Al Franken

AKA:
0.3658

1951-05-21

New York City, New York, USA

Biography

Alan Stuart Franken is an American comedian, politician, media personality, and author who served as a United States senator from Minnesota from 2009 to 2018. He became well known in the 1970s and 1980s as a staff writer and performer on the television comedy show Saturday Night Live.

Crew Roles

When a Man Loves a Woman
Executive Producer
When a Man Loves a Woman
Screenplay
Stuart Saves His Family
Screenplay
Stuart Saves His Family
Novel
Franken and Davis at Stockton State
Writer
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman
Writer
The Paul Simon Special
Writer
Bob & Ray, Jane, Laraine & Gilda
Writer
Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
Writer
Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue
Executive Producer
The Coneheads
Writer
One More Saturday Night
Writer
Producer
Producer
Writer
Writer
Writer
Additional Writing
Creator
Cast RolesCast Roles Played = {91}

Self (archive footage)

2004-07-14 7.1

Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism

This film examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a "race to the bottom" in television news, and provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangerous impact ...
Genre :Documentary

Stuart Smalley

1995-04-12 5.2

Stuart Saves His Family

A self-help advocate struggles to put his dysfunctional family in its place. ...
Genre :Comedy, Drama

Self

2008-06-13 4.625

Lord, Save Us from Your Followers

The humorous, provocative and moving examination of the Culture Wars and faith in America. Featuring interviews from all sides of the issues, the film is a balanced, challenging and entertaining foray ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2011-06-27 7.2

Hot Coffee

Most people think they know the "McDonald's coffee case," but what they don't know is that corporations have spent millions distorting the case to promote tort reform. HOT COFFEE reveals how big busin ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2007-07-31 6

Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater

The life and career of conservative icon Barry Goldwater is recounted from his days as an Arizona businessman to his five-term Senate career and his ill-fated run for president in 1964. Produced by th ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2005-03-31 7.5

Left of the Dial

A documentary look at the troubled first year of liberal talk radio start up Air America and its slate of hosts, including Al Franken, Rachel Maddow, and Marc Maron. ...
Genre :Documentary

1985-06-05 0

Tab Lloyd: Investigative Reporter

Spoof comedy. ...
Genre :Comedy

Al

1976-03-12 4.438

Tunnel Vision

A committee investigating TV's first uncensored network examines a typical day's programming, which includes shows, commercials, news programs, you name it. What they discover will surely crack you up ...
Genre :Comedy

Gramps (voice)

2024-05-01 6.9

Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue

Family frenemies, Gracie and Pedro, must put their differences aside, embarking on a thrilling quest packed with perilous escapades in order to reunite with their owners. ...
Genre :Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family

Vagabond

1997-07-04 2

The Definite Maybe

When 25-year-old New Yorker Eric Traber gets fired from his job and kicked out of his apartment, he fears the worst. But his best friend, Ziggy, shows up A.W.O.L. from the Peace Corps and leads him ou ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

2006-01-01 6.9

Al Franken: God Spoke

Join filmmaking duo Chris Hegedus and Nick Doob as their cameras follow Franken to book signings, campaign rallies and the launch of Air America Radio, documenting his transformation from irreverent f ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy

Self

2005-11-20 8

Earth to America

Tom Hanks is the host of this show with a comic approach to raise awareness concerning the environment. ...
Genre :TV Movie, Comedy, Documentary

Al Franken

2001-08-01 4.6

Harvard Man

College has always been a time for experimentation, sexual, cultural and otherwise. "Harvard Man" plays out against a background of love, sex, basketball, crime and experimentation. Action and philoso ...
Genre :Drama

Himself

1983-09-08 0

Franken and Davis at Stockton State

Released in 1984 featuring Al Franken and Tom Davis writers and performers on the original Saturday Night Live perform live in front of a small college audience at Stockton State. Some highlights incl ...
Genre :Comedy, Documentary

Self

2017-07-28 6.6

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

A decade after An Inconvenient Truth brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the riveting and rousing follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Vic ...
Genre :Documentary

Co-Pilot (uncredited)

1994-04-29 6.6

When a Man Loves a Woman

An airline pilot and his wife are forced to face the consequences of her alcoholism when her addictions threaten her life and their daughter's safety. While the woman enters detox, her husband must fa ...
Genre :Drama, Romance

Paul Flum

1986-08-02 3.25

One More Saturday Night

The problems faced by both teenagers and adults in a small Minnesota town who are trying to get dates for a Saturday night. ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

1989-09-24 7.5

Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary

A TV special celebrating the 15th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Before a celebrity audience, many of the former cast members and guest hosts return to perform their signature monologues and pres ...
Genre :Comedy, TV Movie

Self

2004-10-17 0

Wellstone!

