Nicholas Roger Swardson also known as Nick Swardson is a multifaceted American actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his role as Terry Bernadino in Reno 911! and his collaborations with Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions.
His energetic comedy style and versatile performances have made him a prominent figure in Hollywood comedies.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Nicholas Roger Swardson
- Stage Name: Nick Swardson
- Born: October 9, 1976
- Age: 49 years old
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor, Stand-Up Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Parents: Pamela Swardson, Roger Eric Swardson
- Siblings: Rachel Swardson (sister), John Swardson (brother)
- Spouse: None
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $5 million to $10 million USD
Early Life and Education
Nick Swardson was born on October 9, 1976, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Pamela and Roger Eric Swardson.
The youngest of three siblings, he grew up with a sister, Rachel, and a brother, John, in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
His father, a journalist and editor, contributed to publications like the Cincinnati Enquirer and City Pages and founded the Grand Gazette, a Saint Paul community newspaper.
His parents divorced when he was around 12 or 13, a pivotal moment that shaped his emotional growth.
Of Swedish, Scottish, Norwegian, and German descent, Swardson attended St. Paul Central High School, where he began performing improv comedy at 16.
Career
Nick Swardson started performing stand-up at 18, attending open mic nights at Minneapolis’ Acme Comedy Co., where he won the “Funniest Person in the Twin Cities” award.
He performed at Knuckleheads in the Mall of America and, at 20, at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, gaining industry attention.
Moving to New York City and later Los Angeles, he landed small roles in TV (LateLine, 1999) and film (Almost Famous, 2000, as a crazed Bowie fan).
His 2001 Comedy Central Presents special boosted his visibility, followed by a 2006 appearance on The Best of Comedy Central Presents: Uncensored II.
Swardson’s breakout role was Terry Bernadino, a flamboyant roller-skating gigolo, in Reno 911! (2003–2009) and its film Reno 911!: Miami (2007).
His collaboration with Adam Sandler began with co-writing Grandma’s Boy (2006), where he also acted, followed by roles in Happy Madison films like The Benchwarmers (2006), Blades of Glory (2007), Just Go with It (2011), That’s My Boy (2012), Grown Ups 2 (2013), Pixels (2015), The Do-Over (2016), and The Wrong Missy (2020).
He co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011), which flopped commercially, and appeared in 30 Minutes or Less (2011) and A Haunted House (2013).
His sketch comedy show, Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time (2010–2011), ran for two seasons on Comedy Central.
He voiced Troy in the animated series Chozen (2014) and provided voice work for Hell and Back (2015).
Swardson continues to tour with stand-up, releasing specials like Seriously, Who Farted? (2009), Taste It (2015), and Make Joke From Face (2024) on YouTube via 800 Pound Gorilla.
A 2024 performance in Beaver Creek, Colorado, drew criticism when he was escorted off stage for appearing intoxicated, prompting an apology on X.
He is set to appear in Happy Gilmore 2 (filming in 2025).
Awards and Nominations
- Acme Comedy Co. Award for Funniest Person in the Twin Cities (early career)
- Nominated – BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award (2016) for Best Vocal Ensemble in Hell and Back
- Nominated – Writers Guild of America Award (date not specified) for comedy writing
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @realnickswardson
- Facebook Handle: Nick Swardson
- Twitter Handle: @NickSwardson
Personal Life
Nick Swardson maintains a private personal life, with no confirmed spouse, children, or current relationships.
His father’s death in 2003 deeply affected him, as he shared in a 2019 Instagram post, describing it as a transformative loss.
A recovering alcoholic, Swardson has spoken about his struggles with substance use during his school years and later weaned himself off stimulants like coffee and energy drinks.
Selected Filmography
Films
- Almost Famous (2000) – Insane Bowie Fan
- Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003) – Co-writer
- Grandma’s Boy (2006) – Jeff, Co-writer, Co-producer
- The Benchwarmers (2006) – Howie
- Reno 911!: Miami (2007) – Terry Bernadino
- Blades of Glory (2007) – Hector
- Just Go with It (2011) – Eddie
- 30 Minutes or Less (2011) – Travis
- Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star (2011) – Bucky Larson, Co-writer, Co-producer
- Jack and Jill (2011) – Todd
- That’s My Boy (2012) – Kenny
- A Haunted House (2013) – Chip the Psychic
- Grown Ups 2 (2013) – Nick
- Hell and Back (2015) – Remy (voice)
- Pixels (2015) – Pac-Man Victim
- The Do-Over (2016) – Bob
- The Wrong Missy (2020) – Nate
- Happy Gilmore 2 (2025, upcoming) – TBA
TV Shows
- LateLine (1999) – Guest Role
- Comedy Central Presents (2001, 2006) – Himself
- Reno 911! (2003–2009) – Terry Bernadino
- Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time (2010–2011) – Various, Creator
- Chozen (2014) – Troy (voice)
- Typical Rick (2016–2017) – Gary
- The Goldbergs (2013–2023) – Rick
- Bill Burr Presents Immoral Compass (2021) – Guest Role
Comedy Specials
- Seriously, Who Farted? (2009)
- Taste It (2015)
- Make Joke From Face (2024)
Net Worth
Nick Swardson’s net worth is estimated at $5 million to $10 million USD, derived from his work as an actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and producer.
His earnings come from Happy Madison films, Comedy Central specials, Reno 911!, and Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time, as well as ongoing stand-up tours and cameo appearances.