{{Short description|American comedian and actor}} {{Infobox person | name = Kurt Metzger | image = Kurtmetzger (33781955922).jpg | image_size = 230px | caption = Metzger in 2016 | birth_name = Kurt Austin Metzger | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|5|24}} | birth_place = U.S. | occupation = {{hlist|Stand-up comedian|political commentator}} | years_active = 2003–present | website = {{URL|https://kurtmetzgercomedy.com/}} | module = {{Infobox comedian | embed = yes | medium = Stand-up, television, podcasting | genre = Observational comedy, dark comedy, shock humor, off-color humor, insult comedy, satire | subject = Everyday life, current events, politics, political correctness, pop culture, human behavior, race relations, racism, religion }} | module2 = {{Infobox social media personality | child=yes | instagram_handle = kurtmetzgercomedy | instagram_display_name = Kurt Metzger | instagram_years_active = 2018–present | instagram_genre = | instagram_followers = 74.9 thousand (December 5, 2025) | twitter_handle = kurtmetzger | twitter_display_name = | twitter_years_active = 2009–present | twitter_topic = Stand-up comedy, politics, current events and opinions | twitter_followers = 143.5 thousand (December 5, 2025) | youtube_id = UCnXoI0GGii2VbBRIIQ2bimw | youtube_display_name = Kurt Metzger | youtube_years_active = 2006–present | youtube_genre = | youtube_subscribers = 41.2 thousand (December 6, 2025) | youtube_views = 1.8 million (December 6, 2025) }} }} '''Kurt Austin Metzger''' (born May 24, 1977) is an American stand-up comedian, writer, actor, political commentator, podcaster and YouTube personality. He won an Emmy Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYXrlCJo8E|title=Inside Amy Schumer Win Variety Sketch Series at Emmy Awards 2015|date=September 20, 2015|via=YouTube}}</ref> and a Peabody Award<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/inside-amy-schumer|title=Inside Amy Schumer|website=www.peabodyawards.com|access-date=2018-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416203244/http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/inside-amy-schumer|archive-date=2015-04-16|url-status=live}}</ref> for his work on the television series ''Inside Amy Schumer''.
==Early life== Metzger was raised in Toms River, New Jersey.<ref>[http://thelaughbutton.com/albums/kurt-metzger-talks-young-people-sex-listen/ "Kurt Metzger talks to young people about sex, we should listen"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828191418/http://thelaughbutton.com/albums/kurt-metzger-talks-young-people-sex-listen/ |date=2019-08-28 }}, The Laugh Button, July 15, 2011. Accessed September 23, 2019. "Metzger kicks off the album talking about what he knows best, New Jersey and Guidos. As a Toms River native it's a subject Kurt spent most of his life learning the ways of these Jersey Shore phenomenon."</ref> He was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and became an ordained minister at the age of 17; he left the faith at about the age of 21.<ref name=COMEDYCENTRAL/><ref name=SKEPTIC>{{cite podcast |url=http://www.arishaffir.com/?p=1181 |title=Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank #24: Religiot |website=arishaffir.com |host=Ari Shaffir |date=September 28, 2011 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017033410/http://www.arishaffir.com/?p=1181 |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> As a child, he enjoyed watching ''An Evening at the Improv'' and ''Comic Strip Live''.<ref name="LAUGHSPIN2">{{cite web |last=King |first=Scott |date=July 18, 2011 |title=Interview: Kurt Metzger talks "trust fund pussy" comedians, Ugly Americans and more |url=http://www.laughspin.com/2011/07/18/interview-kurt-metzger-talks-trust-fund-pussy-comedians-ugly-americans-and-more/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204051739/http://www.laughspin.com/2011/07/18/interview-kurt-metzger-talks-trust-fund-pussy-comedians-ugly-americans-and-more/ |archive-date=December 4, 2011 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |work=laughspin.com |publisher=Punchline Magazine}}</ref>
