Bo Burnham, born Robert Pickering Burnham on August 21, 1990, in Hamilton, Massachusetts, is a multi-talented American comedian, singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and director. He first gained widespread recognition through his satirical, often politically charged songs on YouTube and has since expanded his career to include stand-up comedy specials, films, and directing. With a net worth of $4 million as of 2024, Burnham has proven himself a versatile artist capable of captivating audiences across a range of platforms.
Personal Info:
- Full Name: Robert Pickering Burnham
- Date of Birth: August 21, 1990
- Place of Birth: Hamilton, Massachusetts, USA
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2024)
- Occupation: Comedian, Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Actor, Director
- Net Worth: $4 million (as of 2024)
- Education: Saint John\’s Preparatory School
- Famous For: Viral YouTube videos, Stand-up specials (Words Words Words, Make Happy, Inside), Directing Eighth Grade
- Partner: Phoebe Bridgers
- Notable Awards: Three Primetime Emmys, Grammy Award, Writers Guild of America Award
- Notable Films: Eighth Grade (writer/director), Promising Young Woman (actor)
- Musical Comedy Specials: What, Make Happy, Bo Burnham: Inside (2021)
Early Life and Education
Born to Patricia Burnham, a hospice nurse, and Scott Burnham, who owned a construction company, Bo Burnham grew up as the youngest of three children. His comedic talent was evident from an early age, as he would perform skits for his family at just three years old. Raised in Hamilton, Massachusetts, Bo was influenced by the humor of legends like George Carlin and Richard Pryor. He attended Saint John\’s Preparatory School and after graduating in 2008, he was accepted into New York University\’s Tisch School of the Arts. However, Burnham deferred his enrollment to focus on his rapidly growing YouTube career.
YouTube Fame and Comedy Career
Bo Burnham’s ascent to fame began in 2006 when he uploaded two comedic songs to YouTube, which were initially intended for his family. The videos quickly went viral, earning him an ever-growing audience for his humorous takes on topics like adolescence, politics, and social issues. His “pubescent musical comedy” struck a chord, and Burnham continued to release more songs, filming and recording everything from his family’s home.
In 2008, Burnham became the youngest person ever to record a special for Comedy Central\’s The World Stands Up. He soon signed a four-album deal with Comedy Central Records, and in June 2008, he released his first EP Bo Fo Sho as a digital album. His full-length debut album, Bo Burnham, followed in 2009, solidifying his place as one of comedy’s rising stars.
Stand-Up Specials and Continued Success
Burnham’s stand-up career took off with his first hour-long special, Words Words Words, which was filmed in 2010 at the House of Blues in Boston. The special aired on Comedy Central and was praised for its clever wordplay and biting satire. He followed it up with the release of What in 2013, which was made available on Netflix and YouTube simultaneously, further expanding his fan base.
In 2016, Burnham released Make Happy, a critically acclaimed Netflix special in which he tackled themes like fame, mental health, and societal pressures with his signature blend of humor and music. After a five-year hiatus from stand-up, Burnham made a triumphant return in 2021 with Bo Burnham: Inside, a self-filmed Netflix special created entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inside was lauded for its introspective and inventive approach, winning three Primetime Emmys and a Grammy Award.
Film Career and Directing
In addition to his success in comedy, Burnham has also made waves in the film industry. In 2009, he appeared in Judd Apatow’s film Funny People, but it was his work behind the camera that earned him critical acclaim. Burnham wrote and directed his first feature film, Eighth Grade, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018. The film, a raw and empathetic look at the trials of adolescence, was universally praised and won Burnham the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing of a First-Time Feature Film.
In 2020, Burnham appeared in the Oscar-nominated black comedy Promising Young Woman, playing Ryan Cooper, a pediatric surgeon and love interest to Carey Mulligan’s character. The film earned widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Burnham has also directed comedy specials for other comedians, including Jerrod Carmichael: 8 and Chris Rock: Tambourine on Netflix, showcasing his versatility behind the camera.
Personal Life
Bo Burnham has often kept his personal life out of the spotlight, though he was in a relationship with filmmaker Lorene Scafaria from 2013 to 2022. He is currently dating musician Phoebe Bridgers, with whom he shares a strong creative bond.
Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2024, Bo Burnham’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, a testament to his success across various forms of media. From his early days as a YouTube sensation to his current status as a critically acclaimed comedian, writer, and filmmaker, Burnham’s career continues to evolve. His work, marked by sharp wit, social commentary, and an ability to reflect on the human condition, has cemented him as one of the most innovative entertainers of his generation.
