John Melendez (born October 2, 1965), also known by his on-air moniker "Stuttering John," is an American comedian, actor, radio personality, and podcaster. He gained prominence during his tenure on The Howard Stern Show from 1988 to 2004, where he became famous for his humorous and often awkward celebrity interviews and prank calls. Following his departure from Stern, Melendez served as the announcer and a writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from 2004 until 2014. He has since continued his career as a stand-up comedian and host of his own podcast.
Early Life and Career John Melendez was born in Massapequa, New York. He attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, studying film. While still a student, he began his career in radio as an intern on The Howard Stern Show. His distinctive stutter, which he often incorporated into his on-air persona, quickly led to him becoming a regular fixture on the program.
The Howard Stern Show (1988–2004) Melendez's role on The Howard Stern Show was initially that of a "stuntboy" and interviewer. He was frequently dispatched to red carpet events, press conferences, and celebrity appearances to ask celebrities intentionally provocative, embarrassing, or inane questions, often highlighted by his stutter. These segments, which sometimes resulted in celebrities walking away or becoming visibly annoyed, became a signature part of the show and earned him significant notoriety.
He was also famous for his elaborate prank calls to celebrities and public figures, often employing a childlike or naive persona. Notable prank call targets included Donald Trump, Ringo Starr, and numerous politicians and actors. His direct, often unfiltered approach contrasted sharply with traditional celebrity journalism, cementing his persona as "Stuttering John."
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2004–2014) In 2004, Melendez departed The Howard Stern Show to take on a role as the announcer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In addition to his announcing duties, he also worked as a writer and correspondent for the program. His role on The Tonight Show offered him a more mainstream platform and a different kind of comedic outlet, moving away from the more abrasive style he exhibited on Stern's show. He remained with The Tonight Show until Leno's final departure in 2014.
Post-Tonight Show Career After his tenure on The Tonight Show, Melendez continued his career in entertainment. He has toured as a stand-up comedian and has appeared in various television shows and films. In recent years, he has gained a new following through his podcast, The Stuttering John Podcast (later rebranded The John Melendez Show), where he interviews guests, discusses current events, and shares anecdotes from his career. His podcast has gained attention for his often politically charged commentary and his continued willingness to engage in controversial topics.
Personal Life Melendez was married to Suzanna Keller, and they have three children. The couple divorced in 2014. He released an autobiography titled Easy for You to Say in 2018, detailing his life and career experiences.
Selected Filmography and Television Appearances
- Howard Stern's Private Parts (1997) – Himself
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2004–2014) – Announcer, Writer, Correspondent
- Beer League (2006) – Johnny B.
- The Aristocrats (2005) – Himself
Podcast
- The Stuttering John Podcast / The John Melendez Show (2018–present)