About John Brent
Lived 1938 – 1985 (aged 47). John Brent was an American actor and poet.
John Brent (14 March 1938, in Madison, Connecticut – 16 August 1985, in Los Angeles) was an American comedian, actor and beat poet.
He was part of the Second City comedy club, and then later The Committee. He is mainly known for being half the duo behind the 1959 How To Speak Hip comedy album with Del Close. Otherwise he recorded and published little, since he died at a relatively young age. He also appeared as an actor in such films as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Catch-22, Steelyard Blues, and American Graffiti.
Brent's son, Jeremy Paz, resides in San Francisco. He owns and operates Question Mark Tavern, which has a barroom called The Hip Pocket dedicated to his father and the How to Speak Hip album.
Filmography
Film
Television
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Brent's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Brent's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Brent?
American comedic actor, Second City Alumnus (1938-1985)
When was John Brent born?
John Brent was born on 14 March 1938 in Madison.
When did John Brent die?
John Brent died on 16 August 1985 in Los Angeles.
What was John Brent's occupation?
John Brent was an actor and poet.
What nationality was John Brent?
John Brent was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Brent (comedian)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Brent. https://biography.guide/john-brent-actor/
MLA: "John Brent." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-brent-actor/.
Chicago: "John Brent." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-brent-actor/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:29 UTC