Chris Parnell

Biography

Thomas Christopher "Chris" Parnell, born on February 5, 1967, is a prominent American comedic actor celebrated for his work on television. He gained widespread recognition as a cast member of *Saturday Night Live* from 1998 to 2006, where he showcased his talent for impressions and sketch comedy. Notably, his collaboration with Andy Samberg in the viral rap video "Lazy Sunday," which humorously depicted a day of cupcake shopping and watching *The Chronicles of Narnia*, remains one of the most memorable highlights from his SNL tenure.

Before joining SNL, Parnell honed his craft with The Groundlings, a well-known improv and sketch comedy troupe. During his time on SNL, he was initially a featured player before being elevated to repertory status. However, he faced dismissal twice due to budget cuts, making headlines as the only performer to have been let go from the show twice by creator Lorne Michaels.

Currently, Parnell is recognized for his role as Dr. Leo Spaceman on the acclaimed NBC series *30 Rock* and as a lead voice in the FX animated series *Archer*. In 2010, he reunited with former SNL colleague Horatio Sanz for the Comedy Central sitcom *Big Lake*. His versatility as a performer extends beyond sketch comedy, as evidenced by his guest appearances in various shows, including a memorable role in the holiday special of *Eureka*. With a career spanning over two decades, Parnell continues to be a significant figure in the world of comedy.