Jerry Trainor Explained

Jerry Trainor
Birth Name:Gerald William Trainor
Birth Date:21 January 1977
Birth Place:San Diego, California, U.S.
Education:University of California, Santa Barbara (B.F.A.)
Yearsactive:2000–present

Gerald William "Jerry" Trainor (born January 21, 1977)[1] is an American actor and musician. He is best known for his roles as "Crazy" Steve in Drake & Josh and Spencer Shay in the teen sitcom iCarly and its revival series of the same name, winning three Kids' Choice Awards for his performances. He also appeared in T.U.F.F. Puppy as Dudley Puppy, for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. Since 2004, Trainor has worked primarily on the Nickelodeon network. Outside of this, he has had recurring and guest roles on young adult-oriented shows on the Disney Channel and Netflix as well as in the more mature shows Crossing Jordan and 2 Broke Girls.

Early life

Trainor was born and raised in San Diego, California, the son of Bill Trainor, a retired Navy fighter pilot and public defender, and Madelyn Trainor, a retired high school calculus teacher. He has an older sister named Liz. He is of Irish descent.[2]

Trainor grew up in the San Diego community of Scripps Ranch and attended the University of San Diego High School.[3] He studied drama at the University of California, Santa Barbara and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.[4] He studied improvisation at The Groundlings school in Los Angeles. Before becoming an actor, he worked at San Diego SeaWorld.[5]

Career

His first television role was in the MTV series Undressed as Eric. Some of his other television credits include Law & Order True Crime, Angel, and Malcolm in the Middle. His first recurring TV role was as Brian "the A.V. guy" on Crossing Jordan. He has had a number of small roles in films such as the science fiction drama Donnie Darko and the cheerleader comedy Bring It On Again. He appeared on the web series Hungry Girl.[6]

Trainor had a recurring role on Drake & Josh as "Crazy Steve”, a movie theater worker, from 2004 to 2007. He starred in iCarly as Spencer Shay, the older brother and guardian of Miranda Cosgrove's title character from 2007 to 2012 (he and Cosgrove had previously acted together on Drake & Josh, as Cosgrove played the role of the title duo's little sister). For iCarly, he won three Kids' Choice Awards. He completed the 2008 music-themed comedy Wreckless Epic, in which he stars. Trainor starred in the animated series T.U.F.F. Puppy as the voice of Dudley Puppy, for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program.

Trainor was involved in a World of Warcraft video series titled Project Lore, playing the Draenei shaman Goggins. He was replaced by Jeff Cannata after leaving the series in February 2009. He also starred alongside iCarly co-star Jennette McCurdy in the Nickelodeon TV movie Best Player, where he played Quincy Johnson, a video-game enthusiast whose main competition in a video-gaming contest is McCurdy's character.

In 2013, Trainor starred in the short-lived series Wendell & Vinnie as Vinnie, the uncle and guardian of Buddy Handleson's character Wendell. He played Commander Michael Sullivan for both seasons of the Halo in-universe podcast Hunt the Truth. In 2017, Trainor voiced the recurring role of Commander Cone on Bunsen Is a Beast. Since 2018, Trainor and Mike O'Gorman have starred in a comedy Web series called The Porch, which can be found on YouTube. In 2018, Trainor starred in the film Cover Versions written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Todd Berger. The film premiered at the 2018 Palm Springs Film Festival and was acquired for distribution by Sony Pictures. Parts of the film were shot on location during the KAABOO Del Mar music festival (in coastal northern San Diego County). Trainor's performance was heralded as being edgy and thought-provoking.

In March 2021, it was announced that iCarly was being revived. The series premiered on Paramount+ in June of that year, with Trainor reprising his role as Spencer Shay.[7]

Music career

In October 2015, Trainor formed the band Nice Enough People with guitarist-vocalist Mike O'Gorman, drummer Andrew Zuber, and guitarist Allison Scagliotti, who also happened to be a co-star of Trainor's in Drake & Josh as the character Mindy Crenshaw.[8] Trainor plays bass for the group. The group released its first EP, Hanover Hideaway, on June 22, 2016.[9]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2001Donnie DarkoLanky KidCameo[10]
EvolutionTommyCameo
WaysideTommyDirect-to-video film
2004Bring It On AgainSmug GuyDirect-to-video film
2007Waking DreamsAndrewDirect-to-video film
2008Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh Crazy SteveTV film
2009Factory 9Roland WatersDirect-to-video film
Wreckless Epic: The Journey to SXSWKelly Kirkwood
The GamersHimselfTV film
2011Best Player Quincy "Q" JohnsonTV film
iParty with VictoriousSpencer ShayTV film
2012Holiday RoadDougSegment: "October"
2013Pororo, The Racing AdventureWalter FeatherbottomVoice role
2017Cover VersionsTravis
2018Alex & Me"Nigel"/NickDirect-to-video film
2022Snow DaySnowplow ManTV film

