Greg Behrendt

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Greg Behrendt – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and career of Greg Behrendt — stand-up comedian, author of He’s Just Not That Into You, talk show host, and relationship adviser. Discover his biography, key works, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Gregory Paul Behrendt (born July 21, 1963) is an American comedian, author, television host, podcast personality, and relationship commentator. He is best known as co-author (with Liz Tuccillo) of the bestselling self-help book He’s Just Not That Into You (2004), which was adapted into a feature film in 2009.

Beyond his writing, Behrendt has built a multifaceted career in stand-up comedy, television, talk shows, and podcasting, combining humor with candid reflections on relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth.

Early Life and Education

Greg Behrendt was born in San Francisco, California, on July 21, 1963. He attended the University of Oregon, from which he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater. Initially, he had enrolled as a business major and played rugby before gravitating toward performance and comedy.

Shortly after college, Behrendt moved back to San Francisco and joined the improv and stand-up scene. He became part of the improv troupe Crash and Burn, where he worked alongside comedians such as Margaret Cho. He also shared early performance circuits with David Cross and Patton Oswalt.

Career & Achievements

Stand-Up & Comedy Work

Behrendt established himself as a comedian in clubs, on television, and through specials. His stand-up style blends observational humor with candid commentary on relationships, love, and life’s absurdities.

He appeared on major late-night shows like The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. In 2006, a Comedy Central special titled Greg Behrendt Is Uncool aired.

Behrendt also plays guitar and performs in a surf/rockabilly instrumental band called The Reigning Monarchs.

Writing & Relationship Advice

A pivotal turn in Behrendt’s career was his work as a script consultant for Sex and the City, where he provided notes from a male perspective on the show’s scripts. That opportunity helped him co-author He’s Just Not That Into You with Liz Tuccillo, published in 2004. The book became a New York Times bestseller and later was adapted into a Hollywood movie.

Behrendt later published additional relationship/self-help books:

• It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken (with his wife, Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt)

• It’s Just a Date! (UK edition)

• See You on the Way Down – Catch You on the Way Back Up! (about his battles with cancer and addiction)

Television & Podcasting

Behrendt has hosted several television projects:

• The Greg Behrendt Show (2006) — a daytime talk show often focused on relationships and personal issues.

• Greg Behrendt’s Wake Up Call (2009) — a reality/relationship show dealing with couples’ issues in person.

Though The Greg Behrendt Show had a limited run (its last new episodes aired in February 2007) , these forays into television solidified his public identity beyond stand-up.

One of his most beloved projects is the Walking the Room podcast, co-hosted with comedian Dave Anthony from 2010 to 2015. The show, recorded in Behrendt’s closet (for better acoustics), featured banter, riffs on relationships and life, and occasional guest appearances.

Personal Life & Challenges

Greg Behrendt is married to Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt, who is also a writer and marketing professional. They have two daughters: Mighty Luna and Bella True.

He has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and is a recovering alcoholic. In 2015, Behrendt publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with lymphoma (a form of cancer) and underwent chemotherapy. He later wrote about these experiences in See You on the Way Down.

Behrendt’s candidness about these challenges has deepened his reputation as someone who blends humor with vulnerability and authenticity.

Legacy and Influence

Greg Behrendt’s influence spans comedy, pop culture, and relationship discourse:

• He’s Just Not That Into You helped reshape public language around dating and breaking up, providing clear, empathetic advice that reached a large audience.

• His blending of humor and self-help continues to appeal to people looking for accessible, witty guidance on love and heartbreak.

• As a comedian, he helped elevate conversational, self-reflective comedy, especially around emotional topics.

• Through his openness about illness, addiction, and recovery, he models resilience and the power of narrative in healing.

Famous Quotes by Greg Behrendt

Here’s a curated collection of notable lines and advice attributed to Greg Behrendt, especially around relationships, self-worth, and honesty:

“If he’s not calling you, it’s because you are not on his mind. If he creates expectations for you, and then doesn’t follow through on little things, he will do the same for big things.”

“Men are never too busy to get what they want.”

“Don’t spend your time on and give your heart to any guy who makes you wonder about anything related to his feelings for you.”

“Too many people stay in relationships when they’re miserable rather than let the pain of change be their teacher.” (a paraphrase often attributed to him)

“Wasting time in a relationship that blows is just that — wasted time.”

“Being brokenhearted is like having broken ribs. On the outside it looks like nothing’s wrong, but every breath hurts.”

“Busy is another word for ‘asshole’.”

These quotes reflect his no-nonsense approach, combining wit with emotional clarity and self-respect.

Lessons from Greg Behrendt

From Behrendt’s life and career, several lessons emerge:

• Speak with honesty, but also humor: He uses comedy to soften difficult truths, which helps others receive them.

• Boundaries matter: Much of his relationship advice underscores valuing oneself and not tolerating inconsistent behavior.

• Vulnerability is strength: He shares personal struggles openly — with addiction, cancer, heartbreak — fostering connection.

• Reinvention is possible: Behrendt has moved between stand-up, writing, TV, podcasting, and advocacy, staying true to his voice.

• Emotion needs expression: Many of his lines emphasize that pain should not be buried — acknowledging and processing it matters.

Conclusion

Greg Behrendt stands as a unique figure who merges comedy with heartfelt life wisdom. His work has touched millions through books, media, and stage. Whether offering a biting one-liner or sensitively unpacking heartbreak, he remains a relatable, honest, and enduring voice.