Robert Smigel (born February 7 1960) is an American humorist, comedian and writer known for his Saturday Night Live "TV Funhouse" cartoon shorts and as the puppeteer behind Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog. Smigel was once a member of the Chicago comedy troupe "All You Can Eat".
In 2000 Smigel was sued by Pets.com because they claimed his Late Night with Conan O'Brien character, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, made comments about Pets.com's TV sock puppet dog.
Father of 'Daniel Smigel'
On "Saturday Night Live" he wrote sketches such as The Superfans, The McLaughlin Group, The Sinatra Group, and The William Shatner Star Trek Convention.
Was in a Chicago improv troupe called "All You Can Eat" for several years.
His father was a dentist, who introduced tooth bonding to the public.
Born on the same day as James Spader.
Saturday Night Live's longest running writer; he's been writing for the show since 1985.
He's a friend and frequent collaborator of Adam Sandler's, having worked with the comedian six times starting with "Saturday Night Live" (1975), Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), The Wedding Singer (1998), Little Nicky (2000) and Punch-Drunk Love (2002). Smigel had written with Sandler or appeared with him on "Saturday Night Live" (1975) while playing small roles in Sandler's films.
Infamous for making TV Funhouse segments on Saturday Night Live like "The Ambigously Gay Duo", "The New Adventures Of Mr.T", "Michael Jackson", and the now banned "Conspiracy Theory Rock" (What if real life companies buy out other companies).
