and present a look back at some of the best comedy skits and musical numbers of the past two and a half decades....
Inside the Russian Info War Machine
Character: self
Acclaimed journalist Paul Moreira investigates how Russia manipulates public opinion, undermines democratic governments and attempts to alter world events. The public face of foreign policy: the state news channels, Sputnik and Russia Today. But working in the shadows is the hidden part: the hackers and trolls pushing the Russian agenda - The Russians know that public perception of their country has reached a new low. Russophobia is massive. Their message is tainted with illegitimacy. But how do...
Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
Character:
Steve Martin's fourth NBC special was in the spirit of his previous association with Saturday Night Live. It was broadcast live from Studio 8H, produced by Lorne Michaels and featured some original cast members of the show....
The Manchurian Candidate
Character: TV Commentator
Years after his squad was ambushed during the Gulf War, Major Ben Marco finds himself having terrible nightmares. He begins to doubt that his fellow squad-mate Sergeant Raymond Shaw, now a vice-presidential candidate, is the hero he remembers him being. As Marco's doubts deepen, Shaw's political power grows, and, when Marco finds a mysterious implant embedded in his back, the memory of what really happened begins to return....