- Jared Lindner, a real-life suit salesman with no prior acting experience, is the breakout star of Tim Robinson’s new HBO comedy, “The Chair Company.”
- Robinson discovered and cast Lindner on the spot after scouting his New York menswear shop, “Suit Man,” for a filming location.
- The show’s creative team intentionally casts unknown actors to build a more authentic and immersive world, avoiding the “baggage” of recognizable stars.
- Lindner, who had never even read a script, credits Robinson’s supportive on-set environment for his comfortable and memorable performance.
The Unlikely Star Everyone Is Talking About
In the world of Tim Robinson’s comedy, the most memorable characters are often the ones who feel unnervingly real. His new HBO series, “The Chair Company,” is no exception, and fans are buzzing about a scene-stealing shirt salesman from the second episode. The shocking truth? The actor is a first-time performer who was discovered by pure chance.
From The Shop Floor to the HBO Spotlight
Meet Jared Lindner, the co-proprietor of Suit Man, a family-owned menswear store in Mount Vernon, New York. In the show, he plays the proprietor of “Tamblay’s,” a menswear shop where Ron Trosper (Robinson) is searching for a clue. Lindner’s distinctive, Christopher Walken-esque cadence and natural delivery immediately captured the audience’s attention, leaving many to wonder, “Who is that guy?”
The answer is that he’s not a seasoned character actor; he’s a real salesman. Robinson and his crew were scouting Lindner’s store as a potential filming location when they were struck by his unique personality. “They started to chuckle, because I’m a pretty easygoing, somewhat young guy,” Lindner told Variety. The next thing he knew, he was being offered a part in the show, despite having zero acting experience.
A Strategy of Authenticity
Why the Show Avoids Big Names
The decision to cast a total novice was no accident. Director and executive producer Andrew DeYoung explained that the show deliberately seeks out unique, unknown faces to build its strange and immersive world. “There’s an excitement when you don’t have the baggage of somebody that you know,” DeYoung said. “There’s something about him and his way of being that’s rare and captivating in the sweetest way possible.”
This strategy allows even characters with a single line to feel rich and fully formed, creating a world that feels like it extends beyond the screen. For Lindner, who had never even seen a script before, the experience was surprisingly smooth.
An ‘Unbelievable’ First Gig
Lindner praised Robinson and his creative partner Zach Kanin for creating a comfortable atmosphere on set. “It’s unbelievable how good they are,” he said. “They took someone who had no idea what to do and made me feel comfortable enough to not be nervous.” He compared the well-run set to a professionally managed sports team where everyone shares a common goal without needing to be yelled at.
While Lindner isn’t quitting his day job at Suit Man, he’s open to future acting roles. For now, he’s just like the rest of us, waiting to see his performance on screen. “I hope I don’t make a fool out of myself in front of my wife,” he admitted. Based on the overwhelming fan reaction, he has nothing to worry about.
Image Referance: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/the-chair-company-interview-jared-lindner-1236556650/