Neil Richard Flynn is an American actor and comedian, known for his role as "The Janitor", in the medical comedy-drama, _"Scrubs" . Neil was born in the south-side of Chicago. He is of Irish descent and was raised Catholic. He moved to Waukegan, Illinois at an early age. As a student at Waukegan East High School in 1978, he and partner Mike Shklair won an Illinois Individual Events state championship for "Humorous Duet Acting". After graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in 1982, Flynn returned to Chicago to pursue an acting career. Flynn participated on the nationally-renowned Bradley University Speech Team.
An alumnus of Chicagos ImprovOlympic and Second City.
Formerly a member of the Chicago improv troupe known as "The Family" (predecessor to Comedy Centrals "Upright Citizens Brigade").
Student of Del Close.
In "Scrubs" , he originally tried out for the role of Dr. Perry Cox, which later went to co-star John C. McGinley. The role he did get was that of the Janitor, which was originally intended for only the pilot episode. He soon became a regular cast member.
Raised in Waukegan, Illinois.
Attended Waukegan High School (East Campus).
His "Scrubs" character has been named only, possibly, three times. In the episode, "Scrubs" {My Friend the Doctor (#3.8)} , it is revealed that "The Janitor" played the part of "Transit Cop" in The Fugitive , a part that was actually played by Neil Flynn. Because of that, fans have speculated that The Janitors mysterious name is also Neil Flynn. In another episode (in one of J.D.s fantasies), "The Janitor" is talking to his sons class in school and refers to himself as "Jan tor". "The Janitor" also refers to himself, in thought, by that name in the episode, "Scrubs" {His Story III (#5.19)} . In the episode, "Scrubs" {My Manhood (#7.8)} , "The Janitor" admits to "Dr. Cox" that three statements have some truth to them, but he is not stupid. One of those admitted partial truths is that he has been called "Josh" before.
Had a small role as a street preacher in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer , but his scene was cut. Deleted scene can be seen on the 20th Anniversary DVD edition.
Graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
Often cast in small roles as a Police Officer.
He was awarded the 1986 Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe", at the Absolute Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.
He was nominated for a 1988 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for "Whistle in the Dark", at the Body Politic Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
He was nominated for a 1996 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Revue for "Farewell My Compuserve", at the Second City Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
Irish-American.
