About
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
Lorne2026 · Self / Irwin Segelstein (voice)
Downey Wrote That2025 · Self
One Battle After Another2025 · Sandy Irvine
Happy Gilmore 22025 · Championship Tour Starter
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert2025 · Self
Live from New York!2015 · Self
Saturday Night2010 · Self
There Will Be Blood2007 · Al Rose
Saturday Night Live in the '90s: Pop Culture Nation2007 · Self
Live from New York: The First 5 Years of Saturday Night Live2005 · Self
Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary Special1999 · Self
Dirty Work1998 · Martin / Homeless Guy
The Little Patriot1995 · Adjutant
Billy Madison1995 · Principal
Wayne's World 21993 · Jeff Wong (voice, uncredited)
Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary1989 · Self
Bum Rap1988 · Steg
Steve Martin's Best Show Ever1981