CRAIG ROBINSON

Name, Age & Early Roots

Craig Phillip Robinson was born on October 25, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, making him 53 years old as of 2025 . He grew up on Chicago’s South Side in a household deeply rooted in music and professionalism—his mother was a music teacher and his father an attorney .

Education & Teaching Beginnings

Craig attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, then earned his Bachelor's in Music from Illinois State University (1994), followed by a Master’s in Education from Saint Xavier University . Before fame, he taught music at Horace Mann Elementary School in Chicago, later at schools in Indiana, such as Hammond and East Chicago Central .

Comedy & Acting Breakthrough

While teaching, Craig explored stand-up comedy and improv at The Second City. His performances on open-mic nights led to appearances on shows like Def Comedy Jam, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Bernie Mac Show . His TV debut began in 2004–2005 with guest roles on Friends, Arrested Development, and Curb Your Enthusiasm .

Rise to Fame – The Office & Film Work

Robinson skyrocketed to fame with his portrayal of Darryl Philbin on The Office (2005–2013), starting as a guest and rising to series regular by Season 4 . He became a comedic force in films such as Knocked Up (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), This Is the End (2013), and Sausage Party (2016) .

Voice Acting & Dramatic Roles

Craig lent his distinctive voice to Shrek Forever After (2010 as Cookie), Frozen Princess Bride, The Bad Guys (2022), and others . He also took on more serious roles, such as Ray Heyworth on Mr. Robot (2016) and earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his dramatic turn in Morris from America (2016) .

Hosting, Music, & Current Projects

Beyond acting, Craig hosted Last Comic Standing (2010), served as judge/host on The Masked Singer and The Masked Dancer (2020–21), and appeared in ads for brands like Pizza Hut, Dietz & Watson, and Gain detergent . He fronts the funk–rock band The Nasty Delicious, performing live and even integrating music in The Office . Since 2022, he both stars in and executive produces the Peacock comedy Killing It .

Personal Life & Legacy

Raised Methodist, Craig balances creativity with education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. He remains proud of his Chicago roots even after relocating to Los Angeles . He’s the elder brother of musician Chris Robinson . Craig has received five SAG Award nominations, was honored with an Independent Spirit nod, and earned a Daytime Emmy nom . His versatile journey—from classroom teaching to national TV icon and dynamic voice actor—is both inspiring and uniquely his own.