Blake Anderson

Blake Anderson – Life, Career, and Memorable Insights

Explore the life of Blake Anderson — actor, comedian, and co-creator of Workaholics — from his early days in California to his creative partnerships, style, and career lessons.

Introduction

Blake Raymond Anderson (born March 2, 1984) is an American actor, comedian, producer, writer, and fashion designer. Workaholics (2011–2017), in which he and his collaborators portrayed exaggerated, comic versions of their own lifestyles.

Anderson’s comedic voice is defined by a playful, off-kilter energy and a willingness to lean into absurdity. Over time he has expanded into acting in television, voice work, film cameos, and even fashion. His story is one of creative collaboration, persistence, and forging one’s own niche in entertainment.

Early Life and Background

Blake Anderson was born in Sacramento County, California, on March 2, 1984. Concord, California, and attended Clayton Valley High School in Concord.

Early on, he gravitated toward comedy and performance. After high school, he moved toward Los Angeles and studied improvisational comedy with troupes such as The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade.

While in college, Blake worked as a pizza delivery driver to support himself, attending Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. It was there he met Adam DeVine, who would become a long-term collaborator.

Career & Achievements

Formation of Mail Order Comedy & Early Work

In 2006, Blake Anderson co-founded the sketch comedy group Mail Order Comedy, along with Anders Holm, Adam DeVine, and Kyle Newacheck. The Wizard Sleeves) which gained attention on YouTube and social media platforms.

They used their online presence to build momentum and visibility, eventually catching the eye of Comedy Central.

Before Workaholics, Anderson had smaller roles and guest appearances in TV shows like Entourage, House, Traffic Light, and others.

Workaholics (2011–2017)

In 2011, Blake and his Mail Order Comedy partners launched Workaholics, a Comedy Central series in which they played versions of themselves: three friends living together, facing dead-end jobs, misadventures, and absurd scenarios.

Workaholics became a cult favorite, admired for its lowbrow humor, improvisational energy, and willingness to lean into silliness. The show’s popularity cemented Anderson’s name in comedy circles.

Other Television & Voice Roles

Following Workaholics, Anderson worked on several television and voice projects:

  • Woke (2020–2022): He starred in Woke, a Hulu series blending social commentary and surreal humor.

  • He’s made appearances (often cameo or guest roles) in shows like Community, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Drunk History among others.

  • Voice acting: He has lent his voice to animated series like Voltron: Legendary Defender.

Film & Other Ventures

Blake Anderson has appeared in several movies, often in supporting or cameo roles:

  • Dope (2015)

  • Game Over, Man! (2018)

  • Spy Intervention

  • Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (cameo)

  • Neighbors (cameo)

  • Other smaller or voice roles in animated or comedic films

In addition to entertainment, Anderson has also been involved in fashion. In 2013, he co-founded a clothing line Teenage with his then-wife Rachael Finley.

Personality, Style & Artistic Approach

Blake Anderson’s comedic style leans toward the irreverent, quirky, and self-aware. He often plays versions of himself that amplify eccentricities, but with sincerity embedded in the absurd. Workaholics pulls much of its humor from exaggerating everyday frustrations, friendships, and immature impulses.

He has spoken in interviews (through casts and panels) about not taking himself too seriously and finding freedom in embracing imperfection. While he may play a “goofy” character, there’s an underlying work ethic and commitment to comedic craft.

His background in improvisational comedy helps him adapt, follow impulses, and make scenes feel spontaneous rather than rigidly rehearsed.

Personal Life & Incidents

Blake Anderson has had some notable personal events:

  • On December 17, 2011, during a house party, he jumped from a roof onto a beer-pong table and fractured his spine, requiring surgery.

  • On September 7, 2012, he married Rachael Finley. They had a daughter, Mars Ilah Anderson, in 2014.

  • The marriage ended in divorce in 2017.

Despite public events, Anderson tends to maintain a relatively subdued public persona outside of his comedic persona.

Lessons & Takeaways from Blake Anderson’s Journey

  1. Collaborate Early & Often
    The foundation of Mail Order Comedy and Anderson’s creative partnership with peers like Adam DeVine shows that success in comedy often is collective, not solitary.

  2. Use Digital Platforms to Build Momentum
    Early sketches and videos online helped Anderson and his group get noticed. Today, many creators follow that path — use independent content to prove concept.

  3. Embrace Imperfection
    His persona thrives on making mistakes, being awkward, and turning those into comedic gold. That invites audiences to laugh with, not at, the performer.

  4. Diversify Skills
    Anderson did not stick solely to acting; he branched into writing, producing, fashion, and voice work. That flexibility helps sustain a career in creative industries.

  5. Resilience in Face of Setbacks
    Recovering from a serious injury (fractured spine) and continuing to work shows physical and mental grit.