Nick Swardson

Nicholas Roger Swardson (born October 9, 1976) is an American actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his recurring role as Terry Bernadino in the comedy series Reno 911! (2003–2009), for his work with Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions, and for his own personal sketch comedy series Nick Swardson's Pretend Time (2010–2011).

He starred as the title character in Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011), and has appeared in the films Grandma's Boy (2006), I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), The House Bunny, (2008), Just Go With It, 30 Minutes or Less (both 2011), Grown Ups 2 (2013), The Ridiculous 6 (2015), Sandy Wexler (2017), Airplane Mode (2019), and Happy Gilmore 2 (2025).

Early life A native of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, Swardson was born to Pamela and Roger Eric Swardson, and is the youngest of three siblings; he has a sister, Rachel, and a brother, John. His father was an editor and journalist—having written for publications such as the Cincinnati Enquirer and City Pages, as well as founding the Grand Gazette, a former Saint Paul community newspaper.

He attended St. Paul Central High School A mischievous student who struggled with alcohol and drugs, Swardson was expelled from school on four occasions for pulling fire alarms in order to go outside and smoke cigarettes, fighting, posting a lewd sign in class, and for smoking marijuana; Although Swardson was a fan of sketch comedy, he saw stand-up comedy as a stepping stone to a career in film, more so than he would working within a comedy troupe.

Swardson is an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. He is also good friends with fellow Minnesota resident Josh Duhamel.

Career Swardson started performing stand-up at the age of 18, attending open mic nights at the Minneapolis comedy club Acme Comedy Co. Swardson stated in a 2007 interview with The Portland Mercury that he did his first open mic "as a goof" but he was encouraged by the club owner to perform again and he went on to win the comedy club's award for the "Funniest Person in the Twin Cities".

After garnering some attention within comedy circles, Swardson was selected to perform stand-up at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival at 20 years of age. It was once the largest comedy convention of its kind in the US and became the launch pad for many comedians and comedy writers. After Swardson's first performance at the festival comedian Tony Camin, acting as the night's MC, was quoted as saying: "There's a deal waiting to happen. I can see the TV show now: 'An Aspen Kid With Altitude.'" In addition to his stand-up, Swardson began to get work in commercials and in small roles in both TV and film, such as an appearance in an episode of the Al Franken sitcom LateLine in 1999, and playing the role of a crazed David Bowie fan in the 2000 film Almost Famous.

In 2001, Swardson's stand-up act was featured in a half-hour Comedy Central Presents special. After having seen Swardson's Comedy Central special, Sandler contacted Swardson to ask if he would be interested in collaborating; Swardson also resurrected the Gay Robot character on his Comedy Central Series Nick Swardson's Pretend Time.

Swardson's sketch comedy show Nick Swardson's Pretend Time, premiered on Comedy Central on October 12, 2010, and ran for two seasons. The show was produced in conjunction with Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions. On February 6, 2012, Swardson announced via his Facebook page that there would not be a third season; in his post Swardson stated that "the ratings were solid but it was too expensive for the network and tough creatively," and added that he was "developing a new show where I play a ninja."

In 2011, Swardson starred in, co-wrote and co-produced the film Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star, also produced by Happy Madison Productions.

In 2014, Swardson performed the voice of the character Troy on the animated series Chozen.

In 2024, Swardson was performing stand-up when he was repeatedly booed and the crowd became restless with his performance. Swardson's mic was eventually cut, spotlight turned off, and was escorted off the stage by staff. In response to the performance Swardson posted on X, "Just casually woke up on TMZ. Travel tip: don't drink and take edibles in high altitude. Fucking brain diarrhea."

Filmography Film

Television Year Title Role Notes 1999 LateLine Justin Episode: "Karp's Night Out" 2002 Watching Ellie Young Guy Episode: "Cheetos" 2003–2009 Reno 911! Terry Bernadino 28 episodes 2004 Cheap Seats Nicholas Jenner Episode: "1978 Superstars" 2006 Gay Robot Rick / Gay Robot Also writerTelevision film2007 Human Giant Rob's Agent Episode: "Lil 9-11" Cavemen Ray 2 episodes 2008 According to Jim Waiter UncreditedEpisode: "The Chaperone" 2010–2011 Nick Swardson's Pretend Time Various Also writer15 episodes 2012 The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange Jittery Guy / Jason Jr. (voices) 2 episodes2014 Chozen Troy 10 episodes Portlandia Nick Episode: "Late in Life Drug Use" 2014–2016 TripTank Beth / Massage Guy / Killer Bee 1 9 episodes2015 The Goldbergs Rick Lancer Episode: "Happy Mom, Happy Life" Comedy Bang! Bang! Billy Episode: "Michelle Monaghan Wears a Burnt Orange Dress and White Heels" 2015–17, 2019 Star vs. the Forces of Evil Sensei Brantley 10 episodes 2016–2017 Typical Rick Gary Also creator 2017 Lip Sync Battle Himself Episode: "Nick Swardson vs. Theresa Caputo" 2025 It's Florida, Man Bad Chad Episode: "Pizza Man"

Discography Gay Robot by Adam Sandler (2004) Calling Home by Adam Sandler (2004) Party (2007) (Stand-Up) Seriously, Who Farted? (2009) (Stand-Up)