Born in Chicago and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Frank Caliendo began his career in comedy shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin where he majored in Broadcast Journalism. Though he had spent the good part of his childhood entertaining friends and family with his uncanny impersonations, Caliendo had never considered earning a living from his talents.
During his youth, Caliendo dreamt of someday becoming a professional baseball player. In 1988, he was part of the prestigious Amateur Athletic Union/Junior Olympic National championship baseball team as a catcher and outfielder. From that competition, Caliendo was selected as a member of the AAU/All American baseball team. In 1992, Caliendo returned to the AAU National tournament and placed second. He was again chosen for the All American baseball team. After high school, due to injuries, Caliendo chose not to pursue a career in competitive sports, instead focusing his attention on academics.
His first job as an emcee at a local comedy club led to stand up comedy and within a short period of time he was headlining at comedy clubs around the country. Caliendo’s niche was found performing on the college comedy circuit. Within the past few years, he has performed at over 300 universities and was nominated for College Comedian and Entertainer of the Year by the National Association of Campus Activities.
Caliendo made his television series debut on last season’s “Hype,” a sketch comedy program that aired on the WB. He has also performed his unique blend of comedy and impersonations on NBC’s “Late Friday,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” the “Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” “The View,” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”
It was only a question of time before Caliendo would join another comedy television program. This year, he became a series regular on Fox’s “Mad TV.” Each week the young comedian displays his amazing array of impressions (including Robin Williams, Al Pacino and John Madden) and characterizations that undoubtedly add spark to each and every sketch. Caliendo has also crafted a significant national radio presence on morning shows across the country where his special brand of humor reaches millions of listeners.
Caliendo has also been seen as “John Madden” running for President, punching out Dennis Miller, barbequing with Emmanuel Lewis at Jimmy Kimmel’s house, and stuffing a chicken into a duck into a turkey into a cow on Kimmel’s “Pre-Game Picks segment on “The Fox NFL Pre-Game Show.”
In his limited spare time, Caliendo enjoys playing video games, watching sports, settling into his new home in the Hollywood Hills and working on his website with his brother, Terry.
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Frank Caliendo