Erik Stolhanske
Actor, Writer, Producer and Founding Member of Broken Lizard
Topics
Foolish Perseverance: How a Kid with a Wooden Leg Took on Tinseltown
Growing up in a suburban town in Minnesota, Erik Stolhanske was missing something important...a leg. Born without a fibula, Erik learned to walk -- and later even play ice hockey -- with a wooden leg.If you assume Erik was teased and picked on in grade school, you’re right. If you’re guessing Erik was frustrated and humiliated when he first attempted sports you’re right again.
But through sheer determination and perseverance, including an unlikely number of peaks and valleys -- Erik overcame his disability to become one of Hollywood's most popular comedians. As a member of the Broken Lizard team, Erik co-wrote and starred in the cult classic "Super Troopers," "Beerfest" and a number of other comedy hits.
As a child, Erik's disability could have kept him on the sidelines. Instead, his mother insisted that he was just like all the other kids. She told him -- "when you get knocked down, dust yourself off and get back up." Instilled with that lesson at an early age, Erik tells a poignant and often hilarious story of overcoming obstacles and staying true to yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Erik says, “We all face challenges in life – and I’m living proof that its how you handle life’s hurdles that determines your success.”
About Erik Stolhanske
Erik was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Breck High School in 1987, he attended Colgate University. He and fellow college friends Jay, Kevin, Paul, and Steve shared an interest in sketch comedy, and formed the comedy group “Charred Goosebeak.” After graduating, they moved their group to New York City and changed its name to “Broken Lizard.” Stolhanske has written, produced and starred in all of Broken Lizards' films – including Puddle Cruiser, Super Troopers, Club Dread Beerfest, and their latest release, The Slammin' Salmon - a comedy about one night in a restaurant owned and deplorably operated by former Heavy Weight Champion, Cleon Salmon (played by the Academy Award Nominated actor Michael Clarke Duncan), and staffed by Broken Lizard.
Stolhanske also appears in The Onion Movie, The Sweetest Thing and Watching The Detectives. On television, Erik can be seen on the HBO critically acclaimed series Curb Your Enthusiasm and Six Feet Under as well as on the Comedy Central special Broken Lizard Stands Up.
Most recently, Stolhanske wrapped production as the lead actor in the independent comedy RockBarnes: The Emperor in you.
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