Ken Marino Movies and TV Shows: Full Filmography List

If you grew up watching MTV in the 1990s, Ken Marino was probably already familiar—first as part of the legendary sketch comedy troupe The State, then as the kind of face that kept showing up in places you least expected. Over three decades, he’s racked up 135+ acting credits across sitcoms, films, and streaming series, yet he remains the consummate utility player rather than a leading man. His career arc traces a fascinating path from cult comedy icon to trusted recurring guest in some of television’s most beloved ensembles.

Born: December 19, 1968 · Birthplace: Long Island, New York, USA · Married: Erica Oyama since October 8, 2005 · Breakthrough: The State (1993) · Film Credits: Wanderlust (2012), Role Models (2008)

What TV shows has Ken Marino been in?

Ken Marino’s television career spans more than thirty years and shows no signs of slowing down. His versatility has allowed him to transition seamlessly from sketch comedy roots to leading roles in streaming comedies and recurring appearances in network sitcoms.

Early Career Shows

Marino’s first major television exposure came as a cast member on MTV’s The State, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The sketch comedy series became a cult phenomenon and launched the careers of several comedians who went on to significant success in television and film. Following the show’s end, Marino appeared as a series regular during season two of Men Behaving Badly (1996–1997) and made guest appearances on programs including Nash Bridges (1996–2001) and Will & Grace (1998–2006).

Comedy Series

The role that cemented Marino’s reputation as a comedy staple was starring as lead character Kyle McDonald in Party Down, which aired on Starz from 2009 to 2010. Critics praised the series for its sharp writing and ensemble cast, though it struggled with ratings and was cancelled after two seasons. The show developed a devoted following and was included in several “greatest comedy series” retrospectives. Marino also portrayed Dr. Glenn Richie in Childrens Hospital (2008–2016), a satirical medical series known for its absurdist humor and rotating guest stars.

Additional notable television credits include starring in Burning Love (Yahoo Screen, 2012–2013), Marry Me (NBC, 2014–2015), and Trophy Wife (ABC, 2013–2014). He played dual roles as the Lehman brothers in Black Monday on Showtime, which premiered in 2019 and ran for three seasons.

Recent Appearances

Marino has continued building his television presence into the 2020s. He appeared as a series regular on The Other Two (HBO, 2019–2023), a comedy about siblings navigating the entertainment industry. Guest appearances include roles in The Goldbergs, The Great North, and Solar Opposites. He also appeared in four seasons of Veronica Mars as Vinnie Van Lowe, a character he reprised in the 2014 film adaptation.

What movies has Ken Marino starred in?

While television has been Marino’s bread and butter, his filmography demonstrates consistent presence in mainstream comedies. His movie roles typically fall into supporting performances rather than leading parts, but the breadth of his credits shows up consistently across three decades of releases.

Comedy Films

Marino appeared in the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer (2001), directed by David Wain, and reprised his role in the 2008 prequel Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. He played Danny Rigger in Role Models (2008), starring alongside Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott. The film grossed over $141 million worldwide against a $28 million budget, making it one of his most commercially successful projects.

In Wanderlust (2012), Marino worked with frequent collaborator David Wain again in a comedy about a couple who stumbles upon a nudist commune. He served as actor, screenwriter, and producer on the film. Additional comedy credits include How to Be a Latin Lover (2017) and Dog Days (2018), the latter marking his directorial debut.

Supporting Roles

Recent film appearances show Marino continuing to land supporting roles in active productions. He appeared in Susie Searches (2022) and Candy Cane Lane (2023), the latter a holiday comedy starring Tim Allen. According to TV Guide’s credit database, Marino has accumulated over 135 acting credits spanning television and film, with the balance tilted toward television work in recent years.

What is Ken Marino’s role in Brooklyn 99?

Ken Marino appeared in Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Captain Jason “C.J.” Stentley, a character introduced during the show’s third season. His casting was announced on August 5, 2016, and marked a notable guest appearance in a high-profile network sitcom during a period when Marino was gaining renewed attention from Party Down‘s legacy.

According to AV Club’s reporting, Marino played “C.J., an anti-disciplinarian higher-up who lets the entire precinct walk all over him in his efforts to be a cool, chill boss.” This characterization positioned the character as a contrast to the strict discipline maintained by the precinct’s regular officers, adding a layer of comedic dysfunction to the show’s ensemble dynamics.

Entertainment Weekly covered Marino’s casting as the new captain, noting the character’s brief tenure as a leadership figure in the show’s ensemble. Brooklyn Nine-Nine ran from 2013 to 2021 across NBC (following its initial Fox run) and developed a reputation for balancing police procedural elements with ensemble comedy.

Has Ken Marino appeared in The Rookie?

Despite some search interest around Ken Marino and The Rookie, no confirmed role for Marino in that series appears in verified sources including Wikipedia, TV Guide, or Rotten Tomatoes. The Rookie is an ABC police drama that premiered in 2018 and stars Nathan Fillion, who previously worked with Marino on Castle and other projects.

Long-tail search queries around this topic appear frequently, suggesting viewers may be confusing Marino with other character actors who appear in both The Rookie and Marino’s other credits, or recalling guest appearances that may have occurred outside verified databases.

What are Ken Marino’s early TV roles?

Marino’s early television career established him within the comedy sketch tradition before transitioning to scripted series. His trajectory from ensemble sketch performer to television regular tracks a common path for comedians of his generation who emerged from cable comedy programming in the 1990s.

Dawson’s Creek

Marino appeared in Dawson’s Creek, the long-running teen drama on The WB and later CBS. His appearance placed him in the company of stars who would go on to significant careers in television and film, demonstrating Marino’s ability to land guest roles in higher-profile productions even during his earlier career phases.

One Tree Hill

He also appeared in One Tree Hill, another long-running teen drama that ran on The WB and later CW from 2003 to 2012. These appearances reflect Marino’s positioning as a reliable guest performer capable of filling supporting roles in scripted dramas beyond comedy work.

“Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Childrens Hospital and Party Down star Ken Marino has been tapped to (briefly) lead the detectives of the 99th.”

— AV Club

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Frequently asked questions

For readers familiar with Marino from The State or Party Down, his subsequent career in guest and supporting roles across television reflects a deliberate choice that many character actors make as they build sustainable careers in ensemble-heavy productions. Rather than pursuing leading roles, Marino has positioned himself as reliable comic support who can appear in multiple contexts without carrying a show’s creative burden—yet still deliver memorable performances that stick with audiences years later.