Ron Funches

Ron Funches – Life, Comedy, and Heartfelt Humor

Ron Funches is an American comedian, actor, and voice artist known for his warmth, surreal comedy, and openness about fatherhood and autism. Dive into his life, comedic style, career milestones, and memorable insights.

Introduction

Ronald Kyle Funches (born March 12, 1983) is a uniquely gentle and genuinely funny voice in modern comedy. With a trademark mix of positivity, self-deprecation, surreal observations, and emotional transparency, he stands apart from shock comedians or cynics. He’s best known for his roles in Undateable, and his voice work in Trolls, Harley Quinn, Final Space, and many animated series. But beyond credits, his appeal lies in how he leans into vulnerability — especially as a father of a child with autism — and uses humor to connect.

Early Life and Family

Ron Funches was born on March 12, 1983 in Carson, California. Chicago, living with his mother and sister in the Woodlawn area.

When he was about 13, Ron moved to Salem, Oregon, to live with his father, who worked as a pipefitter. Douglas McKay High School in Salem, where he took English courses and cultivated an appreciation for literature, citing authors like Molière, J. D. Salinger, William Faulkner, and Erich Maria Remarque.

Before focusing on comedy, Ron held a variety of regular jobs — including working in a bank call center and as a grocery-store clerk — while building his voice, perspective, and stage confidence.

Influences & Comedic Roots

Ron credits I Love Lucy (Lucille Ball) as an early inspiration, viewing it as his gateway into the breadth of comedy, especially for how Ball balanced heart, situational humor, and boundary pushing.

His comedic style draws from observational humor, surrealism, deadpan, and self-referential vulnerability — especially themes around fatherhood, the neurodiversity of his son, and navigating life with positivity.

Career and Achievements

Stand-up beginnings & move to LA

Ron began performing stand-up at age 23 in Portland, Oregon. Los Angeles, where his career gained traction in television, writing, and voice work.

TV roles & appearances

• He became a regular on the NBC sitcom Undateable from 2014 to 2016, playing the character Shelly over multiple seasons.

• He has guest-starred in shows like Mulaney, Kroll Show, Black-ish, Transparent, The Goldbergs, New Girl, and Powerless.

• He’s also worked as a comedy writer for shows such as The Eric Andre Show and contributed to Kroll Show.

Voice acting & animation

Ron’s voice roles are extensive and diverse:

• He voices Cooper in the Trolls film franchise (starting in 2016) and its sequels.

• He voices King Shark in Harley Quinn (DC Comics animation) and Fox in Final Space.

• Other credits include voice roles in Adventure Time, BoJack Horseman, We Bare Bears, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Infinity Train, Jellystone!, Inside Job, Rock Paper Scissors, and more.

Other ventures & public presence

• In 2019, Ron released his stand-up special Giggle Fit.

• He has participated in pro wrestling events and even held the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship title in DDT Pro-Wrestling.

• He is active in the community, often speaking about autism, parenting, positivity, and mental health.

Personal Life & Challenges

Ron became a father at age 20, when his son Malcolm was born. autism, a topic Ron addresses publicly and compassionately in his comedy.

In August 2020, Ron married Christina Dawn.

Ron is also candid about his own health and self-image. He revealed that at one point he weighed 360 lbs and over time lost over 140 lbs through health changes.

Comedic Style & Personality

Ron’s style is warm, affable, and often anchored in earnestness. While his humor includes absurd observations and surreal detours, it tends to avoid cynicism and sarcasm for its own sake.

Key traits of his comedic persona:

• Emotional honesty: He uses stories from his life — fatherhood, struggles, fears — with vulnerability.

• Gentle absurdity: He plays with strange imagery, whimsical analogies, and off-kilter logic.

• Minimal aggression: His humor rarely punches down; even his insults (if any) are softened by self-awareness.

• Positive framing: He often looks for silver linings, or at least compassion, in dark or awkward places.

• Inclusivity: He speaks openly about neurodiversity, encouraging connection rather than isolation.

Those qualities make audiences feel seen, not ridiculed — and that’s rare in stand-up.

Notable Quotes & Insights

Ron Funches’ public remarks are often heartfelt, funny, and direct. Here are a few highlights:

• On his son: “My son teaches me so much every day.” (He has used variations of this sentiment in interviews and stand-up.)

• On weight loss and self-improvement: He’s discussed how health changes are gradual, non-linear, and deeply tied to mental well-being. (Paraphrase from interviews.)

• On kindness: He often speaks about choosing empathy in his humor, and that it’s possible to be both funny and caring.

• On comedy risks: He has mentioned that “being the worst comedian in the room” early on helps you improve — embracing failure as a step forward.

Lessons from Ron Funches

1. Vulnerability is strength
   Exposing your fears, imperfections, and challenges doesn’t weaken your comedy — it deepens connection.

2. Humor need not be mean
   You can be funny without punching down; kindness in tone doesn’t dilute wit.

3. Life stories enrich comedy
   Real-life material — parenting, health, mental struggles — gives depth beyond mere jokes.

4. Change is gradual
   Whether in physical health or personal growth, transformation happens incrementally — persistence matters.

5. Use your voice for inclusion
   By speaking candidly about neurodiversity and fatherhood, Ron uses his platform to uplift others.

Conclusion

Ron Funches is more than “just a comedian.” He is a voice that blends warmth, honesty, and whimsy. His trajectory — from Portland stand-up to major TV, animation, and public influence — is rooted not in cynicism or shock, but in empathy and self-reflection. He reminds us that to be funny is not enough: to be human is what lingers.