Ian Roberts

Ian Roberts is an actor, comedian, and writer. Roberts is a founding member of the famed Upright Citizens Brigade improv and sketch comedy troupe.

He began his sketch comedy career studying improv under comedy legend Del Close, after graduating from Grinnell College with a degree in theatre.

In the 1990s, Roberts helped found the Upright Citizens Brigade with Matt Besser and several other Chicago improv comics.

The Brigade would go on to open Upright Citizens Brigade Theatres in New York and Los Angeles, as well as create a Comedy Central Series. On the Upright Citizens Brigade's sketch series on Comedy Central, Roberts was often seen as the UCB Agent Antoine, but also portrayed many other sketch characters such as Steve Youngblood and Astronaut Mike Birchwood.

Roberts, along with his other UCB castmates, has regularly appeared in sketch comedy segments on Late Night with Conan O'Brien for many years. He also had a recurring character in the sitcom Arrested Development, Dr. Fishman (AKA The Literal Doctor, AKA Dr. Wordsmith), and returned for several episodes for the shows revived 4th season on Netflix in 2013.

He has also appeared with memorable supporting roles in films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Bring It On, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Drillbit Taylor, Reno 911!: Miami and Semi-Pro.

Roberts has written and co-written several screenplays including Martin & Orloff and Get Hard. He was also the showrunner for all five seasons of the Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele. Roberts is the executive producers and showrunners of the TV Land series Teachers.