History of Jay Johnston in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 29, 2024

Jay Johnston is an American actor and comedian known for his work on television. He was a writer and performer on the sketch comedy series "Mr. Show with Bob and David" and has had recurring roles on shows like "The Sarah Silverman Program," "Arrested Development," and "Bob's Burgers." However, his career has been overshadowed by his legal troubles, as he is a convicted felon.

October 22, 1968: Birth of Jay Johnston

Jay James Johnston was born on October 22, 1968.

1993: Graduation from Columbia College Chicago

Jay Johnston graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in acting in 1993.

1995: Start of Work on "Mr. Show with Bob and David"

In 1995, Jay Johnston began working as a sketch actor and writer on "Mr. Show with Bob and David".

1998: Conclusion of "Mr. Show with Bob and David"

Jay Johnston's work on all four seasons of "Mr. Show with Bob and David" concluded in 1998.

2005: Start of "Moral Orel"

Jay Johnston joined Dino Stamatopoulos and Scott Adsit on the creative team for Adult Swim's "Moral Orel", which premiered in 2005. He wrote, directed, and voiced multiple characters.

2008: End of "Moral Orel"

"Moral Orel", on which Johnston worked as writer, director, and voice actor, ran until 2008.

2011: Beginning of Voice Role on "Bob's Burgers"

Jay Johnston began his recurring voice role as Jimmy Pesto Sr. on "Bob's Burgers" in 2011.

January 6, 2021: Participation in the United States Capitol Attack

Jay Johnston participated in the United States Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.

March 2021: FBI Seeks Identification

In March of 2021, the FBI tweeted out an image of a man resembling Johnston present at the January 6th Capitol Riot, seeking the public's help in identifying him.

December 21, 2021: Public Identification and Fallout

On December 21, 2021, The Daily Beast published an article in which two of Johnston's friends identified him as the man in the FBI's photo and alleged that he had admitted to being at the Capitol on January 6th. Following this, friends and former colleagues of Johnston's, including those from "Mr. Show with Bob and David", reportedly reached out to him but received no response. He was subsequently fired from "Bob's Burgers".

2021: Firing from "Bob's Burgers"

Following his involvement in the Capitol attack, Jay Johnston was fired from "Bob's Burgers" in 2021.

June 7, 2023: Arrest and Charges

On June 7, 2023, Johnston was arrested and charged with felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder, along with several misdemeanor offenses, for his role in the January 6th Capitol attack.

June 7, 2023: Arrest and Release on Bond

The FBI arrested Johnston on June 7, 2023, charging him with felony obstruction of officers during civil disorder along with several misdemeanors. He was later released after paying a $25,000 bond.