Frank Caliendo Jr. is an American comedian, actor and impressionist, best known for his impersonations on the Fox NetworktelevisionseriesMADtv, and as the in-house prognosticator for Fox NFL Sunday. In 2007 and 2008, he performed his impersonations on his own show, Frank TV, which aired on TBS. He is known for his impressions and for his frequent appearances on The Bob & Tom Show. He has released six solo CDs. From 2009 to 2011 he had a show at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Early life and education
Caliendo was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he attended Waukesha South High School. He is of Italian descent. Before graduating from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Caliendo began performing stand-up comedy at local night clubs and comedy clubs, eventually taking a job as a master of ceremonies at a local comedy club. Within a few years, he was active on the college circuit. Between 2000 and 2001, Caliendo made his television debut on sketch comedy series Hype, later gaining exposure on the comedy series MADtv.
On November 5, 2000, Caliendo appeared on Fox NFL Sunday; he returned again the same season on January 7 during the playoffs. In 2001 and 2002, Caliendo returned as a semi-regular guest. In 2003, Caliendo joined Fox NFL Sunday as a regular castmember, giving his predictions for the day's NFL games. On August 2, 2012, Caliendo announced he would not be on Fox NFL Sunday for the 2012 season, and was replaced by Rob Riggle.
''MADtv''
Caliendo officially joined the cast of MADtv in 2001 as a repertory performer, for the seventh season. In 2002, Caliendo replaced Will Sasso as the impersonator of George W. Bush. Caliendo also did the announcing for the best of scenes on the MADtv season 1 DVD. Caliendo left MADtv before the 2006–2007 season.
''Frank TV''
Caliendo starred on Frank TV, his own sketch show on the TBS that began airing in November 2007. Caliendo was its host and performed in sketches impersonating various celebrities. In early 2008, TBS announced that they ordered eight more episodes, which ran later that year. The show ended after the fifteenth episode, which aired on December 23, 2008.
Other appearances
Caliendo's impression of President George W. Bush earned him an invitation to perform during the 2006 annual Radio-Television Correspondents Dinner. Caliendo appeared in the 2007 filmThe Comebacks as "Chip Imitation" who impersonates John Madden and Al Michaels in the championship game. During The Comedy Festival Caliendo hosted a special called The Comedy Festival Presents: Funniest Movies of the Year 2008 where, from Caesars Palace, Caliendo introduced the top ten list for funniest films of 2008 based on an Internet poll. As of 2019, Caliendo is a recurring guest on the Barstool Sports podcast, Pardon My Take.
Personal life
Caliendo lives in Tempe, Arizona with his wife Michelle and their family.