Introduction
Mark Edward Proksch (born July 19, 1978) is an American comedian, actor and writer best known for acting in The Office, Better Call Saul, and as a fictionalized version of himself in the On Cinema universe. He is also starring in the forthcoming What We Do in The Shadows television series.
He first rose to prominence when portrayed the character "K-Strass", a parody of a yo-yo master who became an internet sensation after appearing on local news shows.
K-Strass
Proksch had the alias of Kenny "K-Strass" Strasser early in his career, during which he appeared on small-market local newscasts as a yo-yo master. The character Strasser was described by Paste Magazine as "the funniest thing that's ever happened" and speaking "in a nasal Midwestern accent, with a halting cadence that was both awkward and deliberate." K-Strass was ostensibly created while Proksch's temp job at an ad agency fell through.
Proksch also appeared as K-Strass while opening for Gregg Turkington's Neil Hamburger on tour. Turkington and Proksch would work together again on On Cinema.
Television career
Proksch had a recurring role on the television series The Office as Nate, Dwight Schrute's lackey and the office handyman. He appeared in 19 episodes over the show's final three seasons. In March 2013, Proksch starred in the NBC television pilot Holding Patterns. He also voiced the character Johnnie in the Adventure Time episode "Bad Timing." In March 2014, Proksch appeared in an episode of Portlandia as Carrie Brownstein's love interest. As of 2015, he currently appears as Pryce on Better Call Saul. In 2015, Proksch appeared in Season 3, Episode 1 of Drunk History in which he told the story of the Bone Wars.
Proksch plays a fictionalized version of himself in the On Cinema universe, in which he attempts various impersonations, including W.C. Fields and The Marx Brothers. Proksch was briefly declared dead during the 5th Annual On Cinema Oscar special, his character having suffocated during a Jaws impersonation skit. His character briefly appears in season 10's VR episodes, when the camera is turned around showing him in a coma when Gregg gives his pre-recorded scenes. He appears again in the 6th Annual Oscar special, still comatose, in a gold bodysuit portraying an Oscar statue. He is awakened from his coma by a drunk Tim knocking him to the ground, and he spends the rest of the special in shock.
Filmography
- A Friggin' Christmas Miracle (2013)
- The Office (2010–13)
- Portlandia (2014)
- On Cinema (2014–present)
- Decker (2014–present)
- Better Call Saul (2015–2017)
- Another Evil (2016)
- Son of Zorn (2016–17)
- Dream Corp, LLC (2016)
- Apollo Gauntlet (2017)
- This Is Us (2018)
- A.P. Bio (2018)
- What We Do in The Shadows (2019)