Todd Stashwick was born in Chicago and spent his childhood in the suburbs just outside the city. From a young age, he was drawn to making people laugh and aspired to perform at the renowned Second City in Chicago. After graduating from Illinois State University with a degree in theatre, he began performing at local improvisational theaters, and his dream came true when he was hired to tour nationally with The Second City in 1992.
Following his work with The Second City, Stashwick moved to New York and formed a company of improvisers, staging the critically acclaimed "Burn Manhattan" in various locations around the city. The production featured a talented cast, including Kate Walsh, Jeremy Piven, and Spencer Kayden.
In addition to his work in improvisational theatre, Stashwick worked on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" from 1997 to 2000, performing as part of the show's rotating cast of comedy actors.
As his career progressed, Stashwick transitioned to work in television and film, eventually moving to Los Angeles where he landed roles in pilots, series, and films.
Despite his success in other fields, Stashwick remains true to his improvisational roots and continues to produce, perform, and teach at his own improvisational theatre, The Hothouse, which he co-founded in North Hollywood. He also performs annually with the Macabre improv cabaret The Doubtful Guests, who recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary.
Stashwick has also taught and performed his unique style of avant-garde improvisation internationally, including directing a show in Liverpool called "Hoof!," which still tours throughout Europe.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Stashwick is also the writer and co-creator of the online action/horror web comic 'Devil Inside,' which he publishes weekly on his website. The comic has brought him to comic book conventions across the country with his collaborator, comic book artist Dennis Calero.
In his personal life, Stashwick resides in Los Angeles with his wife Charity, whom he married in 1997 in the middle of Times Square in front of 20 close family members and friends, as well as all of New York City. The couple has two children and shares their home with two dogs, two cats, and a conure (small parrot).
When he's not working, Stashwick enjoys surfing, playing the ukulele, and writing screenplays and pilots. He's an avid TV fan and a huge film buff, with a love for shows like Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Doctor Who, as well as films like Star Wars, There Will be Blood, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. A self-proclaimed geek, he can often be found playing video games with his son or immersed in a comic book.
Stashwick has been a vegetarian since 1988 and loves traveling overseas whenever his schedule permits. A self-proclaimed Anglophile, he has a deep appreciation for English comedy, music, and television.