Jonathan Katz is a man of many talents, gaining critical acclaim for his edgy and often acerbic works as an author, producer, actor, comedian and musician. As person living with MS, Jonathan joins the MS family as one of our Ambassadors.
Katz is best known for his role in the hit animated series “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist,” which featured Dr. Katz treating dozens of the finest comedic minds. “Dr Katz” ran for six seasons on Comedy Central (1995-1999), receiving the network Peabody and Cable ACE Awards as well as its first Primetime Emmy Award.
Additional television credits for Katz include an HBO special, a reoccurring role on the CBS series “Ink,” and an appearance as himself in HBO's “The Larry Sanders Show.” Katz has also made numerous guest appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.”
As an actor, Katz has gained praise for his roles in “Daddy Day Care” costarring Eddie Murphy, “The Independent” with Janeane Garofolo, and the David Mamet films “State and Main,” “Things Change,” and “The Spanish Prisoner.”
“To Do Lists for the Dead,” Katz's first book, was published in 2000 by Andrew McMeel. He is presently working on a new book, tentatively titled “Humility: What Is It and Where Can I Get Some?”
Originally a musician and songwriter, Katz recently released his first solo album, Caffeinated, which features phone segments he popularized on National Public Radio's “The Next Big Thing” along with original music never heard away from the concert stage.
In 1997, Katz was diagnosed with MS. In describing his life with MS, Katz said, “For the first couple of years I thought it [MS] was a stage I was going through, like puberty without pimples. Not so bad. Then I discovered that if you join this club it's a lifetime membership, and it is not just you: it's your family too.”
Presently, Katz blends stand-up, slides and music to offer audiences his own off beat view of what it is like to live and perform with MS.
Katz was presented with the Gift of Laughter Award by fellow comedian and Society Ambassador, David Lander at the 2006 National Conference.
To learn more about Jonathan Katz, please visit his official website at: www.jonathankatz.com