Paul Shaffer
Known for
Few names carry this far: Paul Shaffer is a Canadian actor with the standing that comes from titles people actually watched. The name took time to reach the size it has now. Most of the work sits in comedy. The public profile has held for 48 years. Any account of the career opens with 'Hercules'. 'Scrooged' is a second title with an audience of its own.
Paul Shaffer
14 Movies
8 Series
Few names carry this far: Paul Shaffer is a Canadian actor with the standing that comes from titles people actually watched. The name took time to reach the size it has now. Most of the work sits in comedy. The public profile has held for 48 years. Any account of the career opens with 'Hercules'. 'Scrooged' is a second title with an audience of its own.
Movies
Plays Hermes (voice)
Hercules
1997
Plays Street Musician
Scrooged
1988
Plays Artie Fufkin
This Is Spinal Tap
1984
Plays Marco
Blues Brothers 2000
1998
Plays Taxi Businessman
Look Who's Talking Too
1990
Plays Paul Shaffer
Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens
2016
Plays Artie Fufkin
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
2025
Plays Paul Schaffer
A Very Murray Christmas
2015
Plays Church of Jack Lord Organist
Mr. Mike's Mondo Video
1979
Plays Hermes (voice)
Disney Heroes Volume 1
2005
Writer
Plays Don Kirshner / Arnie Schnachtman / Student Body President / The Candy Slice Group
Gilda Live
1980
Plays Filmmaker's Assistant
Heartbeat
1987
TV Shows
Plays Dr. Zarkov (voice)
Flash Gordon
1996
Plays Hermes (voice)
Hercules
1998
Plays Self - Panelist
Hollywood Squares
1998
Plays Self
Spector
2022
Plays Self
Second City: First Family of Comedy
2006
Plays Irv Nadler
Ed
2000
Plays Paul Shaffer
How I Met Your Mother
2005
Plays Paul Shaffer
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
2001
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...
Full Filmography
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues
Artie Fufkin
2025
Film
Spector
Self · 4 episodes
2022
TV
Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens
Paul Shaffer
2016
Film
How I Met Your Mother
Paul Shaffer · 1 episode
2012–2013
TV
Bachman & Turner - Live at the Roseland Ballroom
Keyboards
2012
Film
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Paul Shaffer · 1 episode
2007–2008
TV
Second City: First Family of Comedy
Self · 3 episodes
2006
TV
Disney Heroes Volume 1
Hermes (voice)
2005
Film
Ed
Irv Nadler · 1 episode
2001–2002
TV
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul Shaffer and where are they from?
Paul Shaffer is 76 years old, born on November 28, 1949 in Fort William, Ontario, Canada.
What are the most famous roles of Paul Shaffer?
Paul Shaffer is best known for roles in Hercules, Man on the Moon, Scrooged.
How many movies has Paul Shaffer been in?
Over a 48-year career (since 1978), Paul Shaffer has appeared in 14 movies and 5 TV shows.
What was Paul Shaffer's first movie?
The career of Paul Shaffer began with The Blues Brothers Live at Winterland (1978).
What is Paul Shaffer's most recent movie or series?
Paul Shaffer's most recent release is Peter Asher: Everywhere Man, which premiered on June 19, 2026.
What TV shows has Paul Shaffer appeared in?
On television, Paul Shaffer has appeared in How I Met Your Mother, Saturday Night Live, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Does Paul Shaffer have any upcoming projects?
Yes, Paul Shaffer's upcoming work includes: You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... (2026).
Paul Shaffer
1949-11-28 · Fort William, Ontario, Canada
Paul Shaffer is a Canadian musician, composer, vocalist, and band leader, among the highlights being the de facto leader of the early Saturday Night Live house band, and serving for 33 years (1982-2015) as the leader of David Letterman's house band.