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2000UndressedEric2 episodes
2001Malcolm in the MiddlePrivate EdwardsEpisode: "Evacuation"
2002My Wife and KidsStar Trek fanEpisode: "The Bowling Show"
AngelJaredEpisode: "Supersymmetry"
ERDariusEpisode: "One Can Only Hope"
2004–2005Crossing JordanBrian - A.V. GuyRecurring role; 5 episodes
2004–2007Drake & Josh"Crazy" SteveRecurring role; 10 episodes
2007–2012iCarlySpencer ShayMain role; also Director: "iApril Fools" and "iLost My Head in Vegas"
2009BrainSurge HimselfContestant
2010The Penguins of MadagascarEddie (Cockroach)Voice role; episode: "Stop Bugging Me"
2010–2015T.U.F.F. PuppyDudley PuppyMain voice role
2010–2013VictoriousAudience memberEpisode: "Jade Dumps Beck" (uncredited)
Spencer ShayEpisode: "April Fools Blank"
2011That Movie Show1 episode
2012–2013Doc McStuffinsWillRecurring voice role; 4 episodes
2012Simian Undercover Detective SquadKelly the Elastic Man / Heptagan Scientist2 episodes
2013Wendell & VinnieVinnieMain role
2014Sam & Cat"Crazy" Steve / Himself2 episodes
Living the DreamCal LoganTelevision film
20162 Broke GirlsLeninEpisode: "And the Partnership Hits The Fan"[11]
Still the KingP.M.S. Leader3 episodes
Star vs. the Forces of EvilRoyVoice role; episode: "Goblin Dogs"
2017Bunsen Is a BeastCommander ConeVoice role; 3 episodes
Law & Order True CrimeWill CantonEpisode: "The Menendez Murders: episode 3"
2018The Adventures of Kid DangerThe Wahoo Punch BroVoice role; episode: "The Wahoo Punch Bro"
Henry DangerJoeyEpisode: "Thumb War"
2019No Good NickToddRecurring role; 5 episodes
2020Apocalypse GoalsNews JanitorRecurring role; 3 episodes
Bunk'dDaveEpisode: "My Fairy Lady"
2021–2022Tooned InHimselfCo-host (season 2)[12]
2021–2023iCarlySpencer ShayMain role; also Producer

Video games

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009iCarlySpencer ShayVoice role
2010iCarly: iDream in Toons
2014Todd Marcus

