J. Elvis Weinstein
| Josh "J. Elvis" Weinstein | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Joshua Stuart Weinstein |
| Born |
May 21, 1971 United States |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Notable works and roles | Mystery Science Theater 3000 |
| Website | http://www.stinkburger.com |
Joshua Stuart "Josh" Weinstein (born May 21, 1971), known professionally as J. Elvis Weinstein, is an American writer and performer, best known for his roles as Dr. Laurence Erhardt and the original puppeteer and voice for Tom Servo and Gypsy on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Weinstein was one of the founding writers/performers of the show in 1988 at the age of 17. Weinstein worked on Mystery Science Theater 3000 during its original appearance on Minneapolis UHF station KTMA-TV from 1988 to 1989, and its first season on Comedy Central (then called the Comedy Channel) from 1989 to 1990. However, a significant age gap existed between him and the other cast members; he was only 17 when he joined the show, having been recruited by Joel from his "Creative Stand-Up and Smartology" comedy classes. This ultimately led to Weinstein feeling unhappy with the more professional approach to the show the move to the Comedy Channel demanded, and caused him to leave the show.
After leaving Mystery Science Theater 3000, he went on to become a writer for The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star, Malcolm and Eddie, and he wrote and produced the critically acclaimed NBC dramedy Freaks and Geeks. He changed his professional name from "Josh" to "J. Elvis" to avoid confusion with former Simpsons writer Josh Weinstein. He has also been the head writer for NBC's late night show Later with Greg Kinnear, and America's Funniest Home Videos.
Weinstein has an extensive background in stand-up comedy; he has performed over a thousand shows as a stand-up comedian, and has also written material for Garry Shandling, Dennis Miller, Roseanne Barr, Louie Anderson and other comedians. He is currently the president of Stinkburger Inc.
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