==Career== [[File:Kurt Metzger.jpg|thumb|left|Metzger on the ''Ugly Americans'' panel in 2010 at San Diego Comic-Con in San Diego, California.]]Metzger first performed stand-up at The Stress Factory in New Brunswick, New Jersey, although he mainly performed in the Philadelphia area during his early career; he then moved on to perform in the comedy clubs of New York City.<ref name=COMEDYCENTRAL>{{cite press release |title=Comedy Central Records releases Kurt Metzger's "Talks to Young People About Sex" Digital Album on June 28 |publisher=Comedy Central |date=June 13, 2011 |url=http://www.comedycentral.com/press/press_releases/2011/061311-ccr-kurt-metzger.jhtml |access-date=November 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812073652/http://www.comedycentral.com/press/press_releases/2011/061311-ccr-kurt-metzger.jhtml |archive-date=August 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref name=LAUGHSPIN2/><ref name=LAUGHSPIN1>{{cite web |url=http://www.laughspin.com/2010/06/04/carolines-breakout-artist-kurt-metzger/ |title=Carolines breakout artist: Kurt Metzger |date=June 4, 2010 |work=laughspin.com |publisher=Punchline Magazine |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222140451/http://www.laughspin.com/2010/06/04/carolines-breakout-artist-kurt-metzger/ |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
In 2006, Metzger performed on Showtime's ''White Boyz in the Hood'' as well as Comedy Central's ''Live at Gotham'' the following year.<ref name=COMEDYCENTRAL/> In 2009, he appeared in an episode of the IFC series ''Z Rock''.<ref name=COMEDYCENTRAL/>
His debut album ''Kurt Metzger Talks to Young People About Sex'' was released in 2011 by Comedy Central Records.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comedy-central-records-releases-kurt-metzgers-talks-to-young-people-about-sex-digital-album-on-june-28-123753724.html|title=COMEDY CENTRAL Records Releases Kurt Metzger's "Talks to Young People About Sex" Digital Album on June 28|first=COMEDY CENTRAL Corporate|last=Communications|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=2018-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020095143/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comedy-central-records-releases-kurt-metzgers-talks-to-young-people-about-sex-digital-album-on-june-28-123753724.html|archive-date=2018-10-20|url-status=live}}</ref> Comedy Central also released his half-hour special as part of Comedy Central Presents in 2009. His one-hour special, ''White Precious'' is available on Comedy Central.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cc.com/episodes/1nzziy/stand-up-specials-kurt-metzger--white-precious-season-1-ep-101|title=Stand-Up Specials - Kurt Metzger: White Precious|website=Comedy Central|date=12 July 2014|access-date=2018-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020140526/http://www.cc.com/episodes/1nzziy/stand-up-specials-kurt-metzger--white-precious-season-1-ep-101|archive-date=2018-10-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Metzger appeared on ''The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson'' on February 7, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/08/kurt-metzger-craig-ferguson_n_820172.html |title='Ugly Americans' Star Kurt Metzger On Late, Late Show With Craig Ferguson |date=February 8, 2011 |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110215010533/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/08/kurt-metzger-craig-ferguson_n_820172.html |archive-date=February 15, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2013, Metzger feuded with Jude Doyle and Lindy West via Facebook and Twitter during a defense of rape humor.<ref name="2Vulture">{{cite web |url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/08/amy-schumer-is-disappointed-in-kurt-metzger.html |title='Amy Schumer 'Couldn't Be More Against' Writer Kurt Metzger's Comments on Rape |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Vulture |access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Observer">{{cite web |url=http://observer.com/2016/08/amy-schumers-writer-harasses-women-online-but-she-blocks-fans-who-bring-it-up/ |title='Amy Schumer's Writer Harasses Women Online—But She Blocks Fans Who Bring It Up' |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Observer|access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skepchick.org/2011/11/kurt-metzger-totally-pwned-me/ |title='Kurt Metzger Totally PWNED Me! |date=November 9, 2011 |work=Skepchick |access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailydot.com/news/kurt-metzger-harassment-lindy-west-sady-doyle/ |title='The disturbing online trail of Comedy Central writer Kurt Metzger |date=July 2, 2013 |work=The Daily Dot |access-date=February 1, 2016}}</ref>
