Paul Dinello is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and alumnus of renowned institutions such as The Second City, Improv Institute, and Annoyance Theatre. Born on November 28, 1962, he is best recognized for his portrayal of Geoffrey Jellineck, the closeted gay art teacher at Flatpoint High, in the popular Comedy Central series Strangers with Candy.
Dinello's personal life is intertwined with his professional career, as he dated the show's star Amy Sedaris for eight years after meeting at Second City. The two co-authored the novel Wigfield in 2003, which they promoted by creating a traveling play.
In recent years, Dinello has made guest appearances on The Colbert Report as Tad, the building manager, often finding himself on the receiving end of Colbert's sarcastic remarks and forced to perform dangerous stunts. He has made at least five appearances on the show, including a memorable tumbling act with Colbert and Sedaris in July 2006.
Dinello's work extends beyond television, as he was a writer, producer, and director for the Strangers with Candy film, which was released in July 2006. He is also set to direct the upcoming film Mr. Burnout, a story about a burned-out teacher seeking to rekindle his love of teaching, which is being produced by Participant Media.
In addition to his work in television and film, Dinello has appeared in the popular comedy Exit 57 alongside Sedaris and Colbert. He has also appeared in the film Be Kind Rewind, starring Jack Black and Mos Def, and directed the Nickelodeon original movie Gym Teacher: The Movie, featuring Christopher Meloni and Amy Sedaris.
Dinello can currently be seen alongside Amy Sedaris in the "Mummified Hand" episode of the Science Channel show Oddities.
