Brett Gelman’s First Book Combines His Writing and Drawing Skills

Even if you might not know his name, you'll almost certainly recognize Brett Gelman. The bearded comic and Chicago native has been popping up in movies and TV shows alike for over 20 years now. Recently, he's become a full-blown renaissance man, writing and publishing his first book.

The debut novel, The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories, is described as a "daring and hilariously neurotic literary debut" from the actor who has popped up in everything from Stranger Things to the Netflix show Love. Gelman was kind enough to join me on the phone to discuss everything from his book to some of his past roles.

As its title suggests, Gelman's The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories is a collection of short stories. All exist in a world where "your worst fears of who you are or might become always just around the corner." Each story navigates a uniquely strange stage in a person's life (from child to teenager to adult to senior to death).

On top of that, Gelman flexed his illustrative abilities by incorporating original drawings into the book as well. Having been able to peruse the book, I asked Gelman if he has ambitions to be a graphic novelists or use illustrations in works down the line:

I don't know if I'm a good enough drawer [....] that I can make something as elaborate as a graphic novel, but I definitely love drawing and I would like to continue to put more drawings in my book. I could do a book of drawings, and maybe kind of like a crude graphic novel type of thing. - Brett Gelman

On top of the many shows in which Gelman has starred, he's also been in dozens of movies, most recently the charming kids movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and the R-rated dog-comedy Strays.

Back in 2017, Gelman, along with his ex-wife Janicza Bravo, wrote a movie called Lemon, an eclectic comedy with an ensemble cast including Michael Cera, Rhea Perlman, Judy Greer, Jeff Garlin, Shiri Appleby, and more. Gelman revealed how Michael Cera of all people was one of the reasons that movie got made.

On screen, however, Gelman might be best known for his work in multiple Adult Swim shows. It started with Eagleheart, and the pairing continued with shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force, NTSF:SD:SUV::, Mr. Pickles, and Dinner with Family with Brett Gelman and Brett Gelman's Family.

Take a listen to my interview with Brett Gelman below, and learn more about The Terrifying Realm of the Possible: Nearly True Stories on Harper Collins' website.