Discography

Soundtrack appearances

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRefs
2009Teen Choice AwardsChoice TV Actor: ComedyiCarly[14] [15]
2010Australian Kids' Choice AwardsBig Kid Award [16] [17]
LOL Award (shared with ensemble)
2011UK Kids' Choice AwardsNick UK's Funniest Person[18]
Meus Prêmios Nick BrazilFunniest Character[19] [20]
2012Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite TV Sidekick[21]
2013Daytime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Performer in an Animated ProgramT.U.F.F. Puppy[22]
2022Kids' Choice AwardsFavorite Male TV Star (Family) iCarly[23]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Jerry Train or Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards. TV Guide.
  2. Trainor. Jerry. Jerry Trainor. jerrytrainor. 324698094568624128. April 17, 2013. @SeddieMania I'm Irish, of course I want some of your baked potato! Duh! Get it in my stomach now!. en. March 3, 2021.
  3. Web site: 2013-02-16. San Diego native stars in new Nickelodeon series. 2021-03-03. San Diego Union-Tribune. en-US. 2020-10-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20201027045402/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/tv/sdut-nickelodeon-vinnie-trainor-cox-icarly-county-2013feb15-story.html. live.
  4. Web site: Jerry Trainor . 2015 . sfsketchfest2015.sched.com . May 10, 2022 . June 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220626224228/https://sfsketchfest2015.sched.com/artist/jerry_trainor.1t5eu47j . live .
  5. Web site: San Diego native stars in new Nickelodeon series - the San Diego Union-Tribune . 2020-11-11 . 2021-09-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210921204959/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/entertainment/tv/sdut-nickelodeon-vinnie-trainor-cox-icarly-county-2013feb15-story.html?_amp=true . dead .
  6. Web site: Fun With... The Hungry Girl Book . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/BGw_gup9NJo . 2021-12-21 . live. HungryGirlTV . December 15, 2008 . November 7, 2011 . YouTube.
  7. Web site: iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor and Nathan Kress to Reunite at the Kids' Choice Awards. 2021-03-08. PEOPLE.com. en. 2021-03-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20210307134609/https://people.com/tv/icarly-miranda-cosgrove-jerry-trainor-and-nathan-kress-to-reunite-at-the-kids-choice-awards/. live.
  8. Web site: Grant. Stacey. April 12, 2016. Crazy Steve And Mindy From Drake & Josh Started A Band With A Very Appropriate Name. August 23, 2016. MTV News. August 25, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160825191116/http://www.mtv.com/news/2865761/drake-and-josh-crazy-steve-mindy-jerry-trainor-allison-scagliotti-nice-enough-people/. dead.
  9. Nice Enough People. NiceEnoughPpl. 745661251347308545. June 21, 2016. It's here! Our debut EP "Hanover Hideaway" now on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify & Amazon etc. Here's the iTunes link. August 23, 2016.
  10. Web site: Sethi . Arjun . 'iCarly': What has happened with Jerry Trainor (Spencer) and how it looks today? - News series . Code List . 10 July 2020 . 1 June 2020 . 10 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200710090836/https://codelist.biz/2020/06/01/icarly-what-has-happened-with-jerry-trainor-spencer-and-how-it-looks-today-news-series/ . dead .
  11. Web site: Goofing around on the set of Two Broke Girls. . facebook.com . 2023-10-31 . 2023-10-31 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231031002537/https://www.facebook.com/farringtonamy/posts/pfbid036Bu8fZXP6t2SkbUU6NJgqPgBMV5KXFsvepLuDf5h3Yw6tfhqSvfD5M3S6qL9gRWhl . live .
  12. Web site: Exclusive: 'iCarly's Jerry Trainor Co-Hosts S2 of Nick Trivia . beta.animationmagazine.net.
  13. Web site: Hanover Hideaway by Nice Enough People . niceenoughpeople.bandcamp.com.
  14. Web site: Teen Choice Awards 2009 nominees . June 15, 2009 . . April 2, 2013 . October 5, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121005190507/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2009/06/teen-choice-awards-2009-nominees.html . live .
  15. Web site: Announcing the Winners of the 2009 Teen Choice Awards! . August 9, 2009 . . April 2, 2013 . October 18, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171018170849/https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Winners-2009-Teen-Choice-Awards-3904879 . dead .
  16. Web site: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2010 Winners List & Orange Carpet Video! . Take40 . October 8, 2010 . January 3, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130926132921/http://www.take40.com/news/20473/Nickelodeon . September 26, 2013 .
  17. Web site: 2010 Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards Nominations List!. Take40. August 18, 2010. January 3, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131012032731/http://www.take40.com/news/19949/2010-nickelodeon-kid's-choice-awards-nominations-list!. October 12, 2013.
  18. Web site: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2011 Winners! . . January 3, 2013 . October 6, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141006113510/http://www.funkidslive.com/news/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-2011-winners/ . dead .
  19. Web site: Nickelodeon anuncia finalistas do Meus Prêmios Nick 2011 . ANMTV . January 3, 2013 . pt . Nickelodeon announces 2011 Nick Awards finalists . February 17, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200217143657/http://anmtv.xpg.com.br/nickelodeon-anuncia-os-finalistas-do-meus-premios-nick-2011/ . dead .
  20. Web site: Nickelodeon divulga os vencedores do Meus Prêmios Nick 2011 . ANMTV . January 3, 2013 . pt . Nickelodeon announces the winners of My Nick Awards 2011 . August 2, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190802185901/http://anmtv.xpg.com.br/nickelodeon-divulga-os-vencedores-do-meus-premios-nick-2011/ . dead .
  21. Web site: Lista completa de ganadores Kids Choice Awards 2012 . Solo Famosos . April 2, 2013 . es . Complete list of winners Kids Choice Awards 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131012061714/http://solofamososonline.com/2012/04/lista-completa-de-ganadores-kids-choice-awards-2012/ . October 12, 2013.
  22. Web site: Microsoft Word - day_1213_nominations_v02.doc . . May 2, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131012025551/http://emmyonline.org/mediacenter/_pdf/day_1213_nominations_v02.pdf . October 12, 2013.
  23. Miranda Cosgrove and Rob Gronkowski to Co-Host "Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2022," Live on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 P.M. (ET/PT). Nickelodeon. The Futon Critic. March 9, 2022. March 12, 2022. August 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230825154830/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2022/03/09/miranda-cosgrove-and-rob-gronkowski-to-co-host-nickelodeons-kids-choice-awards-2022-live-on-saturday-april-9-at-730-pm-et-pt-777412/20220309nickelodeon01/. live.