Drew Michael

Drew Michael is a comedian and writer known for his work in stand-up comedy and television. Michael began his career in Chicago, where he co-founded the comedy collective Comedians You Should Know. As a founding member, he contributed to the release of a self-titled album that debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts. He expanded his reach with a half-hour special on Comedy Central, "The Half Hour," and two full-length live albums, "Funny to Death" and "Lovely," both of which also reached No. 1 on the iTunes charts.

Michael's self-titled HBO special, "Drew Michael," challenged traditional stand-up formats by presenting his performance in a dark, empty space without an audience or stage. Directed by Jerrod Carmichael, the special received critical acclaim and earned a Writers Guild Award nomination. His follow-up special, "Red Blue Green," was recognized for its philosophical and precise approach to comedy, earning additional Writers Guild Award nominations. Michael is also a recipient of the WGA Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch Series as part of the writing team for Saturday Night Live.

In addition to his stand-up work, Michael has contributed to television as a writer and performer. He served as a writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live and appeared in a guest-starring role on NBC's The Carmichael Show. His appearances on late-night television, including multiple visits to "Jimmy Kimmel Live," have introduced his comedic perspective to national audiences.

A central theme in Michael's comedy is his lifelong experience with progressive hearing loss. Diagnosed at age four, he navigated childhood while concealing his condition, which influenced his communication and mental health. This personal journey is explored in his Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut, "Drew's Adventures," which uses technology to illustrate his experience with hearing loss and the internal dialogue it creates. The show traces his path from resistance to acceptance, highlighting the intersection of disability, identity, and comedy.

Through his work in stand-up, television writing, and performance, Michael addresses topics such as hearing loss, mental health, and personal adversity, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary comedy.