The Hilarious Journey Of Jon Barinholtz: 7 Surprising Facts About The Superstore And American Auto Star

Jon Barinholtz, the beloved character actor known for his pitch-perfect comedic timing as the clueless yet endearing Marcus White on NBC’s hit series Superstore, remains one of the most in-demand figures in modern television comedy. As of December 2025, fans are eagerly tracking his next major move following the conclusion of his critically acclaimed role as the perpetually out-of-touch Wesley Payne on the workplace sitcom American Auto. Barinholtz has successfully carved out a niche for playing the lovable idiot, a role he elevates with surprising depth and commitment, making every one of his appearances a memorable highlight.

The buzz around a potential Superstore reunion continues to swirl, fueled by the cast's close bond and the actor's own public enthusiasm for revisiting the Cloud 9 universe. While a new live-action series remains unannounced, Barinholtz has been keeping busy in the world of voice acting and development, leveraging his foundational skills from the competitive Chicago improv scene. This article dives deep into his career, background, and the surprising facts that define this versatile comedian.

Jon Barinholtz: Complete Biographical Profile

Jon Barinholtz is an American actor, comedian, producer, and writer who has become a staple in modern television comedy, often collaborating with his famous older brother, Ike Barinholtz. His career is built on a strong foundation of improvisational comedy, which he has successfully translated into memorable, scene-stealing roles across film and television.

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• Full Name: Jon Barinholtz
• Date of Birth: December 26
• Age (as of Dec 2025): Approximately 46 years old (based on public records)
• Birthplace: Illinois, USA (Often associated with the Chicago comedy scene)
• Nationality: American
• Occupations: Actor, Comedian, Producer, Writer
• Known For: Playing Marcus White in Superstore (2015–2021) and Wesley Payne in American Auto (2021–2023).
• Family:
  • Brother: Ike Barinholtz (Actor, Comedian, Writer, known for MADtv and The Mindy Project)
  • Father: Alan Barinholtz (Attorney and Actor, known for his role in *Jury Duty*)
  • Mother: Peggy Barinholtz
• Education/Training: Trained in the Chicago improvisational comedy scene.

The Curious Case of the Lovable Idiot: From Cloud 9 to Payne Motors

The defining characteristic of Jon Barinholtz's career is his mastery of the "lovable idiot" archetype, a role he has perfected across two major NBC workplace comedies. His ability to deliver genuinely funny lines while maintaining a core innocence separates his characters from typical sitcom buffoons.

The Cult Following of Marcus White in Superstore

Barinholtz’s breakout recurring role was as Marcus White, the eccentric, often inappropriate, but ultimately harmless warehouse worker at Cloud 9 store 1217 in St. Louis. Marcus was initially a minor character but quickly became a fan favorite due to Barinholtz's commitment to the role's absurdity.

The character was a goldmine for comedic material, known for his bizarre personal life, his questionable business ventures (like selling used meat), and his intense, often unrequited, devotion to his coworkers. The chemistry between Marcus and the rest of the Superstore cast, including Ben Feldman (Jonah), Lauren Ash (Dina), and Nico Santos (Mateo), was instrumental to the show's success.

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Steering the Ship in American Auto

Following the conclusion of Superstore, Barinholtz immediately landed a main cast role as Wesley Payne in the new NBC comedy American Auto, created by Justin Spitzer (the same creator as Superstore). This casting was a deliberate and successful "Superstore reunion" for the creator and actor.

As Wesley Payne, the clueless and spoiled heir to the fictional Payne Motors, Barinholtz once again played a well-meaning but utterly unqualified figure in a corporate environment. The show, which ran for two seasons, allowed him to explore a different facet of the workplace comedy genre, trading the blue-collar chaos of Cloud 9 for the white-collar absurdity of a Detroit-based car company. This role cemented his status as a go-to actor for network comedy.

Behind the Laughs: Improv Roots and New Frontiers

While his on-screen roles are his most recognized work, Jon Barinholtz's career is deeply rooted in the world of sketch and improvisational comedy. This background is the secret weapon that allows him to bring such natural, off-the-cuff humor to his characters.

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The Chicago Improv Scene: A Family Tradition

Both Jon and his brother, Ike Barinholtz, cut their teeth in the fiercely competitive and highly influential Chicago improv scene. This training is a crucial entity in understanding their comedic style, emphasizing collaboration, quick thinking, and character work.

Their family connection runs deep in the entertainment industry. Their father, Alan Barinholtz, is an attorney who later became a successful actor, notably starring in the Amazon Freevee series Jury Duty, proving that comedic timing is a genetic trait in the Barinholtz household.

The Surprising Shift to Voice Acting

In recent years, Jon Barinholtz has expanded his repertoire into voice acting, a move that provides steady work and creative freedom. This transition is a smart career pivot, allowing him to take on non-live-action roles while awaiting his next major network project.

His notable voice roles include:

• Mark Hamburger/Clark Hamburger/Uncle Sam/Blix/Vorgento: Various characters in the animated sci-fi comedy Solar Opposites.
• Gorm: A recurring role in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

The Unstoppable Superstore Reunion Buzz

Despite the show ending, the desire for a Superstore reunion remains high among fans and the cast alike. Jon Barinholtz has repeatedly expressed his willingness to return to the role of Marcus, fueling speculation about a potential movie, special, or limited series.

Any reunion would likely bring back core cast members like America Ferrera (Amy), Ben Feldman (Jonah), and Lauren Ash (Dina), but Barinholtz's presence is considered essential to recapture the show's unique comedic spirit. The enduring popularity of the series on streaming platforms keeps the possibility of a return to Cloud 9 very much alive.

Key Moments and Entities in Jon Barinholtz’s Career

Jon Barinholtz's filmography is a tapestry of memorable supporting roles, showcasing his range beyond the workplace comedy genre. These roles demonstrate his ability to be a reliable comedic presence in both film and television.

Early Career & Guest Roles (LSI Entities):

• Outsourced (2010–2011): One of his earliest sitcom roles.
• Happy Endings (2011–2013): A recurring role in the popular ABC comedy.
• New Girl (2011–): Another appearance in a major Fox sitcom.
• Parks and Recreation: A guest spot in one of NBC's most beloved comedies.
• Agent Carter: A notable foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showing his versatility.

Film Appearances (LSI Entities):

• Blockers (2018): A prominent role in the successful teen sex comedy.
• Neighbors (2014): Appearing alongside Seth Rogen and Zac Efron.
• The Oath (2018): A collaboration with his brother, Ike Barinholtz, who directed and starred in the film.
• Dumb and Dumber To (2014): A role in the long-awaited sequel.

Jon Barinholtz’s career is a testament to the power of solid character work and a strong comedic foundation. Whether he is leading a corporate boardroom in American Auto or stocking shelves at Cloud 9, his unique brand of humor ensures that he will continue to be a staple in the comedy landscape for years to come. The question is not if he will land his next big role, but which beloved institution he will hilariously disrupt next.