Johnny Pemberton doesn’t just tell jokes—he kind of wanders into them sideways, rearranges the furniture, and leaves you wondering how you got there. Born June 1, 1981, in Rochester, Minnesota, Pemberton has built a career on offbeat timing, oddball characters, and a voice that sounds like it’s permanently tuned to a frequency only he can hear.

He first grabbed wider attention with his role as Delroy in 21 Jump Street and its sequel 22 Jump Street. In a film packed with big personalities, Pemberton managed to stand out by doing what he does best—leaning into the weird just enough to make it unforgettable.

On television, he took center stage in Son of Zorn, playing Alan, the mild-mannered son of an animated barbarian warlord. Yes, that sentence is real. The show mixed live action with animation, and Pemberton played the straight-faced anchor in a world that made absolutely no sense. Sadly, it lasted just one season. Television can be ruthless, especially when you’re raising a cartoon Viking dad.

If you’ve watched Superstore, you know him as Bo Derek Thompson—the enthusiastic, slightly clueless aspiring rapper with a heart of gold and questionable judgment. Bo became a fan favorite because Pemberton committed 100% to the character’s chaotic energy.

Voice acting? Of course. His distinctive vocal style has popped up in animated favorites like Bob's Burgers and Adventure Time. When you have a voice that unique, animation studios tend to notice.

Stand-up is where Pemberton’s true experimental streak shines. His live performances are unpredictable, surreal, and occasionally feel like a dream you’re not sure you fully understand—but you’re laughing anyway. He’s performed at major festivals like Just for Laughs in Montreal, building a loyal following in the alternative comedy scene.

Outside comedy, Pemberton is deeply into music. He DJs and has a real appreciation for electronic and experimental sounds. That rhythmic sense carries into his comedy—there’s a musicality to his delivery, even when he’s riffing on something completely absurd.

He’s also environmentally conscious, incorporating sustainability into his lifestyle and speaking about eco-friendly practices. It’s a thoughtful contrast to the wild characters he plays—proof that behind the chaos is a guy who actually cares about the planet.

Like many creative risk-takers, not every project has been a runaway hit. Shows get canceled. Pilots don’t land. Hollywood trends shift. But Pemberton’s career has shown adaptability. He doesn’t chase mainstream polish—he carves out his own lane and invites you along for the ride.

On June 1, we celebrate a comedian who proves that normal is overrated, weird is wonderful, and sometimes the funniest path is the one that makes the least sense at first glance.

Happy Birthday, Johnny Pemberton. Please never become predictable.