Actor/comedian Darrell Hammond fondly recalls his first taste of show business at age five,  practicing the impressions of his family members on the porch of their home in Melbourne,  Florida. A native of Florida, Darrell began doing his impressions and comedy early on in life, but his real pursuit of a career in performing began after graduating from the University of Florida at Gainesville.  

After college, Hammond spent several years in New York appearing in many off-Broadway productions and honing his stand-up at local comedy clubs. With his acerbic wit and masterful impressions, Darrell quickly became a favorite on the comedy circuit. He also frequently displayed his comedic styles by performing on a wide array of local and national radio stations.    

For years now, Hammond has brought to life on television a cavalcade of politicians, media figures, celebrities, and newsmakers. Darrell is known for being one of the most prolific comedians of his time, and one of the longest running cast members in Saturday Night Live history. He has brought a great number of wonderful impressions to SNL over the years, and television critics and viewers alike have applauded each and every one of his impressions for their accuracy and range, including: Bill Clinton, Sean Connery, Regis Philbin, Dan Rather, John Travolta, Jesse Jackson, Richard Dreyfus, Jay Leno, and Ted Koppel. Hammond frequently tours comedy clubs and theaters, boasting a number of brilliant impressions in his act, and keeping people laughing nationwide.                

Although it was a dream come true for Darrell to be a regular on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, one of Hammond’s biggest honors came at our nation’s capital in April 1997. During a surprise appearance with President Bill Clinton, at an event before a great number of government officials and members of the Washington Press Corps, Hammond was widely praised by the media for his dead-on impression of the President. At an equally impressive fête, the 2001 White House Correspondents Dinner, in front of 2000 press people and President George W. Bush, Darrell received a standing ovation for his performance.  

In addition to his SNL appearances, Hammond has been seen in a number of feature films and television shows. A truly versatile actor, Darrell has displayed his talents in both dramatic and comedic roles. Some of his feature films include: Wieners, Bob Bailey’s Disco Balls,  New York Minute, Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 6, and Agent Cody Banks. Darrell also starred with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin in The Devil and Daniel Webster. His other film credits include an appearance in Blues Brothers 2000, which also starred Dan Aykroyd, and Disney’s Celtic Pride. In 1999, he moved audiences everywhere with his performance as the voice of Master Little in Disney’s animated hit The King and I.

Hammond received tremendous reviews for his portrayal of a deranged but intense criminal defense lawyer in Law and Order: SVU. Additionally, he did a guest spot on NBC’s Third Rock from the Sun. Darrell also finished shooting a TBS pilot, Hound Dogs, as Harry Hound, with director Ron Shelton (Bull Durham & White Men Can’t Jump). His recent television appearances include Criminal Minds, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Damages, and Dreamcorps, LLC. As an actor, Hammond continually looks for new, challenging roles to expand his talents in film and television. He also starred in Bay Street Theatre’s TRU, written by Jay Presson Allen, and directed by Matt McGarth.                

Hammond is also the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, God, If You’re Not Up There, I’m F*cked, which was released by Harper Collins in October of 2011 to rave reviews. It is now also available as an audiobook, narrated by Hammond himself, on Audible.com.                

Hammond’s recent documentary with friend and filmmaker Michelle Esrick, Cracked Up, The Darrell Hammond Story, details his life and career. The film was shown as part of the DOC-NYC film festival at the end of 2018. In Cracked Up, we witness the impact adverse childhood experiences can have across a lifetime through the incredible story of actor, comedian, master impressionist, and Saturday Night Live veteran Darrell Hammond. Behind the scenes, Hammond suffered from debilitating flashbacks, self-injury, and addiction, until he came to understand the role that early trauma played in his development. Cracked Up creates an inspiring balance between comedy and tragedy, helping us to understand the effects of childhood trauma in a new light, breaking down the barriers of stigma, and replacing shame with compassion and hope.              

Darrell continues to move audiences with his comedy, performing in New York and throughout the entire country. He also has a new podcast, The 3rd Person Podcast, with comedian Chris Millhouse, interviewing comedians, actors, and everyone in between. Darrell and Michelle Esrick continue to bring to light the trauma of adverse childhood experiences through a powerful online series called The Evolving Conversation. Through this Zoom venue, Michelle and Darrell engage with special guests and mental health experts in an open dialogue, with the group discussion facilitated by moderator Jane Stevens, Founder of ACEs Connection.