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Entertainment • Actor

Jack McBrayer

Jack McBrayer is an American actor and comedian known for playing Kenneth Parcell on the NBC sitcom *30 Rock*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jack McBrayer is an American actor and comedian known for playing Kenneth Parcell on the NBC sitcom *30 Rock*. He has also worked extensively in television, film, and voice acting, including animated roles such as Fix-It Felix in *Wreck-It Ralph* and the title character in *Wander Over Yonder*.

Early life and education

Jack McBrayer was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1973. He studied theater administration at the University of Evansville before moving into improv and sketch comedy in Chicago.

Career in comedy and television

McBrayer performed with Second City and iO Theater before gaining wider attention through appearances on late-night television and roles in scripted comedies. His breakout role came with *30 Rock*, where he played Kenneth Parcell.

Film and voice acting

In addition to live-action work, McBrayer has built a substantial voice-acting career. His best-known animated role is Fix-It Felix in *Wreck-It Ralph*, and he has voiced the lead character in *Wander Over Yonder*.

Recognition

McBrayer’s performance on *30 Rock* earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. His work has been recognized both for live-action comedy and voice performance.

Key facts

  • Jack McBrayer is best known for playing Kenneth Parcell on *30 Rock*.
  • He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
  • He studied theater administration at the University of Evansville and performed with Second City and iO Theater.
  • He has appeared in films including *Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby*, *Forgetting Sarah Marshall*, and *The Campaign*.
  • He voiced Fix-It Felix in *Wreck-It Ralph* and the title character in *Wander Over Yonder*.
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Canadian context

Jack McBrayer is relevant to Canadian readers through the international circulation of American television and animation, including widely distributed series and films such as *30 Rock* and *Wreck-It Ralph*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jack McBrayer?
Jack McBrayer is an American actor and comedian best known for playing Kenneth Parcell on *30 Rock*.
When was Jack McBrayer born?
He was born on May 27, 1973.
Where is Jack McBrayer from?
He was born in Macon, Georgia, in the United States.
What is Jack McBrayer best known for?
He is best known for his role as Kenneth Parcell on *30 Rock* and for voice roles such as Fix-It Felix in *Wreck-It Ralph*.
Did Jack McBrayer receive an Emmy nomination?
Yes. He was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for *30 Rock*.
What kind of work has Jack McBrayer done besides acting on television?
He has appeared in films, performed sketch and improv comedy, and voiced characters in animated series and films.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_McBrayer
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, and *30 Rock* role with Emmy nomination.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1442113/
    Supports: Biography details, education, early career, filmography, and voice roles.
  3. The Second City — https://www.secondcity.com/people/jack-mcbrayer
    Supports: Training and performance history with Second City and iO, plus credits.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jack-mcbrayer/
    Supports: Career overview, *30 Rock* breakthrough, film and voice work.