Matt Besser Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Spark of Improv: How Matt Besser Became a Comedy Force

Matt Besser — full name Matthew Gregory Besser — was born on September 22, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Growing up in a family where his father was Jewish and his mother Christian, Besser navigated a mixed cultural and religious upbringing, which he later described having influenced his irreverent, boundary-pushing comedic style. 

Besser’s early fascination with comedy — shaped by a love for punk rock and countercultural humor — wouldn’t fully manifest until college. While studying American Studies at Amherst College, a pivot from an initial interest in economics, he began experimenting with stand-up, radio show prank-calls, and late-night comedy. 

That seed of experimentation eventually grew into something larger when Besser moved first to Denver and soon after to Chicago. Immersed in the city’s robust improv and sketch-comedy scene — training under legendary teachers and performing in groups — he discovered the power of long-form improvisation.

Founding a Comedy Collective That Would Change the Game

In the early 1990s, Besser co-founded Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), alongside fellow comedians. What began as a modest sketch troupe in Chicago grew rapidly: by the mid-90s, UCB relocated to New York City, becoming a comedic landmark. 

By 1998, the troupe’s unique blend of absurdist, edgy, and intelligent humor earned them a television series on Comedy Central. That show — also called Upright Citizens Brigade — ran through 2000, giving Besser and his colleagues national visibility. 

However, Besser’s ambitions stretched beyond sketches. UCB evolved into a full-fledged comedy institution, with theaters and training centers in New York and Los Angeles. Through those spaces, Besser and UCB became foundational in shaping a new generation of comedians, writers, and improvisers. 

Beyond the Stage: Podcasts, Film, and Diverse Creative Ventures

While Besser continued appearing in films and TV — roles ranging from supporting parts in comedies to voice acting in animated projects — he also expanded into podcasting and film direction. Among his most enduring ventures is the improvisation podcast improv4humans, a weekly showcase of on-the-spot comedic creativity and collaborations.

He also wrote and directed the feature film Freak Dance — an extension of one of his long-running UCB stage shows — which premiered at the Austin Film Festival in 2011. 

And through the UCB theaters, Besser continues to teach, perform, and mentor — ensuring that his influence extends well beyond his personal roles and into the broader comedy landscape. 

Life Off Stage: Relationships, Family & Personal Identity

In 2008, Besser married fellow comedian-actor Danielle Schneider. The couple welcomed a daughter in 2013. 

Despite his upbringing in a household with religious background, Besser has identified publicly as atheist — a personal stance that has informed some of his most candid comedic work. 

He also traces his lineage, distantly, to comedian and former member of The Three Stooges — Joe Besser — as a first cousin twice removed. 

Snapshot of Worth: Financial Standing Meets Cultural Influence

Estimates place Matt Besser’s net worth at around US$2 million, reflecting decades of diverse creative work: from sketch comedy and live improv to film, television, podcasting, and education. 

That figure, while modest by Hollywood mega-star standards, belies Besser’s deeper impact: he helped build institutions, platforms, and communities — not just for himself, but for countless others in the comedy world.

Why Matt Besser Matters — More Than Just Jokes

Besser’s journey from a young Arkansan discovering comedy in college to a founding father of a comedy empire speaks to his perseverance, ingenuity, and willingness to challenge norms. Through UCB, he created a pipeline — of training, performance, community — that reshaped American comedy.

His continued work in improv, podcasting, and teaching reflects a commitment not just to personal relevance but to cultural legacy. In many ways, his “net worth” is more accurately measured in influence, mentorship, and the laughter of audiences worldwide.