Aug 23, 1970
Virgo
Verona, NJ
54 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Full Name, Age & Place of Birth
Jon Ferguson "Jay" Mohr was born on August 23, 1970, in Verona, New Jersey, USA, making him 54 years old as of June 2025 .
Family & Early Life
Jay is the son of Jon Wood Mohr, a marketing executive, and Iva Jean (née Ferguson), a nurse. He has two sisters, Julia and Virginia, and comes from Scottish roots. Raised Presbyterian, he later converted to Roman Catholicism . He attended Verona High School, where he captained the wrestling team as a senior, and shortly after graduation, joined the cast of Biloxi Blues at Nutley Little Theater .
Stand‑Up & SNL Beginnings
Mohr began performing stand‑up comedy in his teens, hitting clubs and college stages by age 16 . In 1993, he joined Saturday Night Live as a featured cast member and writer, staying through 1995. His memoir Gasping for Airtime (2004) gives a candid account of his time there, including struggles with panic attacks and creative tension, and credits Sarah Silverman with helping him through that period .
Acting Breakthroughs
Early Film Roles
Debuted in Jerry Maguire (1996) as sports agent Bob Sugar, followed by roles in Picture Perfect (1997), Small Soldiers (1998), Suicide Kings, Paulie, and Go .
Television Highlights
Played producer Peter Dragon in the cult show Action (1999–2000) .
Portrayed Professor Rick Payne on Ghost Whisperer (2006–2008) .
Starred as the lead in CBS’s Gary Unmarried (2008–2010) .
Film Continuation
Appeared in Pay It Forward (2000), Hereafter (2010), and most recently, Air (2023) .
Hosting & Voice Work
Last Comic Standing (2003–2006): Creator, host, and exec producer; earned a Primetime Emmy nomination .
Hosted Jay Mohr Sports on Fox Sports Radio (2013–2016) and guest-hosted The Jim Rome Show, including standout appearances at Smack-Off competitions .
Since 2020, he's hosted the popular podcast Mohr Stories, known for candid celebrity conversations .
Writing & Other Creative Endeavors
Memoirs:
Gasping for Airtime (2004) about SNL life .
No Wonder My Parents Drank (2010), reflecting on fatherhood and family humor .
Music Collaboration: Co-produced My Movie Star (2018), an indie-pop album by Logan Lynn .
Personal Life & Relationships
Married three times: first to Nicole Chamberlain (1998–2004; one son, Jackson), then to actress Nikki Cox (2006–2018; one son, Meredith, born 2011), and most recently to Jeanie Buss, owner of the LA Lakers, in September 2023 .
Open about mental-health struggles—including panic disorder and later entering rehab for Adderall addiction in 2021 .
Legacy & Distinctiveness
Jay Mohr has built a multifaceted career—melding stand‑up comedy, acting, writing, and hosting. From his high-energy start on SNL to hosting major TV and radio shows and delving into personal storytelling, Mohr remains a candid and versatile figure. Whether he's delivering punchlines, sharing mental-health honesty, or reflecting on life in his books and podcast, he brings humor with heart.
