His role as Sal Saperstein in Apple TV+’s The Studio has won Ike Barinholtz raves—and a well-deserved Emmy nomination—for playing Continental Studios’ VP of production. The part allows actor-writer-producer-director Barinholtz to playfully send up the industry he’s been a force in for decades.
The former Mad TV cast member has starred in films such as Neighbors, Suicide Squad, Meet the Spartans, and Disaster Movie, and he’s delivered scene-stealing performances in series like The Mindy Project, Eastbound & Down, and The Afterparty. He also teamed up with comic legend Mel Brooks for Hulu’s History of the World: Part II.
In 2023, Barinholtz became the first-ever champion of Celebrity Jeopardy!, winning a cool $1 million for Pacific Clinics and a berth in the game show’s Tournament of Champions. So, “What are Ike Barinholtz’s favorite things to do in California?” He buzzes in with his answers below.
Where do you live? I live in Mid City Los Angeles, not too far from Larchmont Village.
Why there? I’ve lived in L.A. for 25 years and have been in this general area the entire time. I just think it has a good mix of people, lots of sidewalks you can walk your dogs on, and we are in a great food zone.
Who or what is your greatest California love? This is a tough one. California has some of the best food in the world but if I could pick one thing I’d have to say the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a modern marvel of the world!
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? I’d say the biggest misperception about Californians is that they only talk about how they got there and what the traffic was like.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? We do talk about traffic more than people from other states.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? There are so many amazing hotels in California and every now and then it’s fun to go and stay at one and have some overpriced drinks.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? We’re going north! Maybe we head towards Santa Barbara and do a little camping at El Capitan or we go to one of the hotels up there! And no matter what, we are going to Bettina Pizzeria in Montecito. Amazing place. I saw Conan O'Brien there once!
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? If I were governor I would designate Taco Tuesday as an official day that has to be respected. I would encourage people to go to Sonoratown in Los Angeles—that’s my favorite.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Go to a sporting event! Lakers game. Dodger Stadium. I just went to a Giants game in San Francisco. California is a great place to watch sports.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? If I had no budget I would probably head to Monsiuer Marcel in the Original Farmers' Market in L.A. It’s a French shop that has all kinds of amazing food and wine and treats. I would buy a lot of cheese.
Best California song? I’d have to go with “Twelve Thirty” by The Mamas & the Papas. I love that band and when I first moved to L.A., we had friends that lived in Laurel Canyon. We’d have so much fun at their houses and when I would drive back to Hollywood I would listen to that song! It's a banger.
How would your California dream day unfold? First off, I would not sleep in. I can’t do that in California—we’re already behind the rest of the world!
I’d have coffee outside and listen to the birds (actual birds, not the band). I'd take my family and dogs on a hike up Franklin Canyon and do that until everyone started complaining. Then a nice breakfast at Sycamore Kitchen. I’d go shopping at the Original Farmers’ Market and buy a bunch of stuff for dinner. I would go to a friend's house who had a pool and get some of that action.
I'd also take a little California nap. (Just a regular nap, but in California.) Then make it back home to cook a dinner for family and friends with a California-style meal. (Maybe some tri-tip and really great flour tortillas.)
I’d also make it to a show at the Hollywood Bowl and somehow make it to Musso & Frank’s restaurant for a nightcap. What a day!