Paul Wellstone was the charismatic Minnesota progressive who used grassroots organizing to get elected and give ordinary people a stake in government. His 3rd election campaign was cut short when his ...
Genre :Documentary

The Awesome Pair

1988-02-29 8.5

Superman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel

A humourous telling of the history of the comic book superhero. ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy, TV Movie

Self - Reader: The Constitution

2017-07-04 6

The Words That Built America

In recognition of the 4th of July, several celebrities and politicians of differing ideologies join to read the historic documents which laid the foundation for the United States of America. ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2008-10-25 0

Dean and Me: Roadshow of an American Primary

Feature length documentary about Howard Dean and the Democratic primary. ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2017-05-25 8.1

Long Strange Trip

The tale of the Grateful Dead is inspiring, complicated, and downright messy. A tribe of contrarians, they made art out of open-ended chaos and inadvertently achieved success on their own terms. Never ...
Genre :Music, Documentary

Self - Roaster

2002-12-01 5.1

The N.Y. Friars Club Roast of Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase bitterly takes in his roast. ...
Genre :Comedy, Documentary, TV Movie

Baggage Handler #1

1983-06-07 7.2

Trading Places

A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires. ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

2004-09-13 6.5

Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable

Twenty million people live within a 50-mile radius of the Indian Point Energy Center and its three nuclear reactors. This film takes a cautionary look at the possible consequences of an accident or te ...
Genre :Documentary

Self - Host

1981-01-01 10

Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead

Recorded October 30th and 31st, 1980, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Dead Ahead showcases the recently reformed Grateful Dead lineup in acoustic and electric splendor. ...
Genre :Music

2019-05-27 7.3

Chris Farley: Anything for a Laugh

Comic Chris Farley breaks through as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" and later stars in several iconic big-screen comedies, but behind his over-the-top stage presence lay insecurities deeply ti ...
Genre :Documentary, TV Movie

Self

1999-09-25 6.8

Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special

A TV special celebrating the 25th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Before a celebrity audience, many of the former cast members and guest hosts return to perform their signature monologues and pres ...
Genre :Comedy, TV Movie

Self

2018-01-01 0

Inside the Russian Info War Machine

Acclaimed journalist Paul Moreira investigates how Russia manipulates public opinion, undermines democratic governments and attempts to alter world events. The public face of foreign policy: the state ...
Genre :Documentary

1981-11-25 7.5

Steve Martin's Best Show Ever

Steve Martin's fourth NBC special was in the spirit of his previous association with Saturday Night Live. It was broadcast live from Studio 8H, produced by Lorne Michaels and featured some original ca ...
Genre :Comedy, TV Movie, Documentary

TV Commentator

2004-07-30 6.5

The Manchurian Candidate

Years after his squad was ambushed during the Gulf War, Major Ben Marco finds himself having terrible nightmares. He begins to doubt that his fellow squad-mate Sergeant Raymond Shaw, now a vice-presid ...
Genre :Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Self

2025-01-27 7.5

Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music

Untold stories behind the culture-defining and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years. ...
Genre :Music, Documentary, TV Movie

Self

2017-11-16 0

Hot Grease

Set in Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world, HOT GREASE is the surprising story of how kitchen grease is opening a new green energy frontier. It is a modern-day gold rush that could yield b ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2025-10-16 0

Downey Wrote That

Exploring the sketches, contributions and influence of Jim Downey, one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of "Saturday Night Live." ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy

Self

2005-04-15 0

Saturday Night Live in the '80s: Lost and Found

Following the departure of the show's original cast and creator after five seasons, SNL in the '80s is a look back at a decade of turbulent, often uncertain times that included the hiring and firing o ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy, TV Movie

Self

2007-05-06 0

Saturday Night Live in the '90s: Pop Culture Nation

A retrospective of "Saturday Night Live" during the 1990's. Includes interviews with the cast and crew as well as hosts. Features memorable sketches and behind the scenes dynamics. ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy, TV Movie

Self

1996-07-22 6.4

The Daily Show

The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture. ...
Genre :News, Comedy

Self

1997-08-11 4.3

The View

ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot top ...
Genre :Talk

Al (voice)

1995-05-28 7.8

Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist

From living with his deadbeat son, Ben, to his day-to-day dealings with his stunningly sarcastic secretary, Laura, join therapist Jonathan Katz as he picks the brains of your favorite stand-up comedia ...
Genre :Animation, Comedy

Self

1992-05-25 5.4

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world. ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

1998-03-17 0

LateLine

LateLine is an American TV sitcom that ran on NBC from March 17, 1998, through March 16, 1999. Due to an abrupt cancellation, there were seven unaired episodes. Created by John Markus and Al Franken, ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

1993-07-25 5.3

Politically Incorrect

Politically Incorrect was an American late-night, half-hour political talk show hosted by Bill Maher that ran from 1993 to 2002. It premiered on Comedy Central in 1993, moved to ABC in January 1997, a ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

2005-10-17 6.92

The Colbert Report

The Colbert Report is an American satirical late night television program. It stars political humorist Stephen Colbert, a former correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Colbert Report i ...
Genre :News, Comedy

