Born and raised in Arlington Heights, IL, Nick Smeriglio’s journey into entertainment began with an improv program at the renowned Second City Chicago. With a marketing degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, Nick’s early career took a different path. From ages 22-26, he worked various jobs, including a year as a recruiter, a year selling bread, and two years in ad sales at Paramount. It was at Paramount that Nick decided to follow his passion for comedy, quitting his job after being booked for his first stand-up shows in the spring of 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic struck just a week after his final Second City show, forcing Nick to move back to his parents’ house in the suburbs. TikTok became his only creative outlet, where he began posting skits featuring his three known impressions: Christopher Walken, Tony Soprano, and Sebastian Maniscalco. By the fall of 2020, his videos had gained significant attention, leading to unexpected offers from East Coast stand-up clubs. Despite never having performed stand-up before, Nick took the plunge and booked his first weekend of shows at three different clubs in New York and New Jersey for April 2021.
In October 2021, Nick moved to New York City to pursue his comedy and acting career full-time. His dedication paid off as he quickly made a name for himself in the comedy circuit. An 11-day, nine-show tour paved the way for a headlining gig at the iconic Caroline’s on Broadway in Times Square. He also performed six shows at the Chicago Improv with fellow Italian-American comedian and mentor, Anthony Rodia.
Nick’s career continued to soar as he traveled to Burbank, California, to perform alongside Jay Leno in November 2021. Back in Chicago, he appeared on WGN-TV and 670 AM The Score, showcasing his comedic talents with a skit about celebrities firing former Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy.
In addition to his stand-up and acting pursuits, Nick performs with the sketch group “I Mostly Blame Myself,” which secured a spot at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland in August 2024. He has also taken on roles in television commercials, hosted and emceed corporate sales meetings and trade shows nationwide, and performed at various charity events in Chicago’s Edison Park neighborhood. Nick Smeriglio’s journey from suburban Chicago to the vibrant New York comedy scene is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering passion for entertainment.
