Brief Introduction of Jon Reep
Jon Reep is an American stand-up comedian and actor, widely recognized for his distinctive Southern charm and observational humor. He rose to national prominence as the winner of the fifth season of NBC’s reality competition series, Last Comic Standing, in 2007, where he garnered the most votes ever cast on the show. Reep is also famously known as “the Hemi Guy” from the popular Dodge Ram truck commercials, in which he delivered the memorable line, “That thing got a Hemi?” His career spans across various mediums, including stand-up comedy specials on platforms like Comedy Central, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, as well as acting roles in films such as Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and television series like HBO’s Eastbound & Down.
Jon Reep Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan David Reep |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1972 |
| Age | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Hickory, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Jodie Stidham Patterson (married 2023), Genta Trimble (m. 2007; div. 2013) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profession | Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Podcast Host |
| Education | North Carolina State University (BA in Theatre, Mass Communication, and Public & Interpersonal Communication) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 million (reported in 2024) |
Early Life and Education of Jon Reep
Jon Reep was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, a city once known as the furniture capital of the world. His father, David Reep, worked as a manager at a Goodyear store and a part-time police officer, while his mother, Betty, served as a receptionist for a local telephone company. Reep was raised in a Baptist household. He attended Fred T. Foard High School in Newton, North Carolina, where he actively participated in football.
Following his high school graduation, Jon Reep began his higher education at Catawba Valley Community College, concurrently working at his father’s Goodyear store. In 1992, he transferred to North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he pursued a diverse academic path. Reep graduated from North Carolina State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, triple majoring in theatre, mass communication, and public and interpersonal communication. After completing his university studies, Reep secured a position as a production assistant with UNC-TV. His journey into comedy began when he discovered Charlie Goodnight’s comedy club near the NC State University campus, transforming his role as the “funny guy” in high school into a professional pursuit.
Jon Reep’s Career
Stand-up Comedy Breakthrough and Recognition
Jon Reep’s comedic career officially began in 1998, a year after his college graduation, when he hit the road as a full-time traveling comic. His initial experiences included performing at open mic nights at Charlie Goodnight’s comedy club, which evolved into hosting gigs, and by 1996, he was getting paid for his performances. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the hardest working comedians in America, regularly selling out clubs and receiving standing ovations at colleges across the country.
A significant turning point in his career came in 2007 when he participated in and ultimately won the fifth season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Reep’s victory was notable as he received the highest number of votes ever cast on the show, winning over a worldwide audience that included viewers from Canada, the UK, and Australia. This accomplishment cemented his status as a nationally recognized comedian. The competition featured other notable talents, including Lavell Crawford and Amy Schumer.
Acting Roles and Commercial Success
In 2000, Jon Reep moved to Los Angeles to explore acting opportunities. He became widely known to millions as “the Hemi Guy” in Dodge Ram truck commercials, a redheaded character who leaned out of a beat-up car to famously ask, “That thing got a Hemi?”. This popular ad campaign significantly boosted his public recognition.
Reep has accumulated a diverse acting portfolio in both television and film. From 2004 to 2006, he played the recurring character Police Officer Gerald Bob in the ABC sitcom Rodney. On the big screen, he is remembered for his role as Raymus, the pot-smoking farmer, in the 2008 feature film Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. He also appeared in the 2014 film Into the Storm.
His television credits include appearances in HBO’s Eastbound & Down, where he played Jed Forney in four episodes of the final season, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Reep has also guest-starred in series like Tig Notaro’s Amazon Series One Mississippi, CW’s Jane The Virgin, ABC’s Black-ish, and Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie. He has lent his voice to animated shows such as American Dad!
Comedy Specials and Other Ventures
As a stand-up comedian, Reep has released several successful specials. His hour-long special, Jon Reep: Metro Jethro, and a half-hour special both aired on Comedy Central. His work also includes the stand-up special Ginger Beard Man on Amazon Prime and the album Ginger Pain, released in 2019. He was also featured in Netflix’s Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo. Reep continues to tour extensively, performing to sold-out audiences nationwide.
