Behind the absurdist sketch comedy and late-night television writing rooms sits Paul Dinello, a quiet creative force in American comedy. While millions know his work from Strangers with Candy or The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, his day-to-day existence remains remarkably grounded. Understanding Paul Dinello, his wife, and his off-screen life reveals a tight-knit family structure and enduring professional partnerships that have lasted decades.
Dinello married photographer Danielle St. Laurent in 2011, and the couple shares two sons. Far from the Hollywood spotlight, their household balances creative projects with a private family routine. This article breaks down his marriage, his history with long-time creative partners, and the reality behind his understated public profile.
Meeting Danielle St. Laurent and Family Life
Paul Dinello and Danielle St. Laurent crossed paths through a creative collaboration. St. Laurent is a professional photographer whose work brought her into the orbit of the comedy community when she contributed to the artwork for the book Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People.
Their 2011 wedding was a reflection of Dinello's close-knit industry friendships. His longtime collaborator and close friend Stephen Colbert officiated the ceremony. This mirrored their personal bond, as Dinello had previously served as the best man at Colbert's wedding. Today, Dinello and St. Laurent live a relatively quiet family life raising their two sons. Interestingly, comedy icon Amy Sedaris—Dinello's former partner and enduring close friend—serves as the godmother to their children.
The History of Long-Term Creative Partnerships
Before building his family life with St. Laurent, Dinello's personal and professional worlds were deeply intertwined with the Chicago and New York improv scenes. He spent years in a relationship with comedian Amy Sedaris, whom he met while performing with The Second City.
Even after their romantic relationship concluded, Dinello and Sedaris maintained a bulletproof creative partnership. They co-created the cult classic Comedy Central series Strangers with Candy, where Dinello played the memorable art teacher Geoffrey Jellineck. They later teamed up again to create truTV's At Home with Amy Sedaris.
This ability to transition from romantic partners to lifelong platonic collaborators is a rare feat in the entertainment industry, establishing a stable foundation for Dinello's career.
Behind the Scenes: Writing and Producing
While Dinello is widely recognized for on-screen characters like Jellineck, the bulk of his career operates behind the scenes. He transitioned smoothly from sketch comedy into late-night television production.
- The Colbert Report: Dinello served as a writer and supervising producer, occasionally appearing on screen as Tad the building manager.
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: He continues his work as a core part of the writing and production team, helping shape topical comedy for network television.
- Directing and Film: Beyond television writing, he directed Gym Teacher: The Movie for Nickelodeon and co-wrote the Strangers with Candy feature film prequel.
By maintaining a steady presence in writers' rooms rather than seeking out relentless tabloid celebrity, Dinello has sustained a decades-long career without sacrificing his family's privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Dinello's wife?
Paul Dinello is married to photographer Danielle St. Laurent. They tied the knot in 2011 in a ceremony officiated by Stephen Colbert.
How many children do Paul Dinello and Danielle St. Laurent have?
The couple shares two sons. Comedian Amy Sedaris is the godmother to their children.
Did Paul Dinello date Amy Sedaris?
Yes. Dinello and Amy Sedaris dated for eight years after meeting at The Second City in Chicago. After their relationship ended, they remained close friends and frequent creative partners.
What is Paul Dinello currently working on?
Dinello works primarily as a writer and supervising producer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS.
