Jeffery Self

Who Is Jeffery Self?

Jeffery Self is an American actor, writer, and comedian. He was born on February 19, 1987, in Rome, Georgia.

He and Cole Escola starred in the sketch comedy series Jeffery & Cole Casserole, which aired on LOGO TV for two seasons. That show established him as a cult figure in queer comedy. From there, he never stopped building.

Today, Jeffery Self is recognized not only as a television performer. He is also a published author of five books, a recurring presence on beloved TV series, and a fresh voice in modern memoir writing. His debut adult essay collection, Self-Sabotage, arrived in 2025 to widespread praise.

Early Life: Growing Up Gay in the American South

Rome, Georgia

Jeffery Self is a native of Georgia who grew up in the South. Rome, Georgia — a small city in Floyd County — shaped his humor, his voice, and his understanding of what it means to be an outsider.

He grew up queer in a region where that was not always easy. However, rather than shrink from the experience, he turned it into material. That impulse to transform difficulty into comedy has defined his entire career.

Education: Choosing a Different Path

After attending middle school, Self persuaded his parents to let him be homeschooled. This decision reflects the independence and creative self-direction that would later become his professional hallmark.

His parents are William Self and Margaret Self (née Thompson). Both are academics. Therefore, Jeffery grew up in a household that valued learning — even if the classroom he preferred was the one he built for himself.

Career: Fifteen Years of Making People Laugh

The Breakthrough: Jeffery & Cole Casserole (Logo TV)

Self co-wrote, produced, and starred in the indie horror/comedy cult hit You’re Killing Me. But the project that first put him on the map was Jeffery & Cole Casserole.

Self’s big breakthrough came with Jeffery & Cole Casserole, a quirky sketch comedy series he co-created and starred in alongside Cole Escola for Logo TV. Running for two seasons, the show earned a cult following, showcasing Self’s quick wit, sharp satire, and unique comedic voice.

The show is still remembered fondly by fans of queer comedy. It gave Cole Escola and Jeffery Self a platform. It also gave both of them a creative identity that endures to this day.

30 Rock: A Guest Role That Stuck

One of Jeffery’s most recognized television moments came when he appeared as Randy Lemon on NBC’s landmark sitcom 30 Rock. The show, starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, ran from 2006 to 2013. His role was small. However, it introduced him to a much larger audience.

Gay of Thrones (2013–2014)

He continued his rise in the digital space with Gay of Thrones, a parody web series blending pop culture and queer commentary, in which he appeared as himself.

The web series became a viral sensation. It ran for ten episodes and showcased Jeffery’s ability to parody prestige television with a sharp and affectionate queer lens.

Search Party (2016–2022): A Long-Running Fan Favorite

Search Party (2016) — Guest starring as Marc — 18 episodes across multiple seasons, including Season 5 in 2022.

This recurring role on HBO Max’s critically acclaimed dark comedy Search Party became one of his most sustained television commitments. His character Marc appeared across all five seasons, making him a beloved presence in the show’s devoted fan community.

Shameless, Desperate Housewives, and More

Self began his acting career with roles in sitcoms like “Desperate Housewives” (ABC), “30 Rock” (NBC), and “Torchwood.” He continued to work steadily in television throughout the early 2000s and the 2010s, appearing on “90210” and “Shameless.”

Each role added a layer to his reputation as a reliable, scene-stealing character actor.

The Horror of Dolores Roach (2023)

Jeffery Self appeared as Caleb Sweetzer, the showrunner of Flora’s play, in The Horror of Dolores Roach. The Amazon Prime Video dark comedy horror series starred Justina Machado. It earned strong critical reviews. Jeffery appeared in multiple episodes of the first season, adding his distinctive energy to an already compelling ensemble.

Drop (2025): A Major Theatrical Film

Drop is a 2025 American mystery thriller film directed by Christopher Landon and written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach. The film stars Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, and Jeffery Self.

Drop had its premiere at SXSW on March 9, 2025, and was released in the United States on April 11, 2025. It was later released on Peacock on July 11, 2025.

Jeffery played the role of Matt. Furthermore, the film was produced by Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions — one of the most successful horror production companies in the industry. This role marked a significant step into mainstream theatrical film for Jeffery.

The Creep Tapes (2024–2026): Horror Gets Personal

The Creep Tapes is an American found footage horror series. The series premiered on Shudder and AMC+ on November 15, 2024. In February 2025, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on November 14, 2025.

Jeffery Self appeared as Connor in Episode 3, Season 3 (“Anisha”) of The Creep Tapes in 2026. This appearance marks his continued presence in prestige genre television even into 2026.

