Scrubs (Season Premiere Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., ET)
NEIL FLYNN
The Janitor on "Scrubs"
Neil Flynn plays Sacred Heart Hospital's menacing janitor in the comedy series, "Scrubs." Although Flynn initially auditioned for the role of Dr. Cox (which ultimately went to John C. McGinley), executive producer Bill Lawrence asked Flynn if he would consider another part - the mysterious custodian who makes tormenting young doctor J.D. (Zach Braff) his life's work.
While the role was originally devised as a one-time gag in the series' pilot episode, Lawrence admitted, "When we watched the pilot, we knew instantly we had to keep this guy around." Flynn went on to appear in every episode of the series in its first season and is currently in the midst of his sixth season as a regular cast member.
Flynn was born on Chicago's South Side and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, the third of six children. Although he acted in plays during his school years, it wasn't until he was getting ready to graduate from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, that he began to think that performing was something he could actually do for a living.
After college, Flynn returned to Chicago and pursued a career in live theater. He appeared at the prestigious Steppenwolf and Goodman theaters, where he worked with Aidan Quinn ("Hamlet") and Brian Dennehy ("Galileo"), and was twice a Jefferson Award Nominee. Equally adept at drama and comedy, Flynn became a mainstay at Chicago's ImprovOlympic and went on to be a member of the Second City Comedy Troupe in Chicago.
Flynn is currently filming Indiana Jones 4, (directed by Stephen Spielberg) and is featured in the independent film “5-25-77.” He most recently finished filming "Sex and Death 101.” He recently was seen in "Hoot" and previously appeared in the hit "Mean Girls," opposite Lindsay Lohan. His other film credits include "Home Alone 3," "The Fugitive," "Chain Reaction," "Rookie of the Year," "Baby's Day Out” and "Major League."
On television, Flynn has performed a variety of roles in comedy and drama. On series ranging from “The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show” for Comedy Central and “Re-animated” for Cartoon Network to "C.S.I.," "Boston Public" and "NYPD Blue." Other T.V. appearances include "Arli$$," "The Drew Carey Show," "That '70s Show," "Seinfeld," "Ellen," "Family Law" and "Smallville."
Away from the set, Flynn can often be found honing his skills at the IO West in Hollywood, where he has appeared for five years in the popular show "Beer, Shark, Mice." A sports fan, he plays on a local softball team and also enjoys a weekly game of poker. He lives in the Los Angeles area.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
HOMETOWN:
Waukegan, IL
BIRTHDATE: November 13
