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Entertainment • Comedian

Shane Gillis

Shane Gillis is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shane Gillis is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He gained wider attention after being announced for Saturday Night Live in 2019, then continued to build his career through stand-up, podcasts, and television projects such as Tires.

Early life

Gillis was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Mechanicsburg area. Sources describe him as having played football in school before moving into comedy.

Comedy career

He developed a following through stand-up, podcasting, and online sketch work. He also won recognition in comedy circuits before expanding into mainstream television and streaming projects.

Saturday Night Live controversy

In 2019, Gillis was announced for the cast of Saturday Night Live, but the hiring was reversed after past podcast clips resurfaced and drew criticism. The episode became a major turning point in his public profile.

Television and streaming work

Gillis later co-created and starred in the sketch series Gilly & Keeves and the Netflix series Tires. He also returned to host Saturday Night Live in 2024, according to multiple entertainment profiles.

Key facts

  • Gillis is from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and studied at West Chester University.
  • He began performing comedy professionally in 2012.
  • He was announced as a cast member of Saturday Night Live in 2019 but was fired before appearing on the show.
  • He co-hosts the podcast Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast.
  • He co-created and stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires.
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Canadian context

He has worked in Canadian comedy circuits and was named a 'New Face' at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shane Gillis?
Shane Gillis is an American comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster known for stand-up comedy and television projects such as Tires.
Where is Shane Gillis from?
He is from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Why did Shane Gillis leave Saturday Night Live?
He was removed from the cast in 2019 after past podcast clips containing offensive remarks resurfaced and prompted backlash.
What podcast does Shane Gillis host?
He co-hosts Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast with comedian Matt McCusker.
What shows has Shane Gillis worked on?
He co-created and stars in Gilly & Keeves and Tires.
What stand-up specials has Shane Gillis released?
Reported specials include Live in Austin and Beautiful Dogs.

References

  1. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/a64946873/shane-gillis
    Supports: Career overview; Tires; Pennsylvania background; SNL hiring and firing.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5805772/bio/
    Supports: Birth date; birthplace; occupation.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/shane_gillis
    Supports: Birth date; birthplace; West Chester University; Beautiful Dogs.
  4. All American Speakers — https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Shane+Gillis/462093
    Supports: Comedy career details; podcast; Gilly & Keeves; Tires; Just for Laughs recognition.
  5. Hollywood Life — https://www.hollywoodlife.com/feature/who-is-shane-gillis-5253330/
    Supports: SNL firing; later hosting return; Tires; general career summary.