From 2013 to 2016, Metzger wrote on 39 episodes of ''Inside Amy Schumer''. He was nominated for four Emmy Awards and won one Emmy for the sketch "Girl, You Don't Need Makeup".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/kurt-metzger|title=Kurt Metzger {{!}} Television Academy|work=Television Academy|access-date=2018-05-01|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502064455/https://www.emmys.com/bios/kurt-metzger|archive-date=2018-05-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2015/07/16/girl-you-dont-need-makeup-emmy-amy-schumer/|title='Girl, You Don't Need Makeup' is the best Emmy-nominated feminist satire of the year|work=EW.com|access-date=2018-05-01|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502064710/http://ew.com/article/2015/07/16/girl-you-dont-need-makeup-emmy-amy-schumer/|archive-date=2018-05-02|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared in sketches featured on the show.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |date=2016-08-18 |title=A Writer for 'Inside Amy Schumer' Becomes a Thorn for the Star |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/19/arts/television/amy-schumer-kurt-metzger-sexual-assault-comments.html |access-date=2026-02-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In 2015, Metzger was a semi-finalist on ''Last Comic Standing'';<ref>{{cite news |title=Chucklefck Presents...An Evening With Kurt Metzger |url=http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/calendar/2011-9-14 |newspaper=The Lakewood Observer |date=September 14, 2011 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923194926/http://lakewoodobserver.com/calendar/2011-9-14 |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> a bit he performed about Mohammed Atta won him "best joke" on the show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thecomicscomic.com/2013/03/11/meet-me-in-new-york-kurt-metzger/|title=Meet Me In New York: Kurt Metzger|date=March 11, 2013|access-date=October 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820151931/https://thecomicscomic.com/2013/03/11/meet-me-in-new-york-kurt-metzger/|archive-date=August 20, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On August 16, 2016, Metzger faced controversy for writing a Facebook post about comedian Aaron Glaser, who was accused of rape.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/a62949/amy-schumer-responds-to-kurt-metzger-rape-comments/ |title='Amy Schumer Responds to Kurt Metzger's Misogynistic Rape Tirade |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Cosmopolitan |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818223040/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/news/a62949/amy-schumer-responds-to-kurt-metzger-rape-comments/ |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gothamist.com/2016/08/17/kurt_metzger_rape_rants_2016.php|title='Inside Amy Schumer' Writer Mocked Women Calling Out Alleged Rapist On Twitter |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Gothamist |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819024714/http://gothamist.com/2016/08/17/kurt_metzger_rape_rants_2016.php |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Vulture">{{cite web |url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/08/amy-schumer-is-disappointed-in-kurt-metzger.html |title='Amy Schumer 'Couldn't Be More Against' Writer Kurt Metzger's Comments on Rape' |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Vulture |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818201327/http://www.vulture.com/2016/08/amy-schumer-is-disappointed-in-kurt-metzger.html |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.revelist.com/celebrity/amy-schumer-kurt-metzger/4289 |title='An Amy Schumer writer is mocking rape victims online — and her response is shocking |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Revelist |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819183715/http://www.revelist.com/celebrity/amy-schumer-kurt-metzger/4289 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mic.com/articles/151826/comedian-aaron-glaser-has-been-accused-of-sexual-assault-and-women-are-speaking-out#.a9my4vja7 |title='A Comedian Has Been Accused of Sexual Assault — And Women Are Speaking Out |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Mic.com |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818232945/https://mic.com/articles/151826/comedian-aaron-glaser-has-been-accused-of-sexual-assault-and-women-are-speaking-out#.a9my4vja7 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the controversy surrounding Metzger's comments, Amy Schumer stated on Twitter that Metzger no longer worked for her on ''Inside Amy Schumer''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/amyschumer/status/765995533181804544 |title='Amy Schumer on Twitter |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Twitter |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818021808/https://twitter.com/amyschumer/status/765995533181804544 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jezebel.com/amy-schumer-says-kurt-metzger-no-longer-writes-for-insi-1785421016 |title=Amy Schumer Says Kurt Metzger No Longer Writes for Inside Amy Schumer |date=August 17, 2016 |work=Jezebel |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819011229/http://jezebel.com/amy-schumer-says-kurt-metzger-no-longer-writes-for-insi-1785421016 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Schumer later revised her comments to say that Metzger did not work for her on the show because the show was on indefinite hiatus.