Jim Zulevic
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Jim Zulevic (February 20, 1965 – January 7, 2006) was an American actor, improvisational comedian, television writer, and radio host.
He died suddenly of cardiac arrest, possibly due to a stroke, aged 40.
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[edit] Early life
Zulevic, of Scottish and Croatian extraction, grew up in Chicago, where he graduated from St. Thomas More Grammar School {Go Tommy More}, Brother Rice High School and Columbia College Chicago. He drank many underage beers at Hayes Park, Eppers, Farrells, and various unpaved alleys. He miraculously avoided killing himself and others while recklessly piloting his parents sweet, silver station wagon on many an "oldies cruise". Jim shocked the Hayes Park sports world when he arrived for a 16-inch softball game sporting his moms' powder blue sweatpants. Jims' other sports claim to fame was being kicked out of a Seattle Mariners late night hotel party by Gaylord Perry.
He went on to work a number of jobs, from underaged bouncer at Chicago's famed Exit club to a runner at the Board of Trade to support his acting habit. All the while he studied at The Second City, where he was taken under the wing of mentor Sheldon Patinkin. Sheldon always encouraged Jim by telling him if a no talent hack like John Cusack could make it in movies, so could he. Before joining the Second City, he performed for a short time at Chicago's Improv Institute.
[edit] Second City
Zulevic joined The Second City comedy troupe in 1992. He starred in nine stage revues, including "Paradigm Lost" with Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch. Zulevic created his most famous character of "Billy" at this time.
He was also the resident director for GayCo Productions, a gay and lesbian comedy ensemble based in Chicago, although Zulevic himself was heterosexual ([1]).
[edit] Television
Zulevic wrote for the Jamie Kennedy Experiment. He appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Drew Carey Show, Early Edition, Prison Break, Real Time with Bill Maher, The Shield, and the final episode of the long-running series, Seinfeld ([2]).
He also created commercials for the Fox Broadcasting Company in Chicago, where he was known for his quirky comments on reruns of The Simpsons ([3]).
[edit] Movies
Zulevic appeared in The Bogus Witch Project, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover, Let's Go to Prison, Matchstick Men, The Specials, and Talent. He also directed a comedy short, Baby Time Share, in 2005.
[edit] Other activities
Zulevic hosted the weekly radio show "Second City Radio" on WCKG-FM, and taught improv classes at Columbia College Chicago and The Second City.
[edit] External links
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