# Harrison Greenbaum

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**Harrison Greenbaum** (born September 14, 1986) is an American stand-up comedian and comedy writer.

## Early life

Greenbaum was born in [Manhattan, New York](/source/Manhattan,_New_York), and grew up in [Woodmere, New York](/source/Woodmere,_New_York), on [Long Island](/source/Long_Island,_New_York). He graduated as valedictorian of his class at [Lawrence High School](/source/Lawrence_High_School_(New_York)).[1]

Harrison's mother, Pamela Greenbaum, stated in 2010 that Harrison's paternal grandmother "told the serious stories about the Holocaust camps" while his paternal grandfather Henry Greenbaum, also a Holocaust survivor, “told the humorous stories." Harrison's father, Steven Greenbaum, is "a New York City director of real estate."[1]

Greenbaum attended [Harvard](/source/Harvard), where he graduated summa cum laude in 2008 and won the 2006 Visiting Committee Prize for Undergraduate Book Collecting for his collection of magic books.[2][3] He also won the Gordon W. Allport Prize for his psychology thesis, "'Did you hear the one about the...?': The effect of racial humor on prejudice."[4]

While at [Harvard](/source/Harvard), Greenbaum co-founded the Harvard College Stand-Up Comic Society.[5][6][7]

## Career

Greenbaum has performed at many of the leading comedy clubs throughout the world including [Carolines on Broadway](/source/Carolines_on_Broadway), [Gotham Comedy Club](/source/Gotham_Comedy_Club), Comix NY, [Comic Strip Live](/source/Comic_Strip_Live), and the [Laugh Factory](/source/Laugh_Factory), and is a regular at the [Comedy Cellar](/source/Comedy_Cellar).[8]

He was the first-ever comedian or comedy magician to headline a [Cirque du Soleil](/source/Cirque_du_Soleil) show, [Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple](/source/Cirque_du_Soleil's_Mad_Apple), at the [New York-New York Hotel and Casino](/source/New_York-New_York_Hotel_and_Casino) in Las Vegas.[9][10][11]

Harrison Greenbaum's solo comedy and magic show, titled "Harrison Greenbaum: What Just Happened?", premiered at the [Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre](/source/Upright_Citizens_Brigade_Theatre) in New York City, marking the venue's first magic show. The show then had an [Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Broadway) run and embarked on an international tour, with performances at the [Kennedy Center](/source/John_F._Kennedy_Center_for_the_Performing_Arts) in Washington, D.C., the [Magic Castle](/source/Magic_Castle) in Hollywood, California, and the [Comedy Cellar](/source/Comedy_Cellar) in New York City, where it was also the first magic show to be performed at the venue. Additionally, the show was the first magic show featured at the [National Comedy Center](/source/National_Comedy_Center) in [Jamestown](/source/Jamestown,_New_York), New York, a museum and cultural institution dedicated to comedy.[12]

### Television

In 2013, Greenbaum was the [warm-up comedian](/source/Warm-up_comedian) for the first season of *[Katie](/source/Katie_(talk_show))*, [Katie Couric](/source/Katie_Couric)'s talk show on [ABC](/source/American_Broadcasting_Company),[13][14] and a producer on *[Would You Fall for That?](/source/Would_You_Fall_for_That%3F)* on ABC.

He was also featured in the first season of *[Gotham Comedy Live](/source/Gotham_Comedy_Club)* on [AXS.TV](/source/AXS.TV) and in the special *Gotham Comedy Live* episode, "Best of Season 4: New York, the City that Never Bleeps".

In 2014, Greenbaum was a special guest on *[Brain Games](/source/Brain_Games)* on [National Geographic Channel](/source/National_Geographic_Channel).

In 2015, Greenbaum was a semi-finalist on *[Last Comic Standing](/source/Last_Comic_Standing)* on [NBC](/source/NBC).

