BO BURNHAM

Early Life and Education

Robert Pickering "Bo" Burnham was born on August 21, 1990, in Hamilton, Massachusetts. He is the youngest of three siblings, with his mother, Patricia, working as a hospice nurse, and his father, Scott, owning a construction company. Burnham attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he was active in theater and the campus ministry program, graduating in 2008. Although he was accepted into New York University's Tisch School of the Arts to study experimental theater, he deferred his admission to pursue a career in comedy and ultimately did not attend. 

Rise to Fame on YouTube

In December 2006, at the age of 16, Burnham uploaded a video of himself performing an original comedic song to YouTube, intending to share it with his brother. The video quickly went viral, leading to widespread recognition. His early work, characterized by satirical songs addressing topics like race, gender, and sexuality, was notable for its clever wordplay and dark humor. By 2008, Burnham had signed a four-record deal with Comedy Central Records, releasing his debut EP, "Bo Fo Sho," and his first full-length album, "Bo Burnham," in 2009. 

Stand-Up Comedy and Specials

Burnham transitioned from online content to live performances, developing a unique stand-up style that blended musical comedy with introspective commentary. His notable specials include:

• "Words Words Words" (2010): A Comedy Central special that showcased his rapid-fire lyrics and satirical edge.

• "what." (2013): Released on YouTube and Netflix, this special combined surreal sketches with musical numbers.

• "Make Happy" (2016): A Netflix special that delved into themes of performance and audience expectations.

• "Inside" (2021): Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, this Netflix special was written, directed, filmed, and edited by Burnham alone in a single room. It received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and exploration of mental health, internet culture, and creativity. 

Filmmaking and Directorial Work

Expanding his creative pursuits, Burnham wrote and directed the feature film "Eighth Grade" (2018), which received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and social anxiety. The film earned him the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – First-Time Feature Film.

In addition to his own projects, Burnham has directed comedy specials for other artists, including Jerrod Carmichael's "8" (2017) and "Rothaniel" (2022), as well as Chris Rock's "Tamborine" (2018). 

Acting and Other Ventures

Burnham has appeared in various films and television shows, such as:

• "Promising Young Woman" (2020): Portraying Ryan Cooper in this critically acclaimed film.

• "Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous" (2013): Co-creating and starring in this MTV mockumentary series about a teenager's quest for fame.

He also authored the poetry book "Egghead: Or, You Can't Survive on Ideas Alone" (2013), showcasing his literary talents. 

Personal Life

Burnham is known for his introspective nature and has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, which influenced his decision to step back from live performances after 2016. He was in a relationship with filmmaker Lorene Scafaria from 2013 to 2022. As of early 2023, there have been rumors linking him to musician Phoebe Bridgers. 

Legacy and Influence

Bo Burnham's career trajectory—from a teenager uploading videos in his bedroom to a multifaceted artist—illustrates the evolving landscape of entertainment in the digital age. His work continues to resonate with audiences for its originality, depth, and willingness to confront complex themes through humor and creativity.