Brooks Wheelan
A stand-up comedian who turned a brief SNL stint into a thriving career built on sharp, self-aware humor and a popular podcast.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American comedian, actor and writer·Birthday: August 21·Millennials
Biography
Brooks Wheelan's comedy career is a story of resilience and reinvention. After studying biomedical engineering, he pivoted to stand-up, a move that eventually landed him a coveted spot as a cast member and writer on Saturday Night Live in 2013. His tenure there was brief, but rather than letting that define him, he channeled the experience into his act, crafting material that was both candid and hilarious about the industry's oddities. He built a loyal following through relentless touring, opening for acts like John Oliver, and releasing a well-received Comedy Central special. His true niche emerged with the podcast 'Entry Level,' where he interviews guests about their worst jobs, showcasing his skill as a curious and empathetic interviewer. Wheelan has also lent his voice to animated series like 'Big Hero 6: The Series,' proving his talents extend beyond the stage and microphone.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brooks was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brooks Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Brooks's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as a cast member and writer for Saturday Night Live during its 39th season.
- Hosts the popular interview podcast 'Entry Level,' exploring the bizarre early jobs of his guests.
- Released a half-hour comedy special, 'Brooks Wheelan: Live at the Fillmore,' for Comedy Central.
- Provided voice acting for characters in the animated television series 'Big Hero 6: The Series.'
Did You Know?
He holds a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa.
He was a competitive gymnast for over a decade in his youth.
His podcast 'Entry Level' was named one of the best new podcasts of 2018 by Apple.
He performed stand-up on 'Conan' multiple times.
“I got fired from SNL, so I just went back to telling jokes on the road.”
