MATT WALSH

Name, Age & Place of Birth

Matthew Paul Walsh was born on October 13, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. As of 2025, he is 60 years old .

Early Life & Education

Raised as the fourth of seven siblings by parents Dick and Audrey Walsh, Matt grew up in Chicago and played football in high school at Hinsdale South . He later earned a Psychology degree from Northern Illinois University, including a year abroad at Salzburg College in Austria .

Comedy Roots & Upright Citizens Brigade

After college, Matt studied improvisation under Del Close at Chicago's Annoyance Theatre and ImprovOlympic. In 1990, he co‑founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) alongside Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, and Ian Roberts . UCB became a major force in comedy, spawning theaters in New York and Los Angeles and a three‑season Comedy Central TV series (1998–2000) .

Television & Emmy Recognition

Matt began as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (2001–02) . His big break came with HBO’s political comedy Veep, where he played the well-meaning, hilariously hapless press secretary Mike McLintock. His performance earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor .

Film Career & Character Roles

A familiar face in comedy films, Matt appeared in Road Trip (2000), Old School (2002), Bad Santa (2003), School for Scoundrels (2006), Role Models (2008), The Hangover (2009), Ted (2012), Ghostbusters (2016), The Do‑Over (2016), and more . His roles often lean into dry, deadpan humor that balances out the chaos around him.

Writing, Directing & Podcasting

Beyond acting, Matt co‑wrote and directed indie comedies like High Road and A Better You . He’s also active in podcasting, co‑hosted the “Second in Command” rewatch podcast for Veep, and previously hosted “Bear Down.” 

Style & Community Impact

Known for his sharp wit and team-player mindset, Matt emphasizes the improv principle of listening and supporting others, both on stage and on screen. He remains deeply involved in UCB’s mission—helping run live shows, giving workshops, and supporting diversity scholarships .

Personal Life & Values

Matt is married to Morgan Walsh and has three children . He lives in Los Angeles, frequently returns to New York for UCB projects, and values family life over celebrity, maintaining a humble and grounded presence in comedy circles .

Matt Walsh's career spans improvisation, sketch, television, film, direction, and podcasting—all built on his roots in UCB and a psychology education that helps him connect with people both on and off screen. Let me know if you'd like a shorter summary or social media version!