Adam DeVine
Adam DeVine – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Adam DeVine (born November 7, 1983) is an American comedian, actor, producer, and writer known for Workaholics, Pitch Perfect, and The Righteous Gemstones. Explore his journey, creative work, challenges, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Adam Patrick DeVine is a multifaceted American entertainer whose comedic sensibility, persistence, and versatility have enabled him to build a robust career in television, film, and voice work. He’s best known as co-creator and star of the cult sitcom Workaholics, for roles like Bumper in the Pitch Perfect films, and as Kelvin Gemstone in HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones.
While his comedic style is bold and energetic, DeVine’s backstory also bears testimony to hardship, recovery, and resilience—elements that inform how he approaches performance and life.
Early Life and Family
Adam DeVine was born on November 7, 1983 in Waterloo, Iowa to parents Dennis and Penny DeVine. Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated from Millard South High School in 2002.
When he was 11 years old, DeVine suffered a traumatic accident: he was struck by a cement truck while walking across a road with his bicycle.
He was placed in a medically induced coma and required dozens of surgeries over several years.
Because of this incident, he carries visible scars on his legs and has spoken about lingering effects, including pain and spasms, even in recent years.
He credits parts of his comedic voice to coping during those difficult years: he used humor, impersonations, and radio call-ins to distract himself and assert agency.
Career & Creative Achievements
Comedy Roots & Workaholics
After high school, DeVine attended Orange Coast College, where he met Blake Anderson (future collaborator). Mail Order Comedy, performing live and producing content online (e.g. MySpace, YouTube) to build an audience.
Their breakthrough came when their series Workaholics premiered on Comedy Central in 2011. DeVine starred as Adam DeMamp and also served as co-creator, writer, and executive producer. Workaholics ran through 2017.
Film Roles & Recognition
One of DeVine’s best-known film performances is Bumper Allen in Pitch Perfect (2012) and Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). That role broadened his visibility beyond television comedy.
He also appeared in films such as The Intern, The Final Girls, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Game Over, Man!, When We First Met, Jexi, and Isn’t It Romantic.
DeVine has also lent his voice to animated projects, such as Ice Age: Collision Course, The Lego Batman Movie, Extinct, and series like Uncle Grandpa, Vampirina, Green Eggs and Ham, The Freak Brothers, and Captain Fall.
He created and hosted his own show, Adam DeVine’s House Party, which aired from 2013 to 2016.
More recently, since 2019, he stars as Kelvin Gemstone in the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones, a satirical drama about a dysfunctional televangelist family.
Personal Life & Advocacy
DeVine has publicly engaged in charity—especially with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals—connecting his own experience as a patient to helping children in need.
He began dating actress Chloe Bridges in 2015, they became engaged in 2019, married in October 2021, and their first child, son Beau, was born on February 16, 2024.
In recent years, DeVine has spoken about ongoing health struggles tied to his childhood accident. He revealed that in 2025 doctors initially told him he might have a rare disorder called stiff-person syndrome, possibly fatal, before later clarifying his condition was likely related to long-term effects from the accident.
Personality, Themes & Style
Adam DeVine’s comedic voice is energetic, self-deprecating, and often rooted in absurdity and vulnerability. He combines boldness with relatability, frequently mining awkwardness and personal flaws for humor.
Some consistent themes in his work and public persona:
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Persistence & reinvention: From recovery after his accident to forging a niche in sketch and TV comedy, DeVine’s path is one of grit and evolution.
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Collaborative creation: He often works within teams (Mail Order Comedy, Workaholics, ensemble casts) and values creative partnership.
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Embracing imperfection: Many of his jokes lean into mistakes, embarrassment, or “looking dumb,” which humanizes the performance.
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Balance of acting and writing: DeVine often writes or produces projects he acts in, reflecting a desire for agency in creative direction.
In interviews, he has spoken about following his comedic heroes and trying to model the kind of “commitment” he admires in those who make him laugh.
Famous Quotes of Adam DeVine
Here are several memorable quotes that reflect his humor, perspective, and outlook:
“It’s really about committing super-hard to whatever you’re trying to create. In essence, I’m just copying my favorite comedic actors, and it’s the people who make me laugh the hardest who commit the hardest.” “Jealousy is the worst trait in any person.” “I think making friends is not being afraid to look stupid, because everyone wants a friend who is willing to be stupid and fun. … being uncool is a very cool thing to do.” “My parents are very cool and wildly supportive — maybe almost too much. I want to tell them to chill out.” “I sold steaks over the phone in Omaha, Nebraska. Marbling, fantastic. That’s what makes a great steak; a lot of people don’t know.” “The thing that I think a lot of guys need to know how to do is not take your mother’s advice about honesty being the best policy. Listen to your cool, drunk uncle who tells you to lie. Those are the relationships that last.”
These quotes show his mix of frank reflection, humor, and willingness to poke fun at himself.
Lessons from Adam DeVine
From his story and creative path, some takeaways and insights include:
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Adversity can shape creative voice
DeVine’s childhood accident and long recovery helped him develop resilience, perspective, and humor as coping tools. -
Create your opportunities
Rather than waiting for breaks, he formed a comedy group, produced content, and built momentum from the ground up. -
Don’t fear looking foolish
His comedic style embraces risk, embarrassment, and absurdity—reminding us that vulnerability can strengthen connection. -
Value collaboration
His repeated partnerships (e.g. with Blake Anderson, Anders Holm) highlight how creative synergy can sustain a long career. -
Patience & persistence matter
Success in entertainment rarely comes overnight. DeVine’s slow build through sketch, television, voice work, and film demonstrates steadiness over flash.
Conclusion
Adam DeVine’s path—from a life-threatening childhood accident to co-creating hit shows and starring in major films—is testament to resilience, ambition, and a sharp comedic sensibility. He remains active across TV, film, and voice roles, always pushing into new territory while staying rooted in his comedic identity.
If you'd like, I can also put together a timeline of his career, or select his top performances to watch.