Jordan Firstman, an actor, writer, and comedian born on July 8, 1991 (age 34), has emerged as a truly unique voice in modern comedy and a breakout star in Hollywood. While he honed his craft for years as a writer on acclaimed shows like ‘Search Party,’ his unexpected ascent to global recognition came during the 2020 pandemic, thanks to his hilarious and highly specific “Impressions” series on Instagram. Now, he is cementing his place on the screen, notably starring as Charlie in Rachel Sennott’s HBO series, ‘I Love LA.’ Firstman is not just an actor who plays unlikable characters well; he is a multifaceted artist who uses a highly attuned comedic intuition to skewer contemporary archetypes, balancing viral fame with significant work as a filmmaker, musician, and directorial debutant.
The Viral Genesis: Pandemic Fame and the Power of Archetypes
Before becoming an on-screen fixture, Jordan Firstman achieved massive, unexpected fame through his unique brand of absurdist, satirical comedy on social media.
During the early months of the pandemic in 2020, Firstman began posting a series of short videos on Instagram titled “Impressions.” Unlike traditional celebrity impersonations, Firstman performed impressions of things or archetypes. His most famous skits included an impression of “banana bread’s publicist,” “a generic person from the UK,” or “a friend who won’t let you talk shit.” This surreal, whip-smart comedy quickly went viral, earning him a massive following and celebrity fans like Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Chrissy Teigen, who often reposted his work. This social media success transformed his career, turning the TV writer into a prominent voice in queer comedy and a sought-after actor.
The Hollywood Trajectory: From Writing to Leading Roles
Firstman’s viral fame built upon a solid foundation of writing and independent filmmaking, which has now transitioned into major roles on both television and film.
Prior to his viral success, Firstman was a writer on the critically acclaimed dark comedy ‘Search Party’ and wrote and starred in several subversive, award-nominated short films, including ‘Men Don’t Whisper’ and ‘Call Your Father.’ In 2024, he gained recognition playing a recurring role as Malcolm, a “toxic-lite love interest,” in the FX series ‘English Teacher.’ His profile elevated significantly in 2025 with his role as Charlie, a celebrity stylist, in HBO’s ‘I Love LA.’ This role, which he lovingly describes as “severely unlikable,” cemented his reputation for portraying flawed, complex, and highly specific character types, a skill he attributes to understanding the “intricacies of personality deficiencies.”
Beyond Acting: Music, Film Directing, and Art
In addition to his acting and writing, Firstman has significantly expanded his artistic portfolio, embracing music and taking on the role of director.
In 2025, Firstman released his debut comedy album, Secrets, through Capitol Records. The album’s concept was inspired by confessions his Instagram followers sent him, creating a genre-jumping record that features an eclectic list of collaborators, including Julia Fox and Rufus Wainwright. Furthermore, he is set to make his directorial debut with the film ‘Club Kid,’ which he also stars in. This commitment to multifaceted creation—from satirical skits to feature films and concept albums—shows his intent to move beyond the label of “internet star” and prove himself as a visionary talent across diverse media.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Firstman, who is openly gay, is known for his candid and often provocative engagement with his sexuality and relationships, both online and in his creative work.
He has been very open about his life and experiences, including his sexual awakening and his “complicated relationship with both the internet and the transactional town that is LA.” While specific details about his current relationship status or “boyfriend” are not consistently public, he discusses his personal life and dating experiences openly in interviews and on podcasts. His honesty about his sexuality and his willingness to take part in projects like Sebastián Silva’s art-house film ‘Rotting in the Sun,’ which included unsimulated intimacy, positions him as a leading, unafraid voice in queer comedy and an actor committed to authenticity and challenging the boundaries of performance.
