Frank Caliendo

Frank Caliendo (born January 19, 1974) is an American comedian and impressionist, best known for his work on the Fox Network television series MADtv, 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 of Charles Barkley, NFL color commentator John Madden, sportscaster Jim Rome, comedian Robin Williams, actors Morgan Freeman and William Shatner, and United States Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and for his frequent appearances on The Bob & Tom Show. He has released six solo CDs, and has performed as many as 120 impressions. From 2009 to 2011 he had a show at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. He now tours.

Early life and education

Caliendo was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 19, 1974, and grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he attended Waukesha South High School. He is of Italian ancestry. Before graduating from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Caliendo began performing stand-up comedy at many different local night clubs and comedy clubs, eventually taking a job as a master of ceremonies at a local comedy club. Frank quickly became known for his spot on impressions of Columbo, the Seinfeld cast, Jonathan Winters, and many more which he mastered while bedridden after a painful back surgery. Within just a few years, he was very active on the college circuit, driving thousands of miles in his car. During these years, he built a reputation as one of the circuit's top performers. Between 2000 and 2001, Caliendo made his television debut on sketch comedy series Hype and later gaining significant national exposure on the comedy series MADtv.