Thomas Christopher Parnell was born on February 5, 1967, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised in a Baptist household, Parnell grew up with strong family values. He attended Germantown High School, where he first developed an interest in performing. Pursuing this passion further, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Drama.
After completing his studies, Parnell returned to Memphis and worked briefly as a film and acting teacher. However, his aspiration to perform professionally led him to relocate to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in acting.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Parnell joined the renowned improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings, where he honed his skills in sketch and improv performance. His talent eventually earned him a spot on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the fall of 1998. Although initially let go due to budget cuts, he was later rehired—a testament to his versatility and popularity on the show.
During his tenure on SNL, Parnell became recognized for a wide range of impressions, character sketches, and musical parodies. Notably, he showcased his vocal talents in comedic rap performances referencing celebrities such as Britney Spears and Ashton Kutcher. His blend of comedic timing and musical ability made him a standout performer during his time on the show.
Beyond SNL, Parnell has built an extensive career in both television and film. On TV, he had guest roles on hit series such as Seinfeld and Glee, and played the recurring character Dr. Leo Spaceman on the acclaimed comedy series 30 Rock. More recently, he appeared on Dan Goor’s popular sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
In film, Parnell is known for his roles in Adam McKay’s Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s 21 Jump Street. These roles further highlighted his comedic strengths and broadened his mainstream appeal.
Chris Parnell has become especially well known for his work as a voice actor, often recognized more by his voice than his on-screen appearances. One of his most prominent roles is Cyril Figgis on the adult animated series Archer. He also lent his voice to the character of Mr. Fly in both Hotel Transylvania and Hotel Transylvania 2.
Parnell is also a main cast member on Adult Swim's hit animated sci-fi series Rick and Morty, where he voices Jerry Smith, Morty's well-meaning but often ineffectual father. His voice acting continues to earn him acclaim and demonstrates his range across diverse genres and audiences.
| Birth Date: | 5 Feb, 1967 |
| Age: | 53 yrs |
| Occupations: | Singer Comedian Voice actor Television actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Memphis |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 7 million |
