Jay Paulson’s start in entertainment came in the ninth grade, when he missed the school bus and some students talked him into auditioning for the school play. He was cast as a lead in the middle school production of Jean-Claude Van Italie’s “Interview,” and in every high school production thereafter. In eleventh grade, he starred in Kaufman and Hart’s “Once in a Lifetime,” caught the eye of a talent manager in the audience, and has been working professionally ever since.

Known for his portrayal of the loveable shut-in “Physical Phil” on ABC’s October Road, and lauded for his turn as Adam Whitman on AMC’s Mad Men. Some additional television credits include guest appearances on “Longmire” and “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior” as well as “Studio 60” and “The West Wing.” He also collaborated with Christopher Guest in developing the role of “Curtis the Stock Boy” in a critically acclaimed Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes campaign.

Paulson starred in the film “Black Rock” which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. His numerous film appearances include “Go” and “Can’t Hardly Wait,” and he played opposite Sigourney Weaver in “Imaginary Heroes.”

Born in New York City, Paulson lived in Brooklyn until 1984, when his father moved the family west to Los Angeles. After spending several years juggling his career with his studies, he graduated UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in History.

He currently resides in Venice Beach with his wife Courtney, their two sons Lee and Val, and their dog Lucy. A life-time member of The Actors Studio, he augments all of his work with continuous survey of the craft. An avid reader, he is a nationally ranked, competitive Scrabble player and enjoys distance running and meditation.

Pacific Resident Theater