John Paragon is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He is best known for his work on the television series Pee-wee’s Playhouse, where he played the character of Jambi the Genie, and for his role as Hollywood Montrose in the film Cry-Baby.
Paragon was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 27, 1952. His parents were both actors, and he has two older sisters. He was educated at the Harvard-Westlake School and then at Occidental College.
Paragon’s acting career began in the early 1970s, with roles in several television series including The Odd Couple and The Love Boat. He made his film debut in 1978, in the film Grease. In 1980, he was cast as Jambi the Genie in Pee-wee’s Playhouse. He appeared in all 45 episodes of the series, which ran for five seasons.
After Pee-wee’s Playhouse ended, Paragon appeared in a number of films including Batman Returns (1992), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), and Scream 2 (1997). He also had a recurring role in the television series Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996-2003).
In recent years, Paragon has directed episodes of the television series Hot in Cleveland (2010-2015) and 2 Broke Girls (2011-2017). He has also appeared in the films The Watch (2012) and Dumb and Dumber To (2014).
Paragon is divorced from his first wife, actress Linda Day. He has two daughters from his second marriage, to actress Julie Brown. His net worth is estimated to be $3 million.
General Info
Full Name
John Paragon
Profession
Actor, Film director, Screenwriter, Television Director
Nationality
American
Accomplishments
Nominations
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing For A Children's Series, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In A Children/Youth/Family Special, Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing In A Children's or Pre-School Children's Series
Movies
Twin Sitters, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, The Pee-wee Herman Show, Double Trouble, The Frog Prince, UHF, Elvira's Haunted Hills, Pee-wee's Big Holiday, The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, Echo Park, Ring of the Musk...
TV Shows
Pee-wee's Playhouse, The New Scooby and Scrappy-Doo Show, Elvira's Movie Macabre, Storybook Cinema
