"I'm Dying Up Here" is a captivating dive into the vibrant and gritty stand-up comedy scene of 1970s Los Angeles, bringing to life both the humor and the hardships of those chasing laughs and dreams. With powerful performances from Melissa Leo as the seasoned Goldie and Ari Graynor as the driven Cassie Feder, the series delivers richly developed characters wrestling with ambition, vulnerability, and the cost of success in a high-pressure creative world. The show's emotional tone balances sharp wit and poignant drama, offering an authentic portrayal of the complexities behind comedy's curtain. It's especially compelling for viewers interested in character-driven dramas, the art of comedy, and stories about perseverance, making it a must-watch for fans of emotional realism blended with humor.
Ran for 2 seasons.
Main Cast of I'm Dying Up Here
Melissa Leo
Goldie
Melissa Leo played a compelling role in the TV series "I'm Dying Up Here," where she portrayed Goldie Herschlag, a seasoned comedy club owner. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and authenticity, bringing a gritty realism to the show's depiction of the stand-up comedy scene in the 1970s. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to balance toughness with vulnerability, embodying a character who is both a mentor and a fierce protector of her comedians. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that Melissa Leo drew inspiration from real-life comedy club owners she met during her research, which helped her deliver such a nuanced performance. Additionally, behind the scenes, Leo was known for her dedication to developing her character, often engaging in extensive discussions with the writers to ensure the authenticity of Goldie's journey throughout the series.
Ari Graynor
Cassie Feder
Ari Graynor played the character Cassie Feder in the TV series "I'm Dying Up Here," a show that explores the stand-up comedy scene in the 1970s. Cassie is a talented and ambitious comedian navigating the challenges of the male-dominated comedy club circuit. This role allowed Graynor to showcase a blend of sharp wit and emotional depth, highlighting her versatility beyond the often comedic or supporting characters she portrayed earlier in her career. Compared to her previous roles, her performance in "I'm Dying Up Here" stood out because it required a more nuanced, dramatic portrayal while still maintaining comedic timing, marking a significant step in her transition to more complex and leading roles.
Clark Duke
Ron Shack
Clark Duke portrayed Bill Hobbs in the TV series 'I'm Dying Up Here,' a character immersed in the 1970s stand-up comedy scene in Los Angeles. This role marked a departure from his earlier work, which often centered around comedic and supporting parts in films and lighter TV roles. Playing Bill Hobbs allowed Duke to explore a more dramatic and nuanced character, showcasing his range as an actor beyond the comedic roles that initially defined his career. His performance stood out due to its depth and the way he embodied the complex emotions of a struggling comedian during a pivotal era in comedy, highlighting his versatility and growth as an actor.
Michael Angarano
Eddie Zeidel
Michael Angarano played the character Eddie Zeidel in the TV series 'I'm Dying Up Here,' a drama centered around the stand-up comedy scene in 1970s Los Angeles. This role was a significant departure from some of his earlier, more lighthearted or independent film roles, allowing Angarano to delve into a complex, character-driven narrative within a dramatic ensemble cast. His portrayal of a struggling comedian navigating the challenges of show business added depth to the series and showcased his range as an actor. Compared to his better-known roles, this performance stood out due to its nuanced exploration of ambition, vulnerability, and resilience in a vibrant yet cutthroat entertainment world, marking a mature phase in his career.
RJ Cyler
Adam Proteau
Fans of RJ Cyler might enjoy his role in the TV series 'I'm Dying Up Here' because it allows him to showcase his range beyond his most iconic performance as the empathetic and spirited blue-suited superhero in '
Power Rangers Blue Ranger.' In 'I'm Dying Up Here,' Cyler takes on a more nuanced and mature character, diving into the complexities of the stand-up comedy scene in 1970s Los Angeles. This role highlights his dramatic capabilities, contrasting with the action-packed and youthful energy of the Power Rangers. An interesting detail is that Cyler's character in 'I'm Dying Up Here' is inspired by real-life comedians from that era, adding an authentic touch that fans might find both surprising and engaging.
Erik Griffin
Ralph King
Erik Griffin plays Lou, a stand-up comic, in the television series "I'm Dying Up Here." This role highlights his ability to blend comedic timing with dramatic elements, fitting well within his career as a comedian and actor known for stand-up comedy and roles in comedy series. Unlike his earlier, more comedic-focused work such as his role in "The Eric Andre Show" or stand-up specials, Lou in "I'm Dying Up Here" offers Griffin a chance to showcase a more nuanced and grounded character navigating the challenges of the comedy world in the 1970s. This performance stands out by deepening his acting range, balancing humor with pathos, and contributing to a dramatic ensemble cast, which differs from the primarily humor-driven roles he has been known for before.
Andrew Santino
Bill Hobbs
Sebastian Stan
Clay Appuzzo
Al Madrigal
Edgar Martinez
Stephen Guarino
Sully
Joel Kelley Dauten
Gabe Schwartz
Victoria Park
Kim
Crew of I'm Dying Up Here
Full backstage crew list →