Brendan Hunt Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Brendan Hunt is an American actor, writer, and producer best known for co-creating and starring as Coach Beard in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972, Hunt began his theatrical journey at Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in theater in 1996. During his time there, he performed at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and participated in a master class led by actress Judith Ivey. Following his graduation, Hunt honed his craft at The Second City in Chicago before moving to Amsterdam, where he became a core member of the Boom Chicago comedy troupe from 1998 to 2008. At Boom Chicago, he collaborated with future stars like Jason Sudeikis, Jordan Peele, and Seth Meyers, and served as head writer for the satirical news program Comedy Central News in the Netherlands. After returning to the United States, Hunt continued to build his career in theater, television, and film. He developed and performed a one-man show, Five Years in Amsterdam, which received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He also joined the Sacred Fools Theater Company in Los Angeles, where he won an Ovation Award for his lead role in the musical Savin’ Up for Saturday Night. His television appearances include roles in Reno 911!, Parks and Recreation, Community, and How I Met Your Mother. In film, he appeared in We're the Millers (2013) and Horrible Bosses 2 (2014). Hunt's breakthrough came with the creation of Ted Lasso, a series he co-developed with Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, and Joe Kelly. The show, which premiered in 2020, follows an American football coach hired to lead a British soccer team, despite having no experience with the sport. Hunt portrays Coach Beard, Ted Lasso's loyal assistant. The series has been lauded for its warmth, humor, and positive portrayal of leadership, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards. Hunt's multifaceted involvement in the show as a co-creator, writer, producer, and actor has solidified his reputation in the entertainment industry. Beyond his work on Ted Lasso, Hunt has continued to engage with audiences through various projects and performances. In 2023, he began performing his solo show The Movement You Need, which reflects on his life experiences and his encounter with Paul McCartney. He has also hosted the podcast After the Whistle with Rebecca Lowe, covering events like the 2023 Women's World Cup. Residing in Los Angeles with his fiancée Shannon Nelson and their two children, Hunt remains active in both his professional endeavors and his personal life.