Biographie
Steve Zissis was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a family of Greek heritage. He attended Jesuit High School, where he began acting in musicals at sixteen, then went on to study acting at New York University, performing in various plays. At NYU, he earned a "Best Actor" award for his role as the fierce Irishman Mr. Maurrant in Elmer Rice's "Street Scene." After graduation, Steve continued his theater work, including studying puppetry at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center under mentors Richard Termine of the Henson Foundation and Marty Robinson of Sesame Street ("Mr. Snuffleupagus," "Telly Monster"). In 2002, Steve and his close friend Arthur Mintz co-directed a live-action/puppet adaptation of Peter Shaffer's "Amadeus," winning "Best Director" awards and a "Best Drama" accolade for the production. Jay Stanley of Vive La Vie! Magazine praised the play as a "masterpiece of theatrical genius."
In 2005, Steve collaborated with the Duplass Brothers for the first time, starring in their short film "The Intervention," which won the Silver Bear and Teddy Awards at the Berlin Film Festival, as well as the Grand Jury Prize at New York's GEN ART Film Festival.
Steve's partnership with the Duplass Brothers grew as he starred in their horror comedy "Baghead," which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was later acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. His performance in "Baghead" garnered attention from critics and casting directors, leading to roles in TV shows such as "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," and FX's "The League."
In 2009, Steve reunited with the Duplass Brothers to star in the sibling rivalry sports film "The Do-Deca-Pentathlon," which screened at several festivals including SXSW and was acquired by Fox Searchlight.
In 2011, Steve had a supporting role in the Duplass Brothers' second studio film, "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," alongside Jason Segel, Ed Helms, and Judy Greer. Filmed in New Orleans, the project allowed Steve to work while reconnecting with friends and family.
In 2015, Steve and the Duplass Brothers created HBO's critically acclaimed comedy-drama series "Togetherness," starring Steve, Mark Duplass, Melanie Lynskey, and Amanda Peet. The show cultivated a devoted fan base and influenced many subsequent dramedies.
Continuing his film and TV career, Steve has worked with directors such as Jason Reitman, Justin Simien, Gus Van Sant, Billy Ray, Jeremy Saulnier, Spike Jonze, and Chris Landon. He is also establishing himself as a screenwriter, having written a treatment for Warner Bros.' "Cat in the Hat," the story for Disney's "Cruella," and an original screenplay for New Regency's psychological horror film "Blood Mother," starring Felicity Jones.
Steve divides his time between Los Angeles, New Orleans, and London.