Not Suitable for Work and Their Town (2026)

In 2026, Jeffery Self appeared in Not Suitable for Work (1 episode, as Rafe Calder) and Their Town. These projects confirm that his career momentum has not slowed. If anything, it continues to grow.

Writing Career: From Humor Books to Adult Memoir

Humor Books: The Foundation

Jeffery’s literary career began with humor books. He is the author of two humor books: Fifty Shades Of Gay and Straight People: A Spotter’s Guide, as well as the young adult novels A Very Very Bad Thing and Drag Teen.

These early titles established him as a writer with a keen sense of absurdity. They also confirmed that his creative voice translated just as well to the page as it did to the screen.

Young Adult Novels: Speaking to Queer Teens

His young adult novels hold a special place in his bibliography. Drag Teen (2016) follows JT, an openly gay high schooler from Florida who yearns for freedom and acceptance. The book drew from Jeffery’s own experience growing up queer in the American South.

His books include Self-Sabotage: And Other Ways I’ve Spent My Time, Drag Teen, A Very, Very Bad Thing, Straight People: A Spotter’s Guide to the Fascinating World of Heterosexuals, and 50 Shades of Gay.

Self-Sabotage: And Other Ways I’ve Spent My Time (2025)

His most ambitious and celebrated book is Self-Sabotage, published in 2025. In his debut book for adults, Jeffery Self invites readers into his world, taking them through the usual foibles of gay adolescence, amplified in the vast wasteland of the American South and the odd characters who peopled it, from shoddy community theater productions to underage drinking with Broadway stars, from downtown comedy rooms to adventure-filled bedrooms. Self-Sabotage is a deeply personal and intimate exploration of Self’s life, filled with humor, heartache, and a hearty dose of bipolar disorder.

The response from critics and fellow artists was overwhelmingly positive. Jim Parsons praised it for being “both super funny and super moving.” NPR’s Glen Weldon called Jeffery “in complete command of himself and his voice.” Booklist gave it a starred review, calling it “captivating, extremely well-written.”

Additionally, Andy Cohen described it as “a wild — sometimes shocking — and always funny romp.” This book marked Jeffery’s arrival as a serious literary voice for adult readers — not just a comedian who could write, but a writer who happened to also be very funny.

Television Filmography at a Glance

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2004–2012	Desperate Housewives	—	Early TV work
2006–2013	30 Rock	Randy Lemon	Recurring guest role
2007–2011	Torchwood	—	Guest role
2008–2013	90210	—	Guest role
2010	Shameless	Grant	Guest role
2011	Friends with Benefits	—	Guest role
2013–2014	Gay of Thrones	Jeffery	10 episodes (web series)
2015	Difficult People	—	Guest role
2016–2022	Search Party	Marc	23 episodes
2017	Truth & Ilya	Jeffery Self	Guest role
2023	The Horror of Dolores Roach	Caleb Sweetzer	Multiple episodes
2023	iCarly	Dimitri-Pascual	Guest, 1 episode
2024–2026	The Creep Tapes	Connor	Season 3, Episode 3
2026	Not Suitable for Work	Rafe Calder	1 episode
2026	Their Town	—	—

Film Filmography

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2015	You’re Killing Me	—	Also co-writer and producer
2020	The High Note	—	—
2020	The California No	Jeffery	—
2021	7 Days	Dr. Henry	Voice role
2022	Spoiler Alert	Nick	—
2022	Mack & Rita	Sam	—
2025	Drop	Matt	SXSW premiere; Blumhouse/Universal

Personal Life: Husband, Home, and Honesty

Marriage to Augustus Prew

On January 8, 2017, Self and his boyfriend, Augustus Prew, announced their engagement via Instagram.

He has been married to Augustus Prew since January 14, 2018. The wedding took place in Culver City, California.

Augustus Prew is a British actor known for his work in Pure, The Borgias, and various film projects. The couple has remained together, maintaining a warm and often playful public presence on social media.

Jeffery Self is openly gay. He has spoken about his sexuality and identity throughout his career. Furthermore, he has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, particularly for queer youth.

Bipolar Disorder: Speaking Honestly

One of the most striking aspects of Self-Sabotage is Jeffery’s honest discussion of living with bipolar disorder. He does not treat this as a footnote. Instead, it is a central part of the book’s emotional honesty.

This willingness to speak openly about mental health adds depth and purpose to his public work. It also makes him a meaningful voice for readers who share similar experiences.

Physical Profile

Jeffery Self stands at approximately 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m). He has blue eyes and light brown hair. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.