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sacha-baron-cohen-show-features-controversial-writer-kurt-metzger-1127449|title=Sacha Baron Cohen's Showtime Series Features Controversial Writer Kurt Metzger|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-07-26|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717021213/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sacha-baron-cohen-show-features-controversial-writer-kurt-metzger-1127449|archive-date=2018-07-17|url-status=live}}</ref>
Metzger co-hosted the ''Race Wars'' podcast alongside comedian Sherrod Small from 2013 to 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://audioboom.com/channel/race-wars|title=Race Wars|website=audioboom.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727212214/https://audioboom.com/channel/race-wars|archive-date=2018-07-27|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, Metzger started his own interview podcast ''Can't Get Right with Kurt Metzger'' on the ''GaS Digital'' podcasting network. In 2021 he started co-writing and performing sketch comedy and improv on Kyle Dunnigan's show, ''The Kyle Dunnigan Show'', and in 2022 he became a regular co-host on Jimmy Dore's political commentary and comedy show, ''The Jimmy Dore Show.''{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}
Metzger has also appeared on the second and third seasons of ''Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle'', ''@midnight'', ''The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore'', ''This Is Not Happening'', ''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'', ''Comedy Knockout'', ''What’s Your F@#King Deal!?!'', ''The Approval Matrix'' and more. He was a series regular alongside Alan Alda, Jessica Lange, Steve Buscemi and Edie Falco on ''Horace and Pete'' in 2016. He voiced the role of Randall on Comedy Central's ''Ugly Americans''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ironypoint.com/ugly-americans-1|title=Ugly Americans|website=Irony Point|access-date=2018-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020095202/http://ironypoint.com/ugly-americans-1/|archive-date=2018-10-20|url-status=live}}</ref>
He has appeared on ''The Joe Rogan Experience'' (episodes 667, 1093, 1462, 1707, 1903, 2125, 2265, 2298 and 2434).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17pIBFcGB0k |title=Joe Rogan Experience #1462 - Kurt Metzger |website=YouTube |access-date=2020-08-12 |archive-date=2020-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501030604/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17pIBFcGB0k&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=dead }}</ref>
He has also appeared on ''Your Welcome with Michael Malice'' (episodes 323 and 362).{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://kurtmetzgercomedy.com/}} * {{IMDb name|id=3241461|name=Kurt Metzger}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100116053903/http://comedians.jokes.com/kurt-metzger Kurt Metzger] at Comedy Central
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Metzger, Kurt}} Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century American comedians Category:21st-century American male writers Category:21st-century American screenwriters Category:American comedy podcasters Category:American male comedians Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:American male television writers Category:American media critics Category:American people of German descent Category:American political commentators Category:American political podcasters Category:American satirists Category:American sketch comedians Category:American stand-up comedians Category:American television writers Category:Comedians from Austin, Texas Category:Comedians from Los Angeles Category:Comedians from Ocean County, New Jersey Category:Comedians from New York City Category:Entertainers from Toms River, New Jersey Category:Former Jehovah's Witnesses Category:Male actors from Ocean County, New Jersey Category:Television producers from New Jersey Category:YouTubers from Austin, Texas Category:YouTubers from Los Angeles Category:YouTubers from New Jersey Category:YouTubers from New York City Category:Writers Guild of America Award winners