Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Navin Pancholy, born on January 18, 1974, is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his diverse performances across television and voice acting. He rose to prominence portraying Jonathan on the acclaimed series 30 Rock, and lent his voice to Baljeet Tjinder in the beloved animated show Phineas and Ferb. His talent also shone through as Neal in the first season of Whitney and as Sanjay Patel in both Weeds and its animated counterpart, Sanjay and Craig.

Beyond his acting career, Pancholy is an accomplished author. His debut novel, The Best at It, published by Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, explores the journey of a gay Indian American boy navigating his identity. In 2022, he published Nikhil Out Loud, a compelling narrative about eighth-grade theatre students confronting homophobia in their community. This work received critical acclaim, culminating in the 2023 Lambda Literary Award for Middle-Grade Literature.

Pancholy’s contributions to both the entertainment industry and literature underscore his commitment to representing diverse narratives and fostering inclusivity. Through his multi-faceted career, he continues to inspire audiences with his authentic storytelling and engaging performances.