J. Elvis Weinstein
Encyclopedia
Josh "J. Elvis" Weinstein is an American
writer and performer, best known for his roles as Dr. Laurence Erhardt and the original puppeteer and voice for Tom Servo
on Mystery Science Theater 3000
.
writer Josh Weinstein
.
The two are frequently confused nonetheless. Weinstein worked on Mystery Science Theater 3000 during its original appearance on Minneapolis UHF station KTMA-TV from 1988 to 1989, and its first season on Comedy Central
(then called the Comedy Channel) from 1989 to 1990. However, a significant age gap existed between him and the other cast members; he was only 17 when he joined the show, having been recruited by Joel from his "Stand Up and Smartology" comedy classes. This ultimately led to Weinstein feeling unhappy with the more professional approach to the show the move to the Comedy Channel demanded, and caused him to leave the show.
. He has also been the head writer for NBC's late night show Later with Greg Kinnear, and America's Funniest Home Videos
.
Weinstein has an extensive background in stand-up comedy; he has performed over a thousand shows as a stand-up comedian, and has also written material for Garry Shandling
, Dennis Miller
, Roseanne Barr
, Louie Anderson
and other comedians. He is currently the president of Stinkburger Inc.
He also appeared in the 2010 science fiction computer game DARKSTAR - The Interactive Movie as Captain Cedrick Stone of the Galactic Discovery II.
announced he was starting a new show with the same "riffing on bad movies" premise as MST3K called Cinematic Titanic
, together with former MST3K cast and crew members Weinstein, Trace Beaulieu
, Frank Conniff
and Mary Jo Pehl
.
As of November 2010, he continues to tour with Cinematic Titanic.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
writer and performer, best known for his roles as Dr. Laurence Erhardt and the original puppeteer and voice for Tom Servo
Tom Servo
Tom Servo is a fictional character from the American science fiction comedy television show Mystery Science Theater 3000 . Tom is one of two wise-cracking, robotic main characters of the show, built by Joel Robinson to act as a companion and help stave off space madness as Joel was forced to watch...
on Mystery Science Theater 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Mystery Science Theater 3000 is an American cult television comedy series created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Best Brains, Inc., that ran from 1988 to 1999....
.
Mystery Science Theater 3000
Weinstein was one of the founding writers/performers of the show in 1988 at the age of 17. He changed his professional name from "Josh" to "J. Elvis" to avoid confusion with former SimpsonsThe Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
writer Josh Weinstein
Josh Weinstein
Josh Weinstein is an American television writer and producer, known for his work on the animated comedy series The Simpsons. Weinstein and Bill Oakley became best friends and writing partners at St. Albans High School; Weinstein then attended Stanford University and was editor-in-chief of the...
.
The two are frequently confused nonetheless. Weinstein worked on Mystery Science Theater 3000 during its original appearance on Minneapolis UHF station KTMA-TV from 1988 to 1989, and its first season on Comedy Central
Comedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
(then called the Comedy Channel) from 1989 to 1990. However, a significant age gap existed between him and the other cast members; he was only 17 when he joined the show, having been recruited by Joel from his "Stand Up and Smartology" comedy classes. This ultimately led to Weinstein feeling unhappy with the more professional approach to the show the move to the Comedy Channel demanded, and caused him to leave the show.
Work after MST3K
After leaving Mystery Science Theater 3000, he went on to become a writer for My Guide to Becoming a Rock Star, Malcolm and Eddie, and the critically acclaimed NBC dramedy Freaks and GeeksFreaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks is an American teen comedy-drama television series, created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, that aired on NBC during the 1999–2000 television season...
. He has also been the head writer for NBC's late night show Later with Greg Kinnear, and America's Funniest Home Videos
America's Funniest Home Videos
America's Funniest Home Videos is an American reality television program on ABC in which viewers are able to send in humorous homemade videotapes. The most common videos usually feature slapstick physical comedy arising from incidents, accidents and mishaps...
.
Weinstein has an extensive background in stand-up comedy; he has performed over a thousand shows as a stand-up comedian, and has also written material for Garry Shandling
Garry Shandling
Garry Emmanuel Shandling is an American comedian, actor and writer. He is best known for his work in It's Garry Shandling's Show and The Larry Sanders Show....
, Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller is an American stand-up comedian, political commentator, actor, sports commentator, and television and radio personality. He is known for his critical assessments laced with pop culture references...
, Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Cherrie Barr is an American actress, comedian, writer, television producer and director. Barr began her career in stand-up comedy at clubs before gaining fame for her role in the sitcom Roseanne. The show was a hit and lasted nine seasons, from 1988 to 1997...
, Louie Anderson
Louie Anderson
Louie Perry Anderson is an American stand-up comedian. Anderson created the cartoon series Life with Louie, has written three books, and was the initial host of the second revival of the game show Family Feud, from 1999 to 2002....
and other comedians. He is currently the president of Stinkburger Inc.
He also appeared in the 2010 science fiction computer game DARKSTAR - The Interactive Movie as Captain Cedrick Stone of the Galactic Discovery II.
Cinematic Titanic
On October 30, 2007, Joel HodgsonJoel Hodgson
Joel Gordon Hodgson is an American writer, comedian and television actor. He is best known for creating Mystery Science Theater 3000 and starring in it as the character Joel Robinson. In 2007 MST3K was listed as "one of the top 100 television shows of all time" by Time.com...
announced he was starting a new show with the same "riffing on bad movies" premise as MST3K called Cinematic Titanic
Cinematic Titanic
Cinematic Titanic is a project by Mystery Science Theater 3000 creator and original host, Joel Hodgson.The project involves "riffing" B-movies, in a manner similar to that of MST3K....
, together with former MST3K cast and crew members Weinstein, Trace Beaulieu
Trace Beaulieu
Trace Beaulieu is an American puppeteer, writer, and actor. He is best known for his roles on Mystery Science Theater 3000 .-Mystery Science Theater 3000:...
, Frank Conniff
Frank Conniff
Frank Conniff is a writer and actor who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of TV's Frank on Mystery Science Theater 3000 .-Early work:...
and Mary Jo Pehl
Mary Jo Pehl
Mary Joseph Pehl born February 27, 1960 in Circle Pines, Minnesota, is an American writer, actress and comedienne. She is best known for her various roles on the television series Mystery Science Theater 3000.-Mystery Science Theater 3000:...
.
As of November 2010, he continues to tour with Cinematic Titanic.