Jim Zulevic
Jim Zulevic (February 20, 1965 – January 7, 2006) was an American actor, improvisational comedian, television writer, and radio host. He died suddenly, most likely due to a heart attack, at age 40.[1]
Jim Zulevic | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jim Zulevic February 20, 1965 |
| Died | January 7, 2006 (aged 40) Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian, writer, radio host |
| Years active | 1996–2006 |
Early life
Zulevic grew up in Chicago, where he graduated from St. Thomas More Grammar School, Brother Rice High School and Columbia College Chicago.
He worked a number of jobs, from bouncer at Chicago's famed Exit Club to a runner at the Board of Trade to support himself. All the while he studied at The Second City, where he was taken under the wing of his mentor, Sheldon Patinkin. Before joining Second City, he performed for a short time at Chicago's Improv Institute.
Second City
Zulevic joined The Second City comedy troupe in 1992. He starred in nine stage revues, including "Paradigm Lost" in 1997 with Tina Fey, Scott Adsit and Rachel Dratch. Zulevic created his most famous character of "Billy" at this time.
Television
Zulevic wrote for the Jamie Kennedy Experiment. He appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Drew Carey Show, Early Edition, Prison Break, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Shield, and the final episode of the long-running series, Seinfeld.
He also created commercials for the Fox Broadcasting Company in Chicago, where he was known for his quirky comments on reruns of The Simpsons.[2]
Movies
Zulevic appeared in The Bogus Witch Project, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Let's Go to Prison, Matchstick Men, The Specials, and Talent. He also directed a comedy short, Baby Time Share, in 2005.
Other activities
Zulevic hosted the weekly radio show "Second City Radio" on WCKG-FM, and taught improv classes at Columbia College Chicago and The Second City. He was working with Bob Odenkirk on a project based on the July 1979 Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park at the time of his death.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Early Edition | Greg Bratcher, Brat Guy / Stockbroker | 2 episodes |
| 1998 | Seinfeld | Bernie | Episode: "The Finale" |
| 1998 | Talent | David | |
| 1999 | Time Served | Computer Hacker | TV movie |
| 2000 | The Bogus Witch Project | Bob Zombie | TV movie, (segment "In the Woods Segments") |
| 2000 | The Specials | Mr. Smart | |
| 2000 | The Near Future | Virgil | TV movie |
| 2001 | The Drew Carey Show | Earl | 2 episodes |
| 2001 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Worker | Episode: "The Car Salesman" |
| 2003 | Melvin Goes to Dinner | Minor Role | |
| 2003 | Matchstick Men | Bartender | |
| 2004 | 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover | ||
| 2004 | The Shield | Detective Camara | Episode: "Posse Up" |
| 2005 | Prison Break | ER Doctor | Episode: "Odd Man Out" |
| 2005 | Real Time with Bill Maher | Larry Fessman | 1 episode |
| 2006 | Let's Go to Prison | Sgt. Barker | (final film role) |
References
- "Obituary for Jim Zulevic". variety.com. January 17, 2006.
- "The Jim Zulevic Interview". zulkey.com.