Paul Dinello was born on November 28, 1962 in Oak Park, Illinois. He is one of 5 children (1 brother, 3 sisters). After graduating from DePaul University he enrolled in the "Second City" Improvisation Troupe in Chicago. After taking a few classes he auditioned to be in the touring company where he met Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris. After Second City he moved to New York with Colbert and Sedaris where they created the sketch comedy series "Exit 57" for Comedy Central with Mitch Rouse and Jodi Lennon. The show was on for two seasons (1995, 1996) before it was canceled. While it was running the show was nominated for five CableAce nominations for best writing, performing, and comedy series. Later he, Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Mitch Rouse created the show "Strangers with Candy" for Comedy Central. It was based on after school specials where a problem would arise and be solved in a single show, except all the characters in "Strangers with Candy" learned all the wrong lessons. The show lasted for three seasons before being canceled. Dinello co-starred and directed "Strangers with Candy" the movie in 2006. Dinello has appeared in several movies including, "Plump Fiction" and "Straight Talk". He has also been on the New York stage most notable The Talent Family's "Stitches".


An alumnus of the Second City and Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, IL.