John Melendez has carved out a unique and multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, marked by his distinctive voice and comedic talent. After making a name for himself over 14 years on The Howard Stern Radio Show starting in 1998, John Melendez transitioned to network television, spending a decade on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno beginning in 1992. His role on Leno’s show was diverse, serving as the nightly announcer, contributing as a staff writer, and frequently appearing in comedy sketches and correspondent segments.
Melendez’s journey began as an intern for Howard Stern during his college years. His on-air presence was almost immediate, leveraging his stutter to create a memorable persona. As “Stuttering John,” John Melendez achieved national fame and recognition for his audacious and often irreverent “gonzo-ambush” interview style. He became known for approaching celebrities at events, conducting man-on-the-street interviews, and participating in comedic sketches for Stern’s show. His writing talents were also integral to the Stern Show throughout his long tenure. Segments of the radio program were adapted for television as the nationally syndicated and highly successful Howard Stern show on E!.
Beyond his prominent roles with Stern and Leno, John Melendez has accumulated film credits in comedies like Howard Stern’s Private Parts (1997), Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000), Meet Wally Sparks (1997), Airheads (1994), and the animated Osmosis Jones (2001). His television appearances are equally varied, including reality series such as I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! (2003) and Celebrity Fear Factor (2006). He has also taken on guest-starring roles in Wings (1990) and Baywatch Nights (1995), and lent his voice to the character “Bob” in the animated Sci-Fi channel series Tripping the Rift (2004). Adding to his accomplishments, in 2008, John Melendez showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by writing, producing, and starring in his own feature film, One, Two, Many (2008).
