Biography
James Woodward Downey (born 1952) is an American comedy writer, producer and actor. Downey wrote for over 30 seasons of Saturday Night Live, making him the longest tenured writer in the show's history. SNL creator Lorne Michaels called Downey the "best political humorist alive" while Conan O'Brien said he is "the great comedy writer that we all revere."
Filmography
Cast Credits
Downey Wrote That
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2025
One Battle After Another
Character: Sandy Irvine
MOVIE • 2025
Happy Gilmore 2
Character: Championship Tour Starter
MOVIE • 2025
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2025
Live from New York!
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2015
Veep
Character: Jim Caldwell
TV • 2012
Saturday Night
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2010
There Will Be Blood
Character: Al Rose
MOVIE • 2007
30 Rock
Character: Downey
TV • 2006
Live from New York: The First 5 Years of Saturday Night Live
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2005
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Character: Board Member #1
TV • 2000
Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1999
Dirty Work
Character: Martin / Homeless Guy
MOVIE • 1998
The Little Patriot
Character: Adjutant
MOVIE • 1995
Billy Madison
Character: Principal
MOVIE • 1995
Wayne's World 2
Character: Jeff Wong (voice, uncredited)
MOVIE • 1993
Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1989
Bum Rap
Character: Steg
MOVIE • 1988
Kate & Allie
Character:
TV • 1984
Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
Character:
MOVIE • 1981
Crew
Crew Credits
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1998
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman
Role: Writer
MOVIE • 1998
Late Night with David Letterman
Role: Writer
TV • 1982
Steve Martin's Best Show Ever
Role: Writer
MOVIE • 1981
Saturday Night Live
Role: Producer
TV • 1975
Saturday Night Live
Role: Writer
TV • 1975