meet the coney crew
We've wrangled the A-list of Detroit-lovin', do-gooding people to make The Coney happen. They're actors, activists, producers, comedians and philanthropists. Some of them are all of those things combined. That's what makes them Celebrity Host Committee material.
Celeb Roll Call…
Kristen Bell
Actor, Singer
It’s Kristen Bell! The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor and singer, whose work includes iconic characters like Veronica Mars, Eleanor on the highly-acclaimed NBC series The Good Place and voicing Anna in the Frozen films. In 2025, Time included her in their selection of the 100 most influential people in the world. No big deal.
Recently seen in: The Netflix comedy series, Nobody Wants This…
Fun fact: Kristen Bell was on a hockey semi-finals playoff ticket in 1997.
TIM MEADOWS
Actor, Writer, Comedian
Tim Meadows got his start as a member of the renowned Second City comedy troupe in Chicago. He was one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live, where he appeared for ten seasons—and was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1993. Tim was born in the Detroit enclave, Highland Park. He loves cats.
Recently seen in: Mean Girls, Poker Face, The Mandalorian, Dream Scenario…
sam richardson
Actor, Comedian
Born and raised in Detroit, Sam Richardson is an Emmy Award winning actor and comedian (hello, Ted Lasso?). His CV is a crazy and diverse one, spanning genres from sci-fi to sketch comedy. His voice has graced a plethora of animated series. Along with Tim Robinson, he co-created the cult sensation Detroiters.
Recently seen in: Poker Face, The Afterparty, I Think You Should Leave, Ted Lasso, Detroiters…
Fun fact: Sam is a master at 3-D printing.
J.K. Simmons
Actor
Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons has appeared in a diverse range of projects spanning motion pictures, television and the stage on and off-Broadway. In 2015, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the merciless jazz instructor, Fletcher, in Sony Pictures Classics’ Whiplash. Simmons was born on the East Side, and grew up just off of Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe.
Recently seen in: Red One, The Union, The Accountant 2, Saturday Night, Whiplash…
Favorite Detroit spot: Comerica Park. Also Buddy’s Pizza. And a big fan of Joe Muer.
Fun fact: His dream role? To play the manager of the Tigers in For Love of the Game, directed by Sam Raimi.
Actor, Comedian, Filmmaker
Dax's first TV role was on 2003's Punk’d and he has since starred in NBC's long-running Parenthood (for which he received a 2015 People’s Choice Award nomination), The Ranch, Bless This Mess, and as a host on Top Gear America. He wears a lot of hats.
Recently seen in: The Golden Globe-nominated podcast Armchair Expert, Parenthood, Baby Momma, CHiPs, Hit and Run…
Fun fact: Dax has lived in Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Dearborn and Downtown Detroit (before moving to LA at 20-years-old).
DAX SHEPARD
Actor, Comedian
Diona Reasonover is a born and raised Detroiter. She can be seen starring as quirky and intelligent Kasie Hines on the CBS crime drama NCIS. Her series acting credits include 2 Broke Girls, Grace and Frankie, Superstore, Girl Meets World, Comedy Bang! Bang! and Clipped. On the film front, Reasonover can be seen starring opposite Rachael Leigh Cook, Will Sasso, and Sara Rue in the indie comedy Film Fest. A seasoned writer, Reasonover’s credits include the Emmy-nominated I Love You, America, and the 32nd Film Independent Spirit Awards. She's a grad of The Second City (Hollywood) and Upright Citizen’s Brigade.
Recently seen in: NCIS, 2 Broke Girls, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Grace and Frankie…
Fun fact: She used to skate at Northland Roller Rink. And when it comes to Better Made, she used to love Red Hot but now Original hits the best.
DIONA REAsONOVER
MARC EVAN JACKSON
Actor/Comedian
As The Coney Mastermind, Marc Evan Jackson’s heart is firmly in Detroit (even though he was born in Buffalo—shhhhh). In 2001, after joining Second City Detroit, he moved to their Los Angeles chapter. He is the founder of the Detroit Creativity Project, which teaches Detroit youth improvisational skills. Today he continues to perform in the improv group The 313, an homage to Detroit, with other Second City alums. Marc has become best known for his work on The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and as Sparks Nevada in the live stage show The Thrilling Adventure Hour.
Recently seen in: Kong: Skull Island, Red One, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, 22 Jumpstreet…
Fun fact: During summers, Jackson worked as a deck hand on a steamboat. He is immune to sea sickness.
Local Host Committee
Our Local Host Committee is an awesome assembly of dedicated community leaders, philanthropists, artists, musicians and voices. They’re volunteering their time, expertise, and networks, to ensure the success of The Coney—and to make an impact for kids of Detroit.
Andrea Brimmer
Erica and Ralph Gerson
Lorron James
Anita Masters Penta
Bob Shaye, Four Friends Foundation
