David Koechner (pronounced /'kɛk.nɚ/; born August 24, 1962) is an American character actor (film, television and stage), comedian and musician, probably best known for the role of Champ Kind in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Koechner began studying improvisational comedy in Chicago at the ImprovOlympic, under the teachings of Del Close, before moving on to joining the Second City Northwest. After one-year stints on Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, he began taking small parts in films such as Man on the Moon and Wag the Dog. While filming the country mockumentary Dill Scallion, Koechner befriended Dave 'Gruber' Allen, forming The Naked Trucker & T-Bones Show. The act became a hit at Hollywood clubs such as Largo, and the duo were invited to open for Tenacious D.
His role as Champ Kind in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy brought him many other films, including Talladega Nights, Waiting..., Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny and Thank You for Smoking, in addition to recurring guest appearances on The 40 Year-Old Virgin co-star Steve Carell's The Office as Todd Packer. On January 17 2007, Koechner's Naked Trucker & T-Bones Show premiered on Comedy Central, giving him a starring role and full creative control. David Koechner's first leading role as Coach Lambeau Fields in Fox Atomic's sports comedy, The Comebacks opened on October 19, 2007.
An alumnus of the Northwest Second City Touring Company.
Was a member of the ImprovOlympic improvisation troupe in Chicago.
Has a son named Charlie and a daughter named Margot.
Does a monthly show with Dave Allen (I) called "The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show" at the Largo in Los Angeles.
Majored in political science at the University of Missouri.
Has the rare distinction of being in two movies that opened on the same day in the U.S. - Talladega Nights: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) and Barnyard (2006) (August 4, 2006).
His last name is pronounced "keck-ner".
Good friend with comedians such as Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Neil Flynn and Andy Richter (I).
Attended the wedding of Steve Carell and Nancy Walls, both of whom he knew from Second City.
