Baltimore Comedian's Indie Film 'The Baltimorons' Wins Big at SXSW

Michael Strassner's personal struggles fueled his breakout comedy, directed by Jay Duplass

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Michael Strassner, a Baltimore-based comedian, hit a low point in 2018 when he was booted from the Groundlings comedy troupe over his drinking and narrowly missed out on a spot on Saturday Night Live. After attempting suicide, Strassner entered a 12-step program and channeled his pain into writing the indie film 'The Baltimorons,' which won the Audience Award at last year's SXSW Film Festival. The film, directed by Jay Duplass, is a love story between a Baltimore dentist and a down-on-his-luck comedian, and serves as a showcase for Strassner's talents as a writer and performer.

Why it matters

Strassner's journey from personal struggles to creative triumph with 'The Baltimorons' highlights the power of using art to work through hardship. The film's success at SXSW and its Independent Spirit Award nomination demonstrate the continued appeal of original, character-driven storytelling, even in an age of blockbusters.

The details

Strassner wrote 'The Baltimorons' as a work of fiction rooted in his own life experiences. The film chronicles the unexpected romance between a Baltimore dentist and a struggling comedian who lands in her chair with a cracked tooth on Christmas Eve. Directed by Jay Duplass, who returned to features for the first time in over a decade, the low-budget indie was a labor of love for Strassner and has been praised as one of the best films of the year.

  • In 2018, Strassner was booted from the Groundlings comedy troupe over his drinking and narrowly missed out on a spot on Saturday Night Live.
  • After attempting suicide, Strassner entered a 12-step program the next day.
  • 'The Baltimorons' premiered at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.
  • 'The Baltimorons' is nominated for the John Cassavetes Award at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards.

The players

Michael Strassner

A Baltimore-based comedian who wrote and starred in the indie film 'The Baltimorons,' which was inspired by his personal struggles.

Jay Duplass

The director of 'The Baltimorons,' who returned to features for the first time in over a decade to work on the project.

Liz Larsen

The actress who plays the Baltimore dentist in 'The Baltimorons' and is nominated for a Best Breakthrough Performance award at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, where 'The Baltimorons' is nominated for the John Cassavetes Award and Liz Larsen is up for Best Breakthrough Performance, will take place on March 4, 2023.

The takeaway

Strassner's journey with 'The Baltimorons' demonstrates the transformative power of using art to work through personal hardships. His breakout success, alongside the critical acclaim for the film, shows that original, character-driven storytelling can still find an audience in an entertainment landscape dominated by blockbusters.