In 2017, Greenbaum auditioned for *[America's Got Talent](/source/America's_Got_Talent)* on [NBC](/source/NBC), performing stand-up comedy.[15]

In 2018, Greenbaum performed on *[Conan](/source/Conan_(talk_show))* on [TBS](/source/TBS_(U.S._TV_channel)).[16]

In 2022, Greenbaum was featured on *[Sherri](/source/Sherri_(talk_show))*.[17]

### Hosting

Greenbaum was an official co-host of the 2010 Times Square New Year's Eve World Wide Webcast[18][19][20][21][22] and was the host of the [New York Innovative Theatre Awards](/source/New_York_Innovative_Theatre_Awards), held at Cooper Union's Great Hall in 2011[23][24][25] and at Kaye Playhouse in 2012.[26] [27]

Greenbaum is a writer for *[MAD Magazine](/source/MAD_Magazine)*.[2][28]

### Awards and recognition

Greenbaum is the winner of the 2010 [Andy Kaufman](/source/Andy_Kaufman) Award,[29][30][31] given in recognition of creativity and originality in comedy. He is also the winner of the 2011 Magners Comic Stand-Off and a 2011 [Shorty Award](/source/Shorty_Award) for excellence in short-form social media (i.e. [Twitter](/source/Twitter)).[32] Greenbaum was named one of 2010's "Comics to Watch" by Comedy Central[33][34] and one of the "Best of the Breakout Artists" by [Carolines on Broadway](/source/Carolines_on_Broadway) and *[Punchline Magazine](/source/Punchline_Magazine)*.[35] As part of Carolines' Breakout Artists Series, Greenbaum headlined the club, becoming the first performer to sell out a "Breakout" show. Greenbaum became a member of the [New York Friars' Club](/source/New_York_Friars'_Club) in 2009, making him one of the youngest people ever inducted into the legendary club. On August 5, 2017, Greenbaum was awarded the Clarke Crandall Award for Comedy at the 80th Abbott's Magic Get-Together in Colon, Michigan, the Magic Capital of the World.

## References

1. [Building a lifelong comedy laugh track](http://liherald.com/fivetowns/stories/Building-a-lifelong-comedy-laugh-track-,27101)

1. Ullian, Adam (2009-10-19). ["Jokes up his sleeve"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305132055/http://www.harrisongreenbaum.com/amNewYork19Nov2009.pdf). *amNew York*. p. 20. Archived from [the original](http://www.harrisongreenbaum.com/amNewYork19Nov2009.pdf) on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2010-04-07.

1. ["Visiting Committee Prize for Undergraduate Book Collecting - Lamont Library - Harvard College Library"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035514/http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/lamont/book_collecting_prize.cfm). Archived from [the original](http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/lamont/book_collecting_prize.cfm) on 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2012-02-12.

1. ["Prizes | Psychology Undergraduate Program"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160318231221/http://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/book/prizes). Archived from [the original](http://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/book/prizes) on 2016-03-18. Retrieved 2016-03-15.

1. Zaino III, Nick (2007-10-05). ["Festival is Happy Helping Rising Stars"](http://archive.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2007/10/05/festival_is_happy_helping_rising_stars/). *[The Boston Globe](/source/The_Boston_Globe)*. Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. Howell, Daniel (2007-10-12). ["No Hecklers Here: Stand-Up Society Takes the Stage"](http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2007/10/12/no-hecklers-here-stand-up-society-takes/). *[Harvard Crimson](/source/Harvard_Crimson)*. Retrieved 2010-03-04.

1. Kearney, Joshua (2006-12-07). ["First Stand Up Show Very Risqué"](http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2006/12/7/first-stand-up-show-very-risque/). *[Harvard Crimson](/source/Harvard_Crimson)*. Retrieved 2010-03-04.

1. ["Harrison's Tour Schedule"](http://www.harrisongreenbaum.com/tourdates.html). Harrison Greenbaum. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090421002703/http://harrisongreenbaum.com/tourdates.html) 2009-04-21 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2009-04-05.

