Overview
Frederick "Fred" Stoller (born March 19, 1958) is an American entertainer whose work spans stand-up comedy, television and film acting, voice performance and comedy writing. He is widely recognized for recurring parts on network sitcoms and for frequent guest appearances that capitalize on his dry, self‑deprecating comic persona. Beyond acting, Stoller has contributed scripts for popular series and provided voices for animated features.
Career and roles
Stoller's career blends several disciplines. As a stand‑up comedian he developed a nervous, observational style. As an actor he has been cast repeatedly in small but memorable roles on sitcoms and dramas. He also works as a writer, including television scripts for prominent comedy shows. His profile grew through a recurring part on the sitcom Everyone Loves Raymond, and through many one‑off or short recurring appearances on other series.
Film and voice work
On film and in animation Stoller has several credits. He has appeared in feature comedies and lent his voice to family animated projects. Notable credits include roles in various films, participation in the animated Open Season projects and association with the wider Open Season franchise. He also had a part in the comedy Austin Powers in Goldmember. His voice work and timing suited him to supporting parts in both theatrical and direct‑to‑video animation.
Television guest appearances and writing
Stoller is a familiar face on television, often appearing as a guest star on family and comedy series. Examples of shows he has appeared on include Disney comedies like Wizards of Waverly Place and Hannah Montana, the sitcom Dharma & Greg, the landmark comedy Seinfeld, and the medical comedy Scrubs. In addition to performing, he also wrote two episodes of Seinfeld, reflecting his dual talents as comedian and scriptwriter.
Style, reputation and notable facts
Stoller is frequently cast as a nervous, awkward or conversationally frank character, a type that leverages his stand‑up persona. Over decades he has become a reliable character actor on American television, known for brief but memorable turns. His work demonstrates the crossover between stand‑up comedy and television writing: many comedians in his generation moved between performing and scripting for sitcoms.
Selected appearances
- Seinfeld — guest actor and contributing writer
- Two episodes credited as writer for Seinfeld
- Feature films including Austin Powers in Goldmember
- Open Season and other animated projects in the Open Season franchise
- Television guest roles on Wizards of Waverly Place, Hannah Montana, Dharma & Greg, and Scrubs
- Ongoing work as a stand‑up performer and occasional writer/actor hybrid projects
Fred Stoller's career illustrates how versatility in comedy—stand‑up, character acting, voice work and television writing—can create steady work and a recognizable presence in popular American television and family entertainment.