Career Timeline of Mike Birbiglia: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mike Birbiglia made an impact.

Mike Birbiglia is a multifaceted American entertainer, known primarily as a stand-up comedian, but also an accomplished actor, writer, director, and producer. He's created several successful solo shows and comedy specials, including 'My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,' 'Thank God For Jokes,' 'The New One,' and 'The Old Man and the Pool.' A frequent contributor to 'This American Life' and 'The Moth,' Birbiglia's directorial debut, 'Sleepwalk with Me,' based on his one-man show, garnered awards at Sundance. He also directed and starred in 'Don't Think Twice.' His book, 'Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories,' achieved New York Times bestseller status. Beyond his stand-up and directorial work, Birbiglia has appeared in various films and television series, including 'Orange Is the New Black' and 'Trainwreck' and even filled in as host of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Beginning Improv Career

In 1997, Mike Birbiglia began doing improv.

2002: Appearance on Late Show with David Letterman

In 2002, Mike Birbiglia appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman.

2003: First Story on Stage at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival

In 2003, Mike Birbiglia told his first story on stage at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen.

2004: Dog Years Album Release

In 2004, Mike Birbiglia released his first album, Dog Years.

2005: My Secret Public Album, Volume 1a Release

In 2005, Mike Birbiglia released My Secret Public Album, Volume 1a, a compilation of his appearances on The Bob and Tom Show.

2006: Two Drink Mike Album Release

In 2006, Mike Birbiglia released the album Two Drink Mike on Comedy Central Records.

2007: My Secret Public Journal Live Album Release

In 2007, Mike Birbiglia released My Secret Public Journal Live on Comedy Central Records. It was later named one of the best comedy albums of the decade by The A.V. Club.

2008: Sitcom Pilot Picked Up by CBS

In 2008, CBS picked up a sitcom pilot loosely based on Mike Birbiglia's life, featuring him, Bob Odenkirk, and Frances Conroy, but the pilot ultimately never aired.

2008: Opening of Sleepwalk with Me Off-Broadway

In 2008, Mike Birbiglia opened Sleepwalk with Me, a one-man show, off-Broadway at the Bleecker Street Theater. The show was presented by Nathan Lane.

2010: Release of Sleepwalk with Me, and Other Painfully True Stories Book

In 2010, Mike Birbiglia adapted his material into the book Sleepwalk with Me, and Other Painfully True Stories.

Sleepwalk with Me: and Other Painfully True Stories

Check it on Amazon

2010: Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories Book Release

In 2010, Mike Birbiglia's book Sleepwalk with Me and Other Painfully True Stories was released, becoming a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2011 Thurber Prize for American Humor.

Sleepwalk with Me: and Other Painfully True Stories

Check it on Amazon

2011: Appearances in Films

In 2011, Mike Birbiglia appeared in films such as Your Sister's Sister and Cedar Rapids.

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2011: My Girlfriend's Boyfriend One-Man Show

In 2011, Mike Birbiglia mounted his second one-man show, My Girlfriend's Boyfriend, which ran for four months off-Broadway and won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show.

2011: Release of Sleepwalk With Me Live Album and Book Success

In 2011, Mike Birbiglia released the album Sleepwalk With Me Live, and the book Sleepwalk with Me, and Other Painfully True Stories reached #29 on the New York Times Bestseller List.

2012: Directorial Debut with Sleepwalk with Me

In 2012, Mike Birbiglia made his directorial debut with Sleepwalk with Me, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the NEXT Audience Award. He also roasted David O. Russell at the Gotham Awards.

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2012: Sleepwalk with Me Film Release and Awards

In 2012, Mike Birbiglia's feature-length directorial debut, Sleepwalk with Me, based on his one-man show, was released and won awards at the Sundance and Nantucket film festivals.

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June 2, 2013: Final Performance of My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

On June 2, 2013, Mike Birbiglia performed My Girlfriend's Boyfriend for the last time at Carnegie Hall.

2015: Trainwreck Film Appearance

In 2015, Mike Birbiglia appeared in the film Trainwreck.

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2016: Screen Actors Guild Award

In 2016, Mike Birbiglia shared the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for his role in Orange Is the New Black.

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2016: Don't Think Twice Release

In 2016, Mike Birbiglia wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy-drama Don't Think Twice.

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2016: Release of Don't Think Twice

In 2016, Mike Birbiglia's second film, Don't Think Twice, was released. It is a movie centered on a fictional Manhattan improv troupe.

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February 28, 2017: Thank God for Jokes Comedy Special Release

On February 28, 2017, Mike Birbiglia's Thank God for Jokes comedy special was released on Netflix.

April 2017: Announcement of The New One Tour

In April 2017, Mike Birbiglia announced a tour of his newest show titled The New One, starting with 25 cities.

December 2017: The Old Ones Podcast

In December 2017, Mike Birbiglia released a limited podcast titled The Old Ones, featuring him analyzing his old stand-up with guests.

October 25, 2018: Broadway Debut of The New One

On October 25, 2018, Mike Birbiglia's show The New One began performances on Broadway at the Cort Theatre.

January 20, 2019: End of The New One Broadway Run

On January 20, 2019, Mike Birbiglia's show The New One concluded its run on Broadway at the Cort Theatre.

March 2020: "Tip Your Waitstaff" Charity Initiative

In March 2020, Mike Birbiglia created a charity initiative called "Tip Your Waitstaff" with fellow comics to raise money for comedy clubs closed because of COVID-19.