Ed Helms

Edward Parker "Ed" Helms (born January 24, 1974) is an American actor and comedian, best known for his work as a correspondent on The Daily Show, Andy Bernard in the U.S. version of The Office, Stuart Price in The Hangover trilogy, and most recently his starring role as Rusty Griswold in Vacation.

Early life

Helms was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother, Pamela Ann (née Parker), was a school administrator, and his father, John A. Helms, was a lawyer and insurance executive. Helms is the youngest of three children. He graduated from The Westminster Schools one year after The Office cast-mate Brian Baumgartner in 1992. Helms had open-heart surgery to correct a severe heart murmur at age 14. Helms entered Oberlin College as a geology major, but ended up graduating in 1996 with his B.A. in film theory and technology. He spent a semester as an exchange student at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Helms is the recipient of an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from Knox College, where he delivered the 2013 Commencement Address. In May 2014, Helms gave the convocation speech at Cornell University, alma mater of Andy Bernard, the character he portrayed for seven seasons on The Office. In May 2015, Helms gave the valedictory speech at the University of Virginia.