Gelman was born and raised in Highland Park, Illinois. Gelman\'s father was a photo salesman. He was raised Jewish and has a younger sister who is a speech pathologist.

Gelman graduated from Highland Park High School. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he received classical training in theater.

After college, Gelman moved to New York City with fellow schoolmate, actor Jon Daly. While in New York, Gelman was a regular performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, as part of the duo Cracked Out, improv group Monkey Dick, and sketch group Mr. A$$.

Return to Brett Gelman Autograph Profile