Known For:
Acting
Birthday:
October 6, 1952
Place of Birth:
Berkeley, California, USA
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."
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Happy Gilmore 2 | Championship Tour Starter |
| 2025 | One Battle After Another | Sandy Irvine |
| 2025 | SNL50: The Homecoming Concert | Self |
| 2025 | Downey Wrote That | Self |
| 2015 | Live from New York! | Self |
| 2010 | Saturday Night | Self |
| 2007 | There Will Be Blood | Al Rose |
| 2007 | Saturday Night Live in the '90s: Pop Culture Nation | Self |
| 2005 | Live from New York: The First 5 Years of Saturday Night Live | Self |
| 1999 | Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special | Self |
| 1998 | Dirty Work | Martin / Homeless Guy |
| 1995 | Billy Madison | Principal |
| 1995 | The Little Patriot | Adjutant |
| 1993 | Wayne's World 2 | Jeff Wong (voice, uncredited) |
| 1989 | Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary | Self |
| 1988 | Bum Rap | Steg |
| 1981 | Steve Martin's Best Show Ever |
| Year | TV Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Chair Company | Douglas |
| 2025 | SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night | Self |
| 2014 | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | Self - Guest |
| 2012 | Veep | Jim Caldwell |
| 2006 | 30 Rock | Downey |
| 2000 | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Board Member #1 |
| 1984 | Kate & Allie | |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Self - Cameo (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Football Player (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Celebrity (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Burger Master Customer (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Various (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Hugh (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Guard / Patron / Extra / Moonie (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Self (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Contestant (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Reporter (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Guest (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Priest (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Tatum O'Neal's Uncle (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Yakov / Officer (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Spectator (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Knight of Columbus (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Guard (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Tourist (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Student (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Cleaner / Craig / Soldier (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Dave Powers (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Brundidge Bailey (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Son / Soldier (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Shepherd (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Various |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Caller (voice) (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | Craig / Juror (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live | George Bush / Lord Worcestershire / Hunter |