Acting · Berkeley, California, USA · Born October 6, 1952
James Woodward Downey (born 1952) is an American comedy writer, producer and actor. Downey wrote for over 30 seasons of Saturday Night Live, making him the longest tenured writer in the show's history. SNL creator Lorne Michaels called Downey the "best political humorist alive" while Conan O'Brien said he is "the great comedy writer that we all revere."
MovieLorne
2026
as Self / Irwin Segelstein (voice)
MovieDowney Wrote That
2025
as Self
TVThe Chair Company
2025
as Douglas
MovieOne Battle After Another
2025
as Sandy Irvine
MovieHappy Gilmore 2
2025
as Championship Tour Starter
MovieSNL50: The Homecoming Concert
2025
as Self
TVSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
2025
as Self
TVWhite House Plumbers
2023
as Spencer Oliver
MovieLive from New York!
2015
as Self
TVThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
2014
as Self - Guest
TVVeep
2012
as Jim Caldwell
MovieSaturday Night
2010
as Self
MovieThere Will Be Blood
2007
as Al Rose
MovieSaturday Night Live in the '90s: Pop Culture Nation
2007
as Self
TV30 Rock
2006
as Downey
MovieLive from New York: The First 5 Years of Saturday Night Live
2005
as Self
TVCurb Your Enthusiasm
2000
as Board Member #1
MovieSaturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special
1999
as Self
MovieDirty Work
1998
as Martin / Homeless Guy
MovieThe Little Patriot
1995
as Adjutant
MovieBilly Madison
1995
as Principal
MovieWayne's World 2
1993
as Jeff Wong (voice, uncredited)
MovieSaturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary
1989
as Self
MovieBum Rap
1988
as Steg
TVKate & Allie
1984
MovieSteve Martin's Best Show Ever
1981
TVSaturday Night Live
1975
as Self - Cameo (uncredited)
