Who plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things? Actor's career and notable projects explored 

Among the rich tapestry of characters in Stranger Things, one stands out for bringing witty humor to the show's most intense scenes. Brett Gelman portrays the role of Murray Bauman, a former investigative journalist fluent in Russian and sarcasm.

When he first appeared in the second season, Murray Bauman quickly showcased he was way more than just a supporting character. His journey from sceptical outsider to trusted ally displays the depth Stranger Things brings to even its non-lead roles. Gelman's take on the role changes what could have been simple comic relief into someone with real emotional weight. Murray can cut through pretence and speak uncomfortable truths.

This gives the show moments of levity amid supernatural chaos. His limited screen time only serves to amplify his impact.

---

Brett Gelman's start in comedy and television

Brett Gelman started out doing comedy. He spent years working on his skills through improv theatre and stand-up shows. He attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After graduating, he packed up and moved to New York City to chase acting jobs.

His early work involved appearing on comedy shows and securing minor TV roles. These gigs allowed him to showcase his unique sense of humor. Gelman got his big break through his work with Adult Swim. He created several dark comedy specials that really pushed the boundaries of what people expected. These projects helped him build his reputation.

These experimental projects revealed a key aspect. He wasn't scared to explore stuff that made people uncomfortable. This came in handy later when he took on the role of Murray Bauman in Stranger Things. The character needs a mix of paranoia and likability. It's like walking a tightrope, but Gelman makes it look natural thanks to years of working in unusual comedy spaces. His background in improv theatre also helps him react naturally to the show's wild scenarios.

---

TV shows that supported Gelman's career before Stranger Things

Before people knew him from Stranger Things, Gelman had already built up a solid TV career. He showed up in Married on FX. He played this wild character whose unpredictability made for some great moments. That role proved he could make people laugh and feel profoundly uncomfortable simultaneously. Murray Bauman from Stranger Things has similar energy but points it toward heroism instead of chaos. The change really shows what Gelman can do.

His work on Eagleheart allowed him to showcase his talent for offbeat comedy. The show was an over-the-top action parody that needed good timing and physical work. These skills came through beautifully in Murray's later action scenes. When he sneaks into Russian bases and fights supernatural threats, you can see those comedy skills at work. Gelman also popped up in Go On, Another Period, and Camping. Each role helped him grow and build up his reputation in the industry. He became known as someone who could handle pretty much any type of comedy thrown his way.

Fleabag made Gelman a household name

Perhaps Gelman's most famous role outside of Stranger Things was in Fleabag. This was Phoebe Waller-Bridge's award-winning show. He played Martin, who was the creepy boyfriend of Fleabag's sister. Martin's unusual behavior and obvious discomfort around the main character contributed to some of the show's most cringe-worthy moments. Gelman played him so well that people genuinely hated the character. Folks on social media would vent about how much they despised Martin. That meant Gelman did his job right.

This character bears no resemblance to Murray Bauman from Stranger Things. Yet both need total commitment to awkwardness. Where Martin uses discomfort as a weapon against others, Murray uses it to combat fake behavior and dishonesty. The difference really highlights what Gelman can do. He can make people hate or love a character using similar methods, but with different goals. His Fleabag work got him praise from critics. They loved how fearlessly he played such an unlikable person. The role opened doors for more complex characters later on.

Gelman's movie roles show his dramatic side

Gelman's film work encompasses both small, independent movies and major studio productions. He starred in and produced Lemon, playing someone going through a severe life crisis. The movie's weird tone meant Gelman had to make bizarre situations feel emotionally honest. This skill came in handy for Stranger Things. Murray has to react believably to impossible stuff with alternate dimensions and monsters. Without that grounding, the character would just feel like a cartoon.

He appeared in The Other Guys alongside Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. He held his own with these comedy stars. His detective role added some nice flavor to the group. Gelman also appeared in A Very Murray Christmas, Joshy, and Band Aid. Each project allows him to try out different aspects of his acting. His willingness to take on a wide range of projects keeps his work fresh and engaging. He never seems to repeat himself or get stuck in a rut. That variety makes him fun to watch across different types of movies.

Voice work adds another layer to his talent

Gelman has also built a solid voice acting career. He voices the Joker in the Harley Quinn cartoon series. He brings wild energy and real danger to this famous character. This role requires different skills from those of a regular actor. It depends entirely on his voice to convey emotion. His Joker feels dangerous yet fun to watch, much like how Murray Bauman from mixes paranoia with charm in Stranger Things. The similarity shows consistency in how Gelman handles tricky characters.

He also did voice work for Bob's Burgers, BoJack Horseman, and Twin Peaks: The Return. Each project demonstrates his ability to create distinct characters using voice alone. Small changes in tone and delivery make Murray's observations hit with perfect comic timing. When Murray delivers a sharp remark or conspiracy theory, how Gelman says it makes all the difference. Voice acting has helped him better understand how tone and pacing affect comedy.

Murray Bauman shows what everyday heroes look like

The show has always celebrated ordinary people rising to significant challenges. Murray fits this theme perfectly. He doesn't have superpowers or special training. Yet he continues to prove how valuable he is to the group. His willingness to believe and act sets him apart from people who just stand by. Gelman makes sure Murray never becomes a joke.

He keeps even the wildest moments grounded in real emotion. The character's path from lonely conspiracy theorist to key team member mirrors what the show says about connection and courage. Murray demonstrates that being clever, resourceful, and brave is more important than possessing supernatural powers.

Brett Gelman's extensive career was ideally suited to make Murray Bauman an unforgettable TV character.