Josh McDermitt
Josh McDermitt (born June 4, 1978) is an American actor, comedian, and producer best known for his portrayal of Eugene Porter, a brilliant but socially awkward scientist, on the AMC post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead from 2012 to 2022. Born Joshua Matthew Michael McDermitt in Phoenix, Arizona, he grew up in an eclectic family environment that included exposure to unique experiences like hot air ballooning, and by age 16, he had become a licensed pilot. McDermitt's early interest in entertainment led him to start in radio at age 14, initially as a caller to local shows before securing on-air work, which honed his vocal talents and comedic timing.
After graduating from Grand Canyon University with a degree in marketing and public relations , McDermitt pursued stand-up comedy full-time, quickly gaining recognition as a semi-finalist on NBC's Last Comic Standing in 2006 and touring nationally with comedians such as Joe Rogan , Louis C.K., and Dave Attell . His transition to acting began with improv and sketch comedy , leading to his television debut as a series regular on the TV Land sitcom Retired at 35 (2011), where he played the character Brandon opposite George Lopez and Jessica Walter . McDermitt's breakthrough came with recurring roles in high-profile dramas, including the final season of AMC's Mad Men (2014) as George Payton, a role that showcased his dramatic range beyond comedy .
McDermitt's most defining role arrived in 2012 when he joined The Walking Dead as Eugene Porter, a core character whose arc evolved from a cowardly liar to a heroic survivor, contributing to the series' status as AMC's highest-rated show with over 100 episodes across 11 seasons. He appeared in guest spots on anthology series like Creepshow (2021) and The Righteous Gemstones (2025). In film, McDermitt starred in indie projects such as Middle Man (2016) and Life in Color (2016), and more recently appeared in the supernatural thriller Killing Faith (2025), directed by Ned Crowley, as Stanton, a role praised for blending tension with his signature wit.
In 2025, McDermitt expanded his television presence with the role of Stuart Lane, a shrewd and self-centered attorney, in the NBC spin-off Suits LA , opposite Stephen Amell , marking a shift to legal drama while drawing comparisons to his Walking Dead persona due to the character's distinctive appearance. Beyond acting, he has written for comedy projects and actively supports charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Homeboy Industries , and pancreatic cancer research, reflecting his commitment to social causes. Residing in Los Angeles , McDermitt continues to balance comedy roots with dramatic roles, often incorporating his hobbies like basketball , fishing , golf , cooking, and mixology into his public persona.
Josh McDermitt was born on June 4, 1978, in Phoenix, Arizona . He was raised in the city throughout his childhood, where he experienced a bustling and unconventional home life shaped by his immediate family.
McDermitt grew up as one of six siblings in a large, eclectic household that frequently hosted foster children, contributing to a dynamic and ever-changing environment filled with activity and interaction. His family owned a hot air balloon , which they used to entertain the neighborhood, and by age 16, McDermitt had become a licensed pilot to fly it. His parents, Judith and Michael McDermitt, fostered this welcoming atmosphere, which included taking in additional children on a regular basis and engaging in lively family traditions. This setting provided McDermitt with early lessons in adaptability and social engagement amid constant companionship.
In his early years, McDermitt harbored aspirations to pursue a career as a police officer or detective , reflecting his fascination with problem-solving, investigation, and figures of authority . These ambitions highlighted a youthful interest in structure and justice rather than creative fields.