Beyond stand-up and acting, Jon Reep is a podcast host. He hosts the popular podcast “Carolina Reeper” on YouTube and formerly “A.I.: Absolute Ignorance” (also known as “Fried” or “Country-ish”) on Bill Burr and Al Madrigal’s All Things Comedy digital platform. He has also been a guest on numerous prominent podcasts, including The Joe Rogan Experience, Nateland with Nate Bargatze, Bertcast with Bert Kreischer, The Adam Carolla Show, and Tiger Belly with Bobby Lee. Reep has also served as a television host for shows like R U Faster Than a Redneck? on TBS, Smokies vs Bandits on CMT, and Redneck Roadtrip on the History Channel.
Jon Reep Personal Life & Family
Jon Reep was born into a family in Hickory, North Carolina, with one younger brother named Jason. His personal life has seen significant changes over the years. He married Genta Trimble on October 5, 2007, in Maui, Hawaii. However, Genta Reep filed for divorce in March 2013, and their marriage concluded.
Following his divorce, Reep later married Jodie Stidham Patterson on April 15, 2023. Their wedding was a surprise event, disguised as a “Second Chance Prom” and held as a charity benefit to raise funds for the Opendoor Homeless Ministry in Hickory, North Carolina. Although there was a private, legally binding ceremony earlier that day, the public event featured a performance officiated by fellow comedian John Heffron.
In 2018, after 18 years in Los Angeles, Reep made the decision to return to his North Carolina roots to care for his father who had suffered a stroke, and to support his mother. Reep has shared anecdotes about his family, particularly his father, in his stand-up comedy, highlighting the humorous and sometimes embarrassing stories from his childhood. He often describes himself and his wife as opposites, noting her DIY skills compared to his own lack thereof.
Awards and Achievements of Jon Reep
Jon Reep’s career is marked by notable achievements, particularly in the realm of stand-up comedy.
- Winner of Last Comic Standing (Season 5, 2007): This is his most prominent award, as he won the NBC reality competition series, receiving the most votes in the show’s history from a worldwide audience.
- “Hemi Guy” in Dodge Commercials: While not a formal award, his role in the popular Dodge Ram truck ad campaign brought him widespread recognition and became an iconic part of his public image.
- Comedy Specials: Successfully releasing multiple stand-up specials on major platforms like Comedy Central (Jon Reep: Metro Jethro), Netflix (Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo), and Amazon Prime (Ginger Beard Man) represents significant achievements in his comedy career.
- Festival Performances: He has performed at prestigious comedy festivals, including the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival (in 1999 and 2004), Las Vegas’ The Comedy Festival (2005), Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (2006), and headlined at the Vancouver Comedy Festival (2009).
Jon Reep Net Worth and Income
As a nationally touring comedian, actor, and podcast host, Jon Reep has built his net worth through diverse income streams over his active years in entertainment. Jon Reep’s net worth has been reported with varying figures. Some sources have indicated his net worth as approximately $5 million at one point. However, more recent reports, specifically for the year 2024, estimate Jon Reep’s net worth to be around $1 million USD.
His income sources primarily include earnings from his extensive stand-up comedy tours, which see him perform to sold-out audiences across the country. Additionally, his acting career, encompassing roles in major films like Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay and various television series such as Eastbound & Down, contributes significantly. Reep also earns from his popular podcast, “Carolina Reeper,” and from his past work in nationally recognized commercial campaigns, particularly as “the Hemi Guy” for Dodge. His comedy specials released on platforms like Comedy Central, Netflix, and Amazon Prime also provide ongoing revenue.
Legacy and Influence
Jon Reep has carved a distinct niche in the comedy world with his contemporary country point of view and relatable humor. His authentic style resonates with audiences, earning him legions of fans across comedy clubs, television, and film. As the winner of Last Comic Standing, he demonstrated the enduring appeal of traditional stand-up comedy and set a record for the most votes cast, highlighting his broad popularity.