Self - Guest

1993-09-13 7.199

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Stepping into the late-late slot vacated by David Letterman, Conan O'Brien stars in a show that far outdoes its competition in sheer strangeness. Along with the celebrity interviews and musical number ...
Genre :Comedy, Talk

Self

1999-03-30 4.6

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn

Craig Kilborn hosted this zany talk show, which followed David Letterman's show, from 1999 until 2004. Kilborn left The Daily Show in 1999 to be this show's host after Tom Synder retired. The segment ...
Genre :Talk

Jerome Weisner

1998-04-05 8.155

From the Earth to the Moon

The story of the United States' space program, from its beginnings in 1961 to the final moon mission in 1972. ...
Genre :Action & Adventure, Drama

McSooshi Announcer (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self

2016-05-11 5.1

Chelsea

It's not her first talk show, but it is a first of its kind. Ideas, people and places that fascinate her, all in her unique style. ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

Self

2014-02-17 5.9

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

After Jay Leno's second retirement from the program, Jimmy Fallon stepped in as his permanent replacement. After 42 years in Los Angeles the program was brought back to New York. ...
Genre :Comedy, Talk

Self

2017-02-09 6.6

The History of Comedy

Explore what makes us laugh, why, and how that's influenced our social and political landscape throughout history. ...
Genre :Documentary, Comedy

Self

2004-10-05 0

Tanner on Tanner

Sixteen years ago, Jack Tanner's bid for the White House ended at the 1988 Democratic convention. Now the former congressman is the subject of a documentary film directed by his daughter Alex focusing ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

2017-10-12 6.6

I Love You, America

Follow Sarah Silverman as she looks to connect with people who may not agree with her personal opinions through honesty, humor, genuine interest in others and not taking herself too seriously. She fee ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

Self

2019-05-27 0

Biography: Comedy Icons

Part of the award-winning Biography series, A&E Network will premiere three new documentaries exploring the lives and careers of comedy giants Chris Farley, Jeff Dunham and Jeff Foxworthy. Airing acro ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2014-02-25 5.261

Late Night with Seth Meyers

Seth Meyers, who is "Saturday Night Live’s" longest serving anchor on the show’s wildly popular "Weekend Update," takes over as host of NBC’s "Late Night" — home to A-list celebrity guests, memorable ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

Self

1996-06-10 3.9

The Rosie O'Donnell Show

The Rosie O'Donnell Show was an American daytime television talk show hosted and produced by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell. It aired for six seasons from 1996 to 2002. Topics often discussed on ...
Genre :Talk, Family, Comedy

Self - Various Characters

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Frank Gansmiller

1996-01-09 7.5

3rd Rock from the Sun

The high commander of an alien expedition lands on Earth -- what he considers to be the least-important planet -- in human form as Dick Solomon. Along for the ride are his alien compatriots Harry, Sal ...
Genre :Family, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Comedy, Drama

Self - Cameo (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self - Special Guest

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self

2003-02-21 6

Real Time with Bill Maher

Each week Bill Maher surrounds himself with a panel of guests which include politicians, actors, comedians, musicians and the like to discuss what's going on in the world. ...
Genre :Comedy, Talk

Self - Guest Host

1996-07-22 6.4

The Daily Show

The World's Fakest News Team tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture. ...
Genre :News, Comedy

Mayor McCheese (voice)

2000-05-31 7.1

Clerks

The continuing adventures of store clerks Dante and Randal, who try to make the best of their menial labor, with no help from Jay and Silent Bob. ...
Genre :Animation, Comedy

Self

2010-11-08 7.1

Conan

A late night television talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien. ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy, News

Self (archive footage)

2018-09-17 0

Minnesota Experience

For decades, Twin Cities PBS (TPT) has dived into the whitewater of bygone eras and emerged with insight about our shared past and values as Minnesotans. Tapping into TPT’s rich archive of historical ...
Genre :Documentary

Self

2025-01-16 7.5

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night

This docuseries explores the iconic Saturday Night Live, showcasing the audition process, writing, infamous sketches, and the pivotal 11th season that cemented the show's DNA under Lorne Michaels' lea ...
Genre :Documentary

Aaron Filkins

2025-03-20 7.567

The Residence

A brilliant, eccentric detective must solve a murder in the White House residence — where the staff and guests at a state dinner are all suspects. ...
Genre :Comedy

Self

2003-01-26 5.461

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC. ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

Judge / Cook (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Ron Ziegler (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Crowd Member (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Phone Technician (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Pong Player (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Mourner (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Pong Player #1 (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Pong Player on the Right (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Guest (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Player on the Left (voice) (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Bee / Pong Player (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Dancer (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self - Guest Host

2003-01-26 5.461

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC. ...
Genre :Talk, Comedy

Lab Technician (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Wanderer (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Voice of Senator / Dr. Alan S. Franken (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Various / Football Player (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

George Jessel / Various (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Self

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Various (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Patron (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News

Patron / Extra (uncredited)

1975-10-11 6.95

Saturday Night Live

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying ...
Genre :Comedy, News