1. ["Mad Apple at New York-New York Hotel & Casino | Buy tickets | Cirque du Soleil"](https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/mad-apple). *www.cirquedusoleil.com*. Retrieved 2022-10-25.

1. Veness, Susan and Simon (2022-05-28). ["'Mad Apple' by Cirque du Soleil celebrates New York City's culture"](https://attractionsmagazine.com/mad-apple-by-cirque-du-soleil-celebrates-new-york-citys-culture-in-las-vegas-debut/). *[Attractions Magazine](/source/Attractions_Magazine)*. Retrieved 2022-10-25.

1. Radke, Brad (2023-07-06). ["'Mad Apple' by Cirque du Soleil celebrates New York City's culture"](https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2023/jul/06/comedian-harrison-greenbaum-mad-apple/). *Las Vegas Weekly*. Retrieved 2024-01-04.

1. ["Harrison Greenbaum"](https://www.newyorkmagicians.live/the-magicians/harrison-greenbaum). *New York Magicians*. Retrieved 2024-04-26.

1. Heyman, Marshall (2012-12-31). ["At Carolines, Laughing the Year Away"](https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324274404578211624095767896). *The Wall Street Journal*. Retrieved 2013-01-20.

1. ["Whitney Kropp and Katie Uffens Backstage at "Katie": "Katie" comedian Harrison catches up with Whitney and Katie after the show"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121113151742/http://www.katiecouric.com/behind-the-scenes/whitney-kropp-and-katie-uffens-on-opening-up-on-katie/). *KatieCouric.com*. 2012-10-02. Archived from [the original](http://www.katiecouric.com/behind-the-scenes/whitney-kropp-and-katie-uffens-on-opening-up-on-katie/) on 2012-11-13. Retrieved 2013-01-20.

1. ["Harrison Greenbaum: Comedian Comes Out As A Comic To His Parents - America's Got Talent 2017"](https://www.youtube.com/jitOdaNZZVw) on YouTube

1. ["Harrison Greenbaum: America Is #1 In Personal Lightning Strikes - CONAN on TBS"](https://www.youtube.com/_c-4OVFHpaM) on YouTube

1. ["Life’s a Circus for Harrison Greenbaum"](https://www.youtube.com/Qkpe6-VBmLM) on YouTube

1. Cardoza, Gonzolo. ["Comedians Predict What 2010 Has In Store for Us"](http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/12/29/comedians-predict-what-2010-has-in-store-for-us). [Comedy Central Insider](/source/Comedy_Central_Insider). Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. ["New Years Celebrations Available On-Demand"](http://www.livestream.com/blog/?p=5179). Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. Times Square Alliance. ["Times Square New Year's Eve 2010 Press Release"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100211211721/http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/2010widgets.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/2010widgets.html) on 2010-02-11. Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. Taub, Eric (2009-12-16). ["Times Square Goes a Tweeting"](http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/times-square-goes-a-tweeting/). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. McCarthy, Sean. ["Harrison Greenbaum to co-host Times Square's first-ever New Year's Eve Webcast"](http://thecomicscomic.typepad.com/thecomicscomic/2009/12/harrison-greenbaum-to-cohost-times-squares-firstever-new-years-eve-webcast.html). Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. ["2011 Award Recipients"](http://www.nyitawards.com/news/newsitem.asp?storyid=242). New York Innovative Theatre Awards. Retrieved 2011-09-21.

1. Hetrick, Adam (2011-09-19). ["Innovative Theatre Awards Held Sept. 19; Susan Stroman and John Patrick Shanley Are Presenters"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110925190946/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154669-Innovative-Theatre-Awards-Held-Sept-19-Susan-Stroman-and-John-Patrick-Shanley-Are-Presenters). *Playbill.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154669-Innovative-Theatre-Awards-Held-Sept-19-Susan-Stroman-and-John-Patrick-Shanley-Are-Presenters) on 2011-09-25. Retrieved 2011-09-21.