Beyond his individual performances, Reep’s work, particularly his “Hemi Guy” persona in Dodge commercials, has become an iconic piece of American pop culture. This role made his face instantly recognizable to millions, showcasing his ability to connect with a mainstream audience. His acting roles, from the dimwitted cop Gerald Bob to the laid-back Raymus, further demonstrate his versatility and impact on comedic character portrayals. Through his podcasts, such as “Carolina Reeper,” he continues to engage with his audience, fostering a community around his brand of humor and offering a platform for discussion. Reep’s influence is seen in his continuous touring, inspiring aspiring comedians with his longevity and consistent connection with his fan base.
Interesting Facts about Jon Reep
- Jon Reep was once arrested during a Carolina Panthers inaugural football game in 1995 for dancing in the endzone after the mascot, Sir Purr, called him to the field. He later received Panther memorabilia for the incident.
- He considers his victory on Last Comic Standing his proudest achievement, even more so than his famous Dodge “Hemi Guy” commercials, due to the global voting.
- Reep initially pursued comedy as a hobby after discovering a comedy club near his college campus and didn’t take it seriously until he was paid for a performance in 1996.
- His comedy style has evolved over his 27-year career, moving from prepared storytelling to incorporating about 25% improvisation into his sets.
- He is known for his “clean” comedic approach, appealing to a wide demographic with his contemporary country perspective.
- Reep hosted several television shows, including R U Faster than a Redneck on TBS and Redneck Roadtrip on the History Channel.
Controversies
On September 5, 2025, Jon Reep was arrested and indicted on multiple charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest followed a four-month-long investigation initiated by a cyber tip received by the Hickory Police Department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 15, 2025, concerning child sexual abuse material. Authorities discovered that the account associated with this tip belonged to Jon Reep.
A search warrant was executed at the location linked to the IP address from the cyber tip, and electronic devices were seized for digital forensic analysis. A Catawba County grand jury issued a true bill indictment on September 2, 2025. Reep was charged with one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, totaling ten counts. Court documents indicated the charges involved minors between one and 14 years old.
Reep was jailed in the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $260,000 bond, which he subsequently posted. His scheduled comedy show on September 5 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, was rescheduled following his arrest. Reep is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on September 8, 2025. As of the immediate aftermath of his arrest, Jon Reep had not publicly addressed the charges on his social media platforms.
Social Media Presence
Jon Reep maintains an active presence across several social media platforms, engaging with his fanbase and promoting his tour dates, podcasts, and other projects.
- Instagram: He can be found on Instagram under the handle @jonreep.
- Twitter: Jon Reep uses the Twitter handle @JonReep.
- YouTube: He hosts his podcast “Carolina Reeper” on YouTube and shares various comedy clips and content. His channel allows him to connect directly with his audience through video.
- Facebook: He also has a presence on Facebook, which he uses to share updates and interact with fans.
- TikTok: Jon Reep is present on TikTok as @jonreepcomedy, using the platform to share short comedic content.
These platforms serve as crucial outlets for him to announce tour dates, new stand-up material, and episodes of his podcast, allowing for direct communication with his audience and a continuation of his comedic influence online.
Final Words about Jon Reep
Jon Reep stands as a prominent figure in American comedy and entertainment, renowned for his down-home style, relatable humor, and versatile career spanning stand-up, acting, and podcasting. From his roots in Hickory, North Carolina, he achieved national recognition as the victorious contestant of Last Comic Standing and became a memorable face in popular culture through his “Hemi Guy” commercials. His consistent touring and various comedy specials highlight a dedication to his craft that has sustained a loyal fanbase for decades.
Reep’s legacy is marked by his ability to bridge the gap between traditional Southern storytelling and contemporary comedy, creating a unique comedic voice. His work on television and in film further diversified his appeal, showcasing his talents beyond the stand-up stage. In his personal life, he has openly shared his journey, including his decision to return to his home state to be closer to family.
However, recent events concerning serious legal charges have cast a shadow over his public image. The ongoing legal process will undoubtedly impact his future career trajectory and public perception. Despite these challenges, Reep’s extensive body of work in comedy and acting remains a testament to his significant contributions to entertainment. As of the latest information, he continues to navigate these personal and professional challenges.