Tim Kazurinsky is an American actor, comedian, and writer best known as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1979 to 1983 and for co-creating the police procedural parody series Police Squad! with producer Robert K. Weiss. Born on February 25, 1947, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Kazurinsky built a reputation for sharp improvisational skills and deadpan delivery during his time on SNL, where he appeared in recurring sketches and helped establish the show’s early alternative comedy voice. His work on Police Squad! (1982) and the film cult classic Ghostbusters (1984) cemented his status as a dependable character actor with a knack for playing flustered authority figures in tightly scripted comedies.
Early Life and Background
Kazurinsky grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and later lived in Chicago, where he performed at The Second City. That experience shaped his ensemble-based approach to sketch comedy and prepared him for the rigors of live television on SNL. His background in improvisation and character work allowed him to transition smoothly from stage to screen, and his steady presence became valuable in an era when sketch performers needed to pivot quickly between sketches.
Saturday Night Live Tenure (1979–1983)
During his tenure on SNL, Kazurinsky was part of a transformative period for the show, appearing alongside emerging stars like Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo. Though not a cast member in the first season, he joined in season 5 and contributed to several memorable moments over four seasons. His work thrived in ensemble-driven and writer-driven sketches, and his reliability in live broadcasts made him a fixture even as the show’s style evolved. Notable characters and recurring elements highlighted his deadpan style and timing.
Notable SNL Sketches and Contributions
While Kazurinsky is not associated with a single breakout character in the way some SNL alums are, his body of work on the show reflected strong improvisational instincts and adaptability. He often played authority figures, news anchors, and straight men in absurd situations, delivering lines with a measured reaction that amplified the sketches’ humor. His presence in the writers’ room also helped bridge live performance and prewritten material, contributing to the show’s layered structure.
Police Squad! and Post-SNL Work
After SNL, Kazurinsky co-created Police Squad!, a parody of police procedurals that became known for its rapid-fire gags and deadpan execution. The series ran for six episodes in 1982 but gained a strong cult following through syndication and home video. The show influenced later parody formats and remains a reference point for smart, economical comedy. His partnership with producer Robert K. Weiss proved durable, and their approach to tight, joke-driven storytelling shaped subsequent projects.
Film and Television Roles
Kazurinsky appeared in Ghostbusters (1984) as Officer Oakes, delivering one of the film’s most understated and memorable turns as a bemused desk sergeant. He reprised the role in the sequel, Ghostbusters II (1989), and remained associated with the franchise as a quiet emblem of normalcy amid supernatural chaos. Beyond that, he appeared in films like The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) and several TV movies, maintaining steady work through the 1980s and 1990s.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Tim Kazurinsky | Common knowledge |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1947 | Public records |
| Birthplace | Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA | Public records |
| Saturday Night Live Tenure | Season 5 to Season 8 (1979–1983) | SNL archives / reputable biographies |
| Notable Film Role | Officer Oakes in Ghostbusters (1984) | Film credits |
| Created Series | Police Squad! (co-creator) | Production credits |
| Net Worth Estimate (range) | $2–4 million | Aggregated public estimates (2023–2024) |
Net Worth and Income Sources
Tim Kazurinsky’s net worth is estimated in the low single-digit millions of dollars, primarily derived from his work as an actor, writer, and performer. Key contributors include his SNL salary and residuals, fees from Police Squad! and associated syndication, and residuals from Ghostbusters and its sequels. Earnings from reruns, licensing, and public appearances have supplemented his income over the years. While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, industry estimates from databases and celebrity finance outlets commonly place his net worth between two and four million dollars.
Income Breakdown at a Glance
- Acting roles (SNL, film, TV): residuals and upfront fees
- Writer credits and creators’ residuals (Police Squad!)
- Syndication and streaming revenue
- Legacy IP participation (Ghostbusters franchise)
- Public appearances and convention fees
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kazurinsky’s influence extends beyond his onscreen roles. His work on SNL helped define the show’s early alternative comedy landscape, and his performance style informed a generation of character actors who valued reaction and timing. Police Squad!’s format later paved the way for more aggressive parody and meta-comedy in television. Ghostbusters reinforced his status as a reliable presence in blockbuster comedies, and his career choices emphasized craft over flash, contributing to a durable reputation for consistency.
Current Status and Public Appearances
Kazurinsky remains active in public life and is occasionally seen at conventions and retrospectives dedicated to classic sketch comedy and Ghostbusters. While he maintains a lower profile than some of his SNL peers, he continues to be recognized for his contributions to comedy. When interviewed, he often reflects on the importance of ensemble work and writer-driven material, offering insight into the creative environment of late-1970s and early-1980s television comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Tim Kazurinsky born? He was born on February 25, 1947.
- What is Tim Kazurinsky most known for? He is best known as a Saturday Night Live cast member and co-creator of Police Squad!, and for playing Officer Oakes in Ghostbusters.
- What is Tim Kazurinsky’s estimated net worth? Estimates generally fall between $2 million and $4 million, based on career earnings and residuals.
- Did Tim Kazurinsky write for SNL? He contributed as a writer and performer, helping shape several sketches during his SNL tenure.
- Is Tim Kazurinsky still acting? He remains active in voice work, conventions, and occasional projects, though he currently appears less frequently in new productions.
- Where was Tim Kazurinsky raised? He grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and lived in Chicago during his early career years.
- What legacy has he left in comedy? His blend of deadpan delivery, improvisational skill, and writerly perspective influenced both sketch and sitcom storytelling.
Tim Kazurinsky’s career reflects the value of steady, reliable performance in an industry that often chases trends. His work across SNL, Police Squad!, and Ghostbusters has remained relevant through syndication and fan retrospectives, ensuring continued recognition. For researchers, journalists, and fans, his career offers a case study in how character actors can build long-term influence without chasing short-lived fame.