Actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director Ike Barinholtz was barely out of diapers when
History of the World: Part I,
Mel Brooks' seminal parody on human history, was released. Now, 40 years later, Barinholtz is all grown up, and collaborating on the upcoming sequel, a limited TV series aptly named
History of the World: Part II.
A Chicago native and alum of Bernard Zell Ashe Emet Day School, Barinholtz began his career in Chicago improv, later joining the casts of comedy shows MADtv and The Mindy Project, and appearing in a slew of films, including
Neighbors
,
Snatched
, and
Suicide Squad
.
In February, he earned bragging rights as the 2023 Celebrity
Jeopardy!
champ, and was awarded a $1 million grand prize, which he donated to Pacific Clinic's Hollygrove Program, a behavioral and mental health service provider.
Catch Barinholtz in
History of the World Part II
on Hulu March 6, and in the HBO miniseries
White House Plumbers
launching March 19.
What was the last book you read?
Cinema Speculation
by Quentin Tarantino.
What's your all-time favorite movie?
Goodfellas
!
What's your favorite Jewish food?
Nothing better than a Reuben.
What are you listening to these days?
Hell on Earth
---an amazing podcast series about the 30 Years War.
Who was the last person you texted?
Mindy Kaling
If you could invite three people, famous or not, to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?
In History? My late three grandparents. Currently living? Mel Brooks, Norman Lear, and my Bubbe--Miriam Barinholtz.
If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?
I could see myself working in a deli, making Reubens.
Who are two of your biggest role models?
My parents and my brother are up there!
What are you currently binging on TV?
I loved
Fleishman is in Trouble
on Hulu and
Paul T. Goldman
on Peacock--and they are both very Jewish shows.
If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?
"If you eat too much citrus, you will develop acid reflux. Also, call your parents."
