Anthony Barbieri
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Anthony J. ("Tony") Barbieri (born August 26, 1963, Framingham, Massachusetts) is an American comedy writer and performer. His work has appeared on television programs such as Crank Yankers and the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. He has gained most fame for his prankish appearances as a character known as "Jake Byrd," in the setting of celebrity court cases.
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[edit] Career
[edit] Writing
Barbieri's long-running Monroe series has appeared in more than 100 issues of Mad Magazine. The pieces are illustrated by cartoonist Bill Wray.
[edit] Television Appearances
On the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, one of the things Barbieri is best known for is insinuating himself into major news stories, as the fictitious character, primarily under the name "Jake Byrd." Segments on the Kimmel program are called : Jake Byrd... Celebrity Avenger! He has successfully fooled major media outlets, including The New York Times, Fox News and Court TV.
[edit] Notable Pranks
[edit] Michael Jackson trial
One of his most famous stunts was posing as obsessed fan Jake Byrd, at the 2005 trial of Michael Jackson. During the arraignment of Michael Jackson he fooled The New York Times. During jury deliberations, he similarly fooled Court TV, as the same character, with the same back story.[1] The Jake Byrd character ostensibly works in a pet store in Chino, California.
[edit] Paris Hilton trial
When celebrity Paris Hilton was sent back to jail for driving with a suspended license, on June 8th, 2007, "Jake Byrd" was heard screaming "No, No, No, No!" at the Paris Hilton News conference. Later live camera shots showed him clowning and making faces, while wearing a hat with a sign that said, "Let her live". Early press reports from the scene did not identify him as a performer.[2] [3][4].
[edit] Filmography
The following list includes shows or movies in which he is a small, but credited, writer or actor.
- Windy City Heat (2003) - (TV movie) - (Writer/Actor)
- Jimmy Kimmel Live (2003-) (Talk show on ABC) - (Writer/Actor) - His own pieces, including his well known character Jake Byrd.
- That '80s Show (2002-) (TV program) - (Writer)
- Crank Yankers (2002) (TV program) (Writer/Voice Actor)
- That's My Bush! (2001) (TV program) - (Writer/Actor) - A political comedy spoofing George W. Bush (Appeared in one episode).
- The Man Show (1999-2004) (TV program) - (Writer)
- Delta Force: Land Warrior (2000) (Video Game) (Voice Actor)
- Pledge Night (1988) (movie) - Horror film.
[edit] Links
- Tony Barbieri at the Internet Movie Database
- Paris Hilton News conference, with Jake Byrd reference
- Picture of Jake Byrd appearing in Santa Barbara News-Press
- Santa Barbara News-Press story on the Jake Byrd hoax
- Radar Magazine quoting Jake Byrd
- New York Times Article mentioning Jake Byrd along with a correction regarding his actual identity
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