John Ross Bowie
Biography
John Ross Bowie (born May 30, 1971 in New York City) is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for portraying Barry Kripke on the television sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Bowie has appeared in the documentary‑style film What the Bleep Do We Know? opposite Marlee Matlin and has made guest appearances on Reno 911! and Glee. He has performed in television commercials for Progressive, for Target Corporation as the benefits spokesperson “Ben E. Fitz,” and began a series of Ford Motor Company commercials in March 2011. A sketch performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York and Los Angeles, he was a member of the sketch group The Naked Babies. Bowie has also written for Go Metric and The New York Press and authored a book about the cult film Heathers.
Career overview
John Ross Bowie, born May 30 1971 in New York City, is an American actor and comedian whose career spans television, film, and commercial work. He is most widely recognized for his recurring role as Barry Kripke on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, a character that has become a staple of the series’ ensemble. In addition to that long‑running part, Bowie has made guest appearances on several television programs, including the mock‑law‑enforcement comedy Reno 911! and the musical drama Glee. His film work includes a role in the documentary‑styled feature What the Bleep Do We Know?, where he appeared opposite actress Marlee Matlin.
Beyond scripted series and movies, Bowie has been a frequent presence in national advertising. He modeled as the benefits spokesperson for Target Corporation’s “Ben E. Fitz” campaign, appeared in television commercials for the insurance company Progressive, and began a series of Ford Motor Company commercials in March 2011.
Bowie’s performance background also includes regular sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in both New York and Los Angeles. While there, he performed with the sketch group “The Naked Babies,” collaborating with fellow comedians such as Rob Cord. This blend of television, film, commercial, and live‑stage experience defines his varied acting career.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
89 titles- Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (2026) as Barry Kripke / Supreme Ruler Barry Kripke
- Sofia the First: Royal Magic (2026) as Chauncey (voice)
- The Brink of War (2026) as Ken Adelman
- Out for Delivery (2025) as Doctor (voice)
- DIY: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Punk (2025) as Self
- After Midnight (2024) as Self
- The Boulet Brothers' Halfway to Halloween TV Special (2023) as Self
- Grimcutty (2022) as Podcast Host
- Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist (2022) as Belphegor
- Witchy (2022) as Ken
- CSI: Vegas (2021) as Dennis Rosner
- United States of Al (2021) as Brett
- Feel Good (2020) as Scott
- Bad Therapy (2020) as Nick
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) as Cavendish
- Carol's Second Act (2019) as Gordon
- Perfect Harmony (2019) as Tate Tippet
- Under A Rock with Tig Notaro (2019) as Self
- The Rookie (2018) as Alan
- The Neighborhood (2018) as Gregory
- Station 19 (2018) as Paul
- Speechless (2016) as Jimmy DiMeo
- Milo Murphy's Law (2016) as Loab (voice)
- Pet (2016) as Jessup
- Between Us (2016) as Patritzio
- Fresh Off the Boat (2015) as Lance
- Grace and Frankie (2015) as Fred
- Primrose Lane (2015) as Mr. Luther
- Chasing Life (2014) as Paul Peters
- About a Boy (2014) as Fiona's Male Boss
- Marry Me (2014) as What's-His-Name
- Jason Nash Is Married (2014) as Ted
- Riot (2014) as Himself
- Leonard in Slow Motion (2014)
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013) as Sister Steve
- @midnight with Chris Hardwick (2013) as Self
- The Heat (2013) as NY Agent
- Sofia the First: The Floating Palace (2013) as Sven (voice)
- Dark Minions (2013) as Mel (voice)
- Dark Minions (2013) Writer
- Veep (2012) as Focus Group Member
- Death in Paradise (2011) as Tyler McCarthy
- Episodes (2011) as Psychiatrist
- Happy Endings (2011) as Michael
- The Exes (2011) as Jeff
- Whitney (2011) as Eddie
- The Glee Project (2011) as Dennis (cameo)
- Free Agents (2011) as Anders
- Movie Poster Contract (2011) as Steve's Manager
- Hot in Cleveland (2010) as Benny
- Good Luck Charlie (2010) as Walter
- Glee (2009) as Dennis
- The League (2009) as Dr. Pete Wyland
- Party Down (2009) as Stuart
- He's Just Not That Into You (2009) as Dan the Wiccan
- Trust Me (2009)
- Childrens Hospital (2008) as Dr. Max von Sydow
- Childrens Hospital (2008) as Dr. Max Von Sydow
- The Mighty B! (2008) Writer
- Sex Drive (2008) as Dr. Clark Teddescoe
- The Big Bang Theory (2007) as Barry Kripke
- Burn Notice (2007) as Paul
- Wizards of Waverly Place (2007) as Simon
- Because I Said So (2007) as Cute Food Spewing Guy
- Psych (2006) as George Cheslow
- Heroes (2006) as Attorney
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) as Rory
- What the Bleep! Down the Rabbit Hole (2006) as Elliot
- Bones (2005) as Lawrence Deighton
- Weeds (2005) as Contest Organiser
- Nadine in Dateland (2005) as Bob
- Life of the Party (2005) as Bert
- CSI: NY (2004) as Lester Jayne
- Kevin Hill (2004) as Wayne Ellis
- What the #$*! Do We (K)now!? (2004) as Elliot
- Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story (2004) as Daniel Benjamin
- Reno 911! (2003) as Pageant Dad
- Las Vegas (2003) as Adam Clemo
- Joan of Arcadia (2003) as Mr. Campbell
- Happy Family (2003) as CocoNate
- A.U.S.A. (2003) as Wally Berman
- Old School (2003) as Teddy
- Monk (2002) as Tom Donovan
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Peter Ellis
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000) as John Fowler
- Girlfriends (2000) as Ian Greenfield
- Road Trip (2000) as Waiter
- Charmed (1998) as Marcus
- Petunia as Joe Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Ross Bowie best known for?
John Ross Bowie is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (2026), Sofia the First: Royal Magic (2026), The Brink of War (2026), After Midnight (2024).
When and where was John Ross Bowie born?
John Ross Bowie was born on May 30, 1971 in New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does John Ross Bowie have?
John Ross Bowie has accumulated over 89 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1998 to 2026.
What is John Ross Bowie's background in cinema and television?
John Ross Bowie (born May 30, 1971 in New York City) is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for portraying Barry Kripke on the television sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Bowie has appeared in the documentary‑style film What the Bleep Do We Know? opposite Marlee Matlin and has made guest appearances on Reno 911...