Rich Talarico is a Peabody® Award winner who boasts four Emmy® nominations, and four Writers Guild Award noms.

Rich is an established writer/producer best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P favorites Substitute Teacher, Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice and more. Rich wrote and produced on MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review.

Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City. Rich went on to tour with SC’s National Touring Company and later co-created five original sketch comedy revues with SC’s Etc., and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich was a performer and teacher at Improv Olympic (Now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich played on the Improv Olympic house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring” – co-created long-form improv shows like “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters,” and “Dasariski.”

Rich has appeared in featured roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant.

“Rich Talarico is one of  the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”

— Tina Fey

“As a teacher, Rich brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind—a cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.” 

— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”