BIO
Toby is an actor, writer, and storyteller who the LA Times once called, “…fine.”
As an actor, Toby got his start performing at various regional theaters across the country, and improv comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade. He went on to guest-star on your aunt’s favorite shows—Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, and all the NCIS’s.
He’s acted in everything from comedy (Dating Rules, Doogie Kamealoha, Death Valley) to drama (The Social Network, A Timeless Call) to a bunch of commercials, including one with Aretha Franklin that went on to win an Emmy. His aunt was psyched.
As a writer, he’s worked on TV pilots and with brands like Conde Nast creating online comedy content for Golf Digest and GQ. He’s also written and directed branded entertainment projects for Coke, Nintendo, Wal-Mart and UCB.
Originally from Colorado, Toby is a graduate of Baylor University and lives in LA with his wife where he plays shortstop in a way-too-competitive adult amateur baseball league. He spends his free time doing an amazing Charles Grodin impression with his massive rescue St Bernard.
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A SUPER META BIO -
Toby Interviews Himself For His Bio Page: TOBY ON TOBY
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Toby Meuli: HEY TOBY MEULI!!!!!
Toby Meuli: Hi.
THIS IS EXCITING! How are you?
Sorry, what’s happening?
I’m interviewing you for your About page on your website!
Right. Couldn’t we just do a normal bio thing?
You know we couldn’t, you little nutball!!
Stop.
That could be our nickname! LIL’ NUTBALL!
Stop it, Toby.
UGH. Fine, Toby. Here’s my first Q: Where are you from etc, etc, bio stuff, etc, etc?
I was born on a US Marine Corps base in Southern California when my dad was stationed there and then grew up mostly outside Denver, Colorado. I come from a big sports-ee family (5 kids!) and grew up doing two things: 1) playing all the sports and 2) making my siblings laugh. Brothers and sisters can be a tough crowd so I expanded my audience in high school and got into improv comedy where I fell in love with performing. From there I went to Baylor University and majored in Theatre—
OH, THEATRE!! ARTSY!
Can I continue? I felt like I was kinda on a roll.
Nutball.
After I graduated I moved to LA where I started out acting in a bit of everything - film, TV, theatre and a bunch of commercials.
HEEEEEY HOLLYWOOD!! Do you have cool sunglasses and a convertible?
No. But I have worked with some great Oscar-winning directors including David Fincher, Steven Speilberg and Craig Gillespie. I’ve also done guest stars on a bunch of TV shows on CBS, Disney+, ABC, NBC and Netflix to name a few.
But your real love is performing live, right? Cause you’re an artsy dork?
Yup. I’ve done plays all over LA and at several regional theaters. I also love improv and occasionally perform at UCB Comedy Theatre.
Improv is fun for you.
I actually have a show coming up if you’re free—
Subject change! LA has the best pizza, right? You can get Pittsburgh-style, Boston-style and Nor Cal-style pizza. What’s it all mean?!
I don’t know but it’s delicious.
IT IS.
Should we talk about acting or comedy or storytelling?
Sure! What’s your favorite part?
I love working with people. Whether it’s on a TV set or writing together or whatever, I’m so energized when one person’s idea leads to a bunch more and then it doubles and triples. The result is way bigger and richer and more unexpected than anything one person could have created on their own. It’s magic––it’s like 2 plus 2 suddenly equals an ice cream sandwich.
I don’t follow your math but yum.
I don’t follow the why of this interview so we’re even.
Tell me how to pronounce your last name. It’s confusing.
My-Lee, like Cyrus.
It’s your party, you can do what you want.
Wrecking ball, boo.
What was your first role?
Tigger from Winnie the Pooh in elementary school. The cafetorium was really warm (pizza day!) and the costume was thick fur. I was sweating A LOT.
I remember. We were dangerously dehydrated.
High on an audience, low on electrolytes.
The actor’s dilemma.
That and “branding”.
You were in a commercial with Liza Minnelli and Aretha Franklin, right!?!! It was nominated for an Emmy and a Clio!
Yes! What’s a Clio?
It’s like an Oscar for Don Draper types.
Cool?
So cool.
Anyway. I love doing both comedy and drama and—
Have you been in anything I’ve seen?
Yes. We literally watch the same things.
TELL ME ABOUT FAMOUS PEOPLE!! SPILL THE TEA BITCH!!
You’re exhausting. If people want to see my stuff they can check out my resume and reels.
Who’s your favorite housewife?
What.
Any hobbies?
I play shortstop on a way-too-competitive amateur baseball team in LA, I love horseback riding and grew up helping on my grandparent’s ranch, I also love to read great books—
Boring! No one wants to read a list.
You asked!
I know, we’re not great at this.
This is bottoming out. OK, you should set me up to talk about my work.
You’ve worked as a writer and director…
I’ve worked as a writer and director.
WRITING AND DIRECTING TOO!?! Real Benjamin Affleck-energy over here, Tobes!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the exclamation points.
I’m just trying to keep it exciting for the readers!
No one is going to read this, me.
Our mom will.
Facts. Anyway, I’ve written a bunch of comedy with UCB Comedy Theatre, some TV pilots and done copywriting for some major brands including Coke, GQ, and Purina Dog Food.
Do you have a dog?
Yes! Her name is Prudence and she’s a massive St Bernard my wife and I rescued. She’s the best. I do a great Charles Grodin impression.
Beethoven reference! Nice, Tobes. You’re a hilarious slash good person!
Thanks?
Thank YOU for doing this interview!
This was weird but it turned out kinda sweet, almost fun.
Dude, that’s our brand.