Jonathan Katz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jonathan Katz
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Katz in 2006
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Jonathan Paul Katz
December 1, 1946 New York City, New York, U.S.
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Jonathan Paul Katz (born December 1, 1946) is an American actor and comedian. He is famous for his voice acting, especially as the main character in the animated TV show Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist. He also voiced Erik Robbins in the TV series Home Movies. Today, he creates a podcast called Hey, We're Back.
Early Life and Friendships
Jonathan Katz was born into a Jewish family. His father, Sidney Roosevelt Katz, worked for a large group of worker unions called the AFL-CIO. His mother, Julia, passed away when he was young. Jonathan has shared that his father sometimes told jokes, which he later used in his own comedy.
Katz is a close friend of the writer David Mamet. They both went to Goddard College together. Jonathan Katz helped write a movie called House of Games with Mamet. He also had small acting roles in several movies directed by Mamet, such as Things Change and State and Main.
Before becoming a well-known actor and comedian, Katz was a musician. He led a rhythm and blues band called "Katz and Jammers." He also worked as the music director for comedian Robin Williams' stand-up comedy tour in 1979. In 1998, he released a blues music album called Brandon Project.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis
In 1996, Jonathan Katz was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. He first noticed symptoms while working on a TV show. He realized he needed a "head start" when taking a curtain call after each episode.
At first, Katz tried to keep his condition a secret. However, he found it too difficult to hide. He decided to share his diagnosis publicly. Now, he often speaks about living with MS to help others. He uses a motorized scooter to get around and a cane when performing. Katz believes it is easier to live with MS openly than to pretend it isn't there.
Comedy Career and Shows
Jonathan Katz is best known for his animated TV show Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist. This show aired on Comedy Central from 1995 to 2002. In the show, Katz played a therapist whose patients were often other famous comedians and actors. He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1995 for his voice acting on the show.
He also created another TV show called Raising Dad in 2001. You can hear his voice in the animated series Home Movies. This show had many connections to Dr. Katz.
In 2007, Katz talked about how proud he was of Dr. Katz. He said he hoped his best work wasn't behind him, but if it was, he was glad it was Dr. Katz. That same year, he released a stand-up comedy album called Caffeinated. In 2009, he narrated a comedy movie about the band The Cars.
In 2011, he starred as Jon Gold in a web series called Explosion Bus. This show was created by Tom Snyder. In 2012, Katz taught a comedy class at Brandeis University. He also appeared on a podcast called Ken Reid's TV Guidance Counselor Podcast in 2014.
