Bob’s Burgers Star Jay Johnston Sentenced to Prison for January 6th

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As a longtime fan of Jay Johnston’s comedy, it’s truly disheartening to see his name associated with such a regrettable event. His career has been a constant source of laughter for countless fans, from his roles on Mr. Show and The Sarah Silverman Program to his voiceover work in Bob’s Burgers and beyond. It’s hard to reconcile the man who brought us hilarious characters like Jimmy Pesto with the actions he took on January 6th.

As I reflect upon the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol building, which occurred nearly four years ago, it’s striking to see that people are still being sentenced for their role in the attempt to subvert the 2020 election, often referred to as an insurrection or a coup. Among those individuals, Jay Johnston stands out, not only because of his mustache but also due to his extensive career in comedy. A comedic mainstay for over three decades, he made a name for himself working alongside Bob Odenkirk and David Cross on Mr. Show and later on Sarah Silverman’s TV show. Subsequently, Johnston became a prolific voiceover artist, lending his talents to shows like Bob’s Burgers, Moral Orel, Mr. Pickles, Rick & Morty, and numerous others.

1,500 individuals have already faced charges related to the Jan. 6 events, and Johnston is now among them. On October 28, 2024, he was sentenced to a year and one day in prison, plus $2,000 restitution and 40 hours of community service. The actor admitted guilt for a felony charge of disrupting law enforcement during civil disturbances. According to The Hill, this is the report.

Johnston expressed his regret to U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a judge appointed by President Trump, for participating in the riot, stating it was both embarrassing and a mistake. Judge Nichols found Johnston’s actions on January 6 to be questionable, even going as far as calling them “really reprehensible.” In addition, the judge noted that Johnston’s statement of regret seemed less heartfelt compared to other rioters who were facing sentencing.

Sentencing Jay Johnston, Long-Time Comedic Actor

Jay Johnston’s career has run in tandem with the development of comedy over the past three decades, with the actor appearing (often in small roles) in some of the biggest or most significant comedy series of all time. From Ellen to Mr. Show, The Sarah Silverman Program to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development to Parks and Recreation and Community, Johnston has likely appeared in at least one comedy anyone has watched. His many other roles include small bits in Better Call Saul, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Men in Black II, Malcolm in the Middle, Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole, Love, High School USA!, Reno 911!, Tenacious D, Human Giant, Not Another Teen Movie, Jack Frost, and Just Shoot Me.

On January 6th, the events surrounding the actor, Johnston, were clarified by The Hill. They reported that Johnston had flown from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. on the day preceding the riot. After attending the “Stop the Steal” rally on the 6th, he proceeded to march towards the Capitol. Once there, he is alleged to have seized a police riot shield and joined forces with others to create a ‘shield wall’ within a tunnel, obstructing law enforcement. Furthermore, it was claimed that Johnston took part in a ‘heave-ho’ maneuver which allegedly trapped and injured a police officer against a door frame.

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2024-10-29 01:04