Taran Killam

Taran Killam – Life, Career, and Artistic Journey

A full biography of Taran Killam (b. 1982), the American actor, comedian, writer, and performer—covering his early life, breakthrough roles (MADtv, SNL), TV/film credits, stage work, style, and lessons from his career.

Introduction

Taran Hourie Killam (born April 1, 1982) is an American actor, comedian, writer, and performer known for his versatility in sketch comedy, television, film, and theater. He first gained attention in MADtv, later became a cast member on Saturday Night Live (2010–2016), and has since expanded into TV comedies, voice work, Broadway, and feature films.

In this article, we’ll trace his life from childhood and training, his rise through sketch comedy, major roles, stage work, creative style, influence, and lessons one can draw from his path.

Early Life & Background

Taran Killam was born in Culver City, California, on April 1, 1982. He spent part of his youth in Big Bear Lake, California, until about age 15.

His parental background had artistic threads: his mother was a singer-songwriter who toured (notably with The Charlie Daniels Band), and his father was involved in theater. In addition, he is a great-nephew of actress Rosemarie Bowe (wife of Robert Stack).

He attended Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (a public arts high school), where he honed drama, performance, and comedic instincts. He later enrolled at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television as a musical theater student, and spent significant time working on the school’s theater festival, though he did not complete his degree, choosing instead to pursue acting.

Thus, his foundation combined performance training and early exposure to the arts, giving him a base to move into professional work at a relatively young age.

Early Career & Breakthroughs

First Roles & MADtv

Killam’s first screen roles date back to childhood: he appeared (as a boy) in Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994).

In the early 2000s, he appeared on The Amanda Show (a Nickelodeon sketch series) in recurring bits.

His first major break in sketch comedy came when he joined MADtv for its seventh season (2001–2002) as a featured player. He appeared in 13 episodes that season. He was noted for being one of the youngest cast members during that time.

Following MADtv, Killam took on various television guest roles (e.g. How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, Drake & Josh) and small film roles, building his range and visibility. He also worked with improvisational and sketch groups, including The Groundlings in Los Angeles.

Saturday Night Live & Wider Recognition

In September 2010, Killam joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a repertory player, entering a new stage in his comedic career. During his tenure, he performed in a wide range of sketches, impressions, recurring characters, and musical bits.

One memorable sketch from SNL that went viral was “The Legend of Mokiki & the Sloppy Swish,” which became widely discussed online. In August 2016, Killam’s contract was not renewed and he exited SNL after six seasons.

While leaving was abrupt, he expressed regret at not having a more formal farewell to colleagues but also relief at stepping away from the pace of producing a live weekly show.

Film, Television & Stage Highlights

Film & TV Work

Killam has balanced comedy, drama, voice work, and ensemble television. Some highlights:

• He appeared in 12 Years a Slave (2013) in a supporting role.

• He starred in The Heat (2013) and other comedic films.

• He created, co-wrote, directed, and starred in Killing Gunther (2017), a comedic action film that became his directorial debut.

• On TV, he was a main cast member of Single Parents (2018–2020), playing Will Cooper.

• He voiced the title character in the PBS Kids animated series Nature Cat.

• In 2017, Killam made his Broadway debut by taking over the role of King George III in Hamilton.

• He later appeared in Spamalot on Broadway (2023–2024), playing the role of Sir Lancelot among others.

These roles reflect how Killam has traversed multiple performance mediums—film, TV, voice, and stage.

Personal Life

Killam has been in a long-term relationship with actress Cobie Smulders (famously from How I Met Your Mother). They were engaged in January 2009, and married on September 8, 2012, in Solvang, California. The couple has two daughters (born in 2009 and 2015).

In early 2025, Killam and Smulders’ home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles was destroyed in a wildfire.

Killam is also a notable fan of the Los Angeles Rams NFL team.

Style, Strengths & Themes

• Versatility in performance type: Killam has shown competence in sketch, improv, film acting, voice work, and musical theater.

• Impression & character work: Especially in SNL, he was known for impressions and playing a wide range of characters.

• Comedic timing & physicality: He often uses physical humor, expressive gestures, and timing in his comedic bits.

• Risk-taking & authorship: By writing, directing, and starring in Killing Gunther, he expanded beyond performer to author of his own projects.

• Adaptability: Transitioning from sketch shows to Broadway and family TV demonstrates adaptability to different audience contexts and formats.

Legacy & Influence

Though still active, Killam’s path shows how a sketch comedy performer can evolve into a multi-dimensional entertainer:

• He is one of relatively few to transition from MADtv to SNL, which shows his persistence in sketch traditions.

• His expansion into directing, writing, and producing indicates a desire to control narratives rather than just participate.

• His Broadway work (e.g. Hamilton) connects him to the broader theatrical tradition, bridging comedy and musical theater.

• His voice work for children’s programming (e.g. Nature Cat) introduces his voice to younger audiences, broadening generational reach.

As his career continues, he may increasingly take on roles behind the camera, mentors emerging comedic talent, or take leadership in hybrid comedic/genre projects.

Lessons from Taran Killam’s Journey

1. Start young, diversify early
   Killam’s early roles in children’s and sketch shows built a foundation for later versatility.

2. Don’t be confined to one medium
   Moving among TV, film, voice, and stage expanded his opportunities and creative satisfaction.

3. Create your own projects
   Killing Gunther exemplifies taking charge—writing and directing your own material opens doors and control.

4. Adapt with purpose
   His move from SNL to sitcoms and theater shows that transitions can be deliberate, not just fallback options.

5. Maintain personal grounding
   Keeping a stable personal life (long-term relationship, family) while working in dynamic entertainment fields can provide balance.

Conclusion

Taran Killam is a multi-talented actor, comedian, writer, and performer whose trajectory from sketch shows to Broadway and film reveals both ambition and flexibility. His ability to adapt across genres and forms, combined with his willingness to generate original content, positions him as a creative force capable of reinvention.