Help me identify this comedian.

February 18, 2013 10:35 AM

In the 90s there was a comedian, or at least a comedy show host, on Comedy Central, who always wore a knit cap. He was very deadpan and may have shared shows with Dave Attell. I could have sworn he was also a guest on Dr. Katz, but he doesn't appear in the cast list. Slim man, white, with an angular face. I can't find him in any lists of U.S. standups or Comedy Central specials. Who was this guy?!
posted by juniper to media & arts (12 answers total)

Barry Sobel?
posted by carsonb at 10:55 AM on February 18

Do you remember any of his jokes? I'm sort of a standup nerd, and he isn't ringing any bells on description of appearance alone.
posted by littlerobothead at 10:57 AM on February 18

Fred Stoller?
posted by Infinity_8 at 11:03 AM on February 18

This list looks extensive and may provide some clues--have you checked it out already?
posted by zoetrope at 11:08 AM on February 18

Steven Wright?
posted by jaguar at 11:13 AM on February 18

It wasn't Emo Philips was it? I don't remember him wearing a hat (his hair was pretty much a part of his act), but he is pretty darn angular and kind of weirdly deadpan. I'm almost positive he was on Dr. Katz multiple times.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:23 AM on February 18

It could be Emo Phillips. He tried to sort of reinvent himself in the late 90's, and I vaguely remember him being on Dr. Katz. I think the knit cap may have been part of an attempt to fit more snugly into the "alternative comedian" mold?
posted by littlerobothead at 11:49 AM on February 18

I was just coming in here to post Barry Sobel myself.
posted by Kitteh at 12:07 PM on February 18

Are you thinking of Mitch Hedberg? I misremembered him wearing a hat since he'd have his hair in his face with sunglasses.
posted by frecklefaerie at 5:00 PM on February 18

Jake Johannsen is reasonably deadpan, was pretty angular in the 90s, and appeared on Dr. Katz. Don't recall a hat on him, but my knowledge of him is not exhaustive.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 5:17 PM on February 18

How about Todd Barry, who was pretty popular in the 90's, is completely deadpan and could be mistaken for always wearing a skull cap?
posted by charlemangy at 6:45 PM on February 18

It's Barry Sobel! I guess he was only on Dr. Katz once so didn't merit an Imdb mention. Thanks!
posted by juniper at 2:47 AM on February 19