Fogler’s breakthrough came in 2005 when he won a Tony Award for his performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical comedy tells the story of a group of middle schoolers competing in a high-stakes spelling bee, and Fogler’s portrayal of William Barfee, a nerdy and socially awkward participant, was both hilarious and endearing.
Following his Tony win, Fogler landed his first major film role in the 2007 comedy Balls of Fury. He played Randy Daytona, a former ping-pong prodigy who is recruited by the FBI to infiltrate an underground ping-pong tournament hosted by a notorious criminal mastermind. The film wasn’t a critical success, but Fogler’s performance garnered praise for his comedic timing and physicality.
Fogler’s next major role came in the 2009 film Fanboys, a comedy about a group of Star Wars fans who travel to Skywalker Ranch to steal a print of Episode I: The Phantom Menace before its release. Fogler played Hutch, the group’s leader, and once again showcased his ability to bring humor and heart to his characters.
In 2016, Fogler became a part of one of the biggest franchises in film history with his role as Jacob Kowalski in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The film, set in the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, tells the story of Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) and his adventures in 1920s New York. Fogler’s Jacob is a No-Maj (the American term for Muggle) who gets caught up in Newt’s magical escapades, and his performance earned praise for his chemistry with Redmayne and his ability to be both funny and poignant.
Fogler has also made a name for himself as a writer and filmmaker. He co-created and starred in the 2009 animated series « Hannibal Goes to Rome » and wrote, directed, and produced the 2018 comedy film Don Peyote. The film tells the story of a man on a spiritual journey who becomes convinced that the end of the world is near, and features a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Josh Duhamel, and Topher Grace.
In addition to his work in film and television, Fogler is a talented voice actor. He has lent his voice to a variety of animated projects, including the TV series American Dad! and Robot Chicken and the films Kung Fu Panda and Horton Hears a Who!
Fogler’s talent and versatility have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his charm and comedic chops continue to win over audiences across a variety of mediums. Whether he’s performing on stage, on screen, or behind the camera, Fogler always brings his unique blend of humor and heart to every project he takes on.