Tom Papa

Thomas Papa is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, and television/radio host.[1][2] He is currently the head writer and a regular performer on Live from Here (formerly A Prairie Home Companion).

He began in New York City in 1993 playing open mics and hosting at the Stand Up New York comedy club. He toured with Jerry Seinfeld after meeting him at the Comedy Cellar in New York. In 2005 he released his debut comedy album Calm, Cool, & Collected. His successful one-man show Only Human opened at the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

He has recorded three stand up specials for Comedy Central. The most recent, Tom Papa Live in New York City, directed by Rob Zombie, aired on 8 January 2012 and was shot at the Union Square Theater. His third special, Freaked Out, aired in July 2013. He completed his fourth special, Human Mule, in December 2016.

Papa has appeared thirteen times on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He was a frequent guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Late Show with David Letterman.

In 2010, Papa hosted NBC's The Marriage Ref, which ran for two seasons.