Meet Queue: One Of Comedy’s Most Innovative Creators, ‘Don’t Think Twice’s Mike Birbiglia

There are some actors and actresses out there who seem unfairly talented. They’re the ones that can land a punchline and carry a dramatic scene — both of which they’ve written — without breaking a sweat. Comedian Mike Birbiglia is definitely one of those people.

If you’re a fan of NPR or This American Life, then you likely already know its deserving comedy darling. Birbiglia has been a regular contributor to the podcast for years, and it’s not difficult to see why the program would keep asking him back. Birbiglia excels not at telling jokes but at creating stories that are simultaneously painfully relatable and insightful. However, storyteller and stand up comedian are just two of the many hats that Birbiglia wears. He’s also been a writer praised by the Times, a director, and a delightfully nuanced actor. In honor of Birbiglia’s intricate ode to the comedy world, Don’t Think Twice, which is in theaters now, we thought we’d dive into this accomplished creator’s acting background. Consider this your rom-com-like “meet cute” to Birbiglia’s work. However, instead of dodging commitment alongside the comedian, you’ll be learning about one of the smartest and most innovative creators in modern day comedy. Get ready to become creatively obsessed with this highly-talented comedian.

Sleepwalk with Me (2012)

Though Birbiglia has been taking on more and more acting roles, he’s probably best known for his storytelling prowess. Sleepwalk with Me is the comedian’s second stand up / storytelling / movie special after Mike Birbiglia’s Secret Public Journal. Tackling subjects like a stalling career and pressure to marry his longtime partner, Sleepwalk with Me really highlights this comedian’s strength as a creator and ability to weave seemingly unrelated stories into one larger, more powerful narrative.

[Where to watch Sleepwalk with Me]

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

It seems tonally perfect that Birbiglia would make an appearance in the film adaptation of John Green’s poetic, insightful, quirky, and oh-so-sad bestseller. Birbiglia plays the background character Patrick, the head of the cancer support group and a cancer survivor himself who lost his testicles to the disease. Though he’s only in a few scenes, Patrick is always unintentionally dark and hilarious, a line that Birbiglia often walks well.

[Where to watch The Fault in Our Stars]

Trainwreck (2015)

Remember Brie Larson’s sad loser of a husband in this Amy Schumer comedy? Yeah, that was 100 percent Birbiglia. Tom was the exact balance of clueless and pathetic that this rom-com needed to balance out the more emotional scenes between Larson and Schumer. Also, that sweater-vest game was so not sexual it was inspired.

[Where to watch Trainwreck]

Orange is the New Black (2015 – 2016)

There are very few male characters on this Netflix show who can be described as “good,” but — dare I say it — Birbiglia’s Danny Pearson is now one of them. Danny started his time at Litchfield as the spoiled former Director of Human Activities — a job that daddy got him. He spent much of Season Three as the villain until the unrelenting humanity of Sophia (Laverne Cox) melted his cold heart. Danny then spent much of Season Four as an outspoken blogger vying for Sophia’s freedom. This role shows several sides to Birbiglia we’ve previously never seen before, and he portrays the exposed vulnerability of Danny well.

[Where to watch Orange is the New Black]

Don’t Think Twice (2016)

Directed, produced, written by, and starring Birbiglia, this critically acclaimed gem is essentially the comedian’s ode to all things improv. This movie is all about relationships — what happens to a New York improv troupe when one of its members leaves to star in a TV show? Can the group survive the loss or will resentment and pettiness tear them all apart? The movie stars Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Kate Micucci, and Chris Gethard, but it’s Birbiglia’s portrayal of Miles, an improv mainstay who refuses to move on, that is the most gripping to watch.

Don’t Think Twice is currently playing in select theaters.