1. Bacalzo, Dan (2011-09-14). ["Harrison Greenbaum, David Henry Hwang, Susan Stroman, et al. Set for IT Awards Ceremony"](http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/news/09-2011/harrison-greenbaum-david-henry-hwang-susan-stroman_40884.html). *TheaterMania.com*. Retrieved 2011-09-21.

1. BWW Newsdesk (2012-09-12). ["Comedian Harrison Greenbaum to Host 2012 Innovative Theater Awards, 9/24"](http://offoffbroadway.broadwayworld.com/article/Comedian-Harrison-Greenbaum-to-Host-2012-Innovative-Theatre-Awards-924-20120912). *OffOffBroadwayWorld.com*. Retrieved 2013-01-20.

1. Taylor, Jordyn (2012-09-25). ["2012 IT Awards Take Over Kaye Playhouse"](http://www.backstage.com/news/2012-it-awards-take-over-kaye-playhouse). *Backstage*. Retrieved 2013-01-20.

1. Slaubaugh, Mike. ["MAD Magazine Contributor Appearances"](http://users.pfw.edu/slaubau/mad/madcontributor.htm). Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. ["Andy Kaufman Award Official Website"](http://www.theandykaufmanaward.com). Retrieved 2010-11-14.

1. ["The Andy Kaufman Award Announces 2010 Winner: Harrison Greenbaum Receives Award for Outstanding Comedy Performance"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110716221029/http://theandykaufmanaward.com/pressreleases/Winner%20Announced%20Press%20Release.pdf). The Andy Kaufman Award. 2010-11-03. Archived from [the original](http://www.theandykaufmanaward.com/pressreleases/Winner%20Announced%20Press%20Release.pdf) on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-11-14.

1. Stage Time Magazine (2010-11-07). ["Comedian Harrison Greenbaum Named Winner of 2010 Andy Kaufman Award"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101228060124/http://www.stagetimemag.com/comedy/2010/11/07/comedian-harrison-greenbaum-named-winner-of-2010-andy-kaufman-award/). Archived from [the original](http://www.stagetimemag.com/comedy/2010/11/07/comedian-harrison-greenbaum-named-winner-of-2010-andy-kaufman-award/) on 2010-12-28. Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. ["#EmergingComedian finalists on how Twitter has changed their careers"](http://blog.shortyawards.com/post/12852895835/emergingcomedian-finalists-on-how-twitter-has-changed). *Official Shorty Awards Website*. 2011-11-15. Retrieved 2011-12-20.

1. ["Comedy Central and the New York Comedy Festival Team Up to Launch a Showcase of the Hottest Up-and-Coming Comedians"](http://www.comedycentral.com/press/press_releases/2010/071310_comics-to-watch.jhtml). Comedy Central. 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2010-11-14.

1. McCarthy, Sean (2010-11-01). ["Are you one of Comedy Central's Comics to Watch for 2010? Meet the lucky few at Carolines for the NYCF"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101104052751/http://www.thecomicscomic.com/2010/11/are-you-one-of-comedy-centrals-comics-to-watch-for-2010-meet-the-lucky-few-at-carolines-for-the-nycf.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.thecomicscomic.com/2010/11/are-you-one-of-comedy-centrals-comics-to-watch-for-2010-meet-the-lucky-few-at-carolines-for-the-nycf.html) on 2010-11-04. Retrieved 2010-02-25.

1. ["Carolines Breakout Artist: Harrison Greenbaum"](http://punchlinemagazine.com/site/carolines-breakout-artist-harrison-greenbaum/). Retrieved 2010-09-06.

## External links

- [Official website](http://www.harrisongreenbaum.com)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Harrison Greenbaum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Greenbaum) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Greenbaum?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.