Emmy-Winning Co-Creator of "Hacks" & Co-Founder of Paulilu Productions

Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Paul W. Downs Biography

Paul W. Downs is an actor, writer, director, and producer whose career encompasses sketch comedy, television, and film. Downs graduated from Duke University, where he developed his skills in improv and sketch comedy as a member of Duke University Improv and the troupe Inside Joke. He met creative partner Lucia Aniello while performing at Upright Citizens Brigade. Together, they formed the production company Paulilu and collaborated on projects including the comedy shorts "Emmy Training Day" and "Life After Emmy," as well as the web series "Paulilu Mixtape," which they co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in.

Downs gained broader recognition for his role in the Comedy Central series "Broad City," where he also contributed as a writer, director, and executive producer. He became known for his recurring role as personal trainer Trey Pucker. Downs expanded into film by co-writing the feature "Rough Night" and co-starring alongside Scarlett Johansson in the film, directed by Aniello. He also wrote and starred in his own episode of the sketch show "Netflix Presents: The Characters."

Downs co-created the HBO Max comedy series "Hacks" with Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, focusing on the generational dynamics and mentorship within the comedy industry. The series follows veteran Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart, and young writer Ava Daniels, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder, as they navigate the evolving entertainment landscape. As co-showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer, Downs shaped the series' narrative and character-driven humor. He also appears as Jimmy LuSaque, the talent agent managing Deborah and Ava.

"Hacks" has received multiple Emmy nominations and wins, including Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, as well as Golden Globe Awards, Writers Guild of America Awards, a Directors Guild of America Award, and a Peabody Award. The series has also been recognized by the American Film Institute Awards as one of the Outstanding Television Programs of the Year. Downs has appeared as a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and had a cameo role in "The Studio." His work reflects a broad command of comedy, television writing, and production, establishing Downs as a versatile figure in the television and entertainment industry.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/09/2026.

Paul W. Downs Videos

Tyler James Williams on 'Abbott' fans, Paul W. Downs on the comedy 'crisis'

Tyler James Williams on 'Abbott' fans, Paul W. Downs on the comedy 'crisis'

In this week’s episode of The Envelope video podcast, Tyler James Williams reveals that the team behind "Abbott Elementary" actually loves...

Paul W. Downs - “Hacks” | The Daily Show

Paul W. Downs - “Hacks” | The Daily Show

Emmy-winning writer, actor, and co-creator of the hit Max series "Hacks” Paul W. Downs talks to Michael Kosta about his multi-hyphenate role at the...

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  • What topics does Paul W. Downs speak about?

    Paul W. Downs is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Actor, Comedian, Television & Film
  • Where does Paul W. Downs travel from?

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Paul W. Downs is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Paul W. Downs for your event is available upon request. Paul W. Downs generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Quinta Brunson, Richard Gadd, William Zabka, Greg Daniels and Luke Kirby. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Paul W. Downs for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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