Seth MacFarlane

Seth MacFarlane, the man who brought us Stewie, Brian, and a talking dog with a martini addiction, is often mistaken for being Jewish. Perhaps it's the rapid-fire, self-referential humor, the penchant for pop culture deep dives, or simply the fact that so many of his comedic contemporaries happen to be members of the tribe. Whatever the reason, the man's comedic stylings certainly have a diasporic flavor.

However, a quick peek behind the curtain reveals a decidedly Gentile background. MacFarlane was raised Catholic, a fact that might come as a shock to anyone who's ever seen a cutaway gag involving a menorah. His humor, while often tackling religious themes, does so from a decidedly outsider perspective, skewering all faiths with equal opportunity glee.

Yet, his impact on pop culture cannot be denied. He's a one-man content creation machine, churning out animated hits, feature films, and even a few big band albums. While his K-score might not be off the charts for kvell-worthiness in the traditional sense, he has certainly earned a solid showing for sheer chutzpah and the ability to make millions laugh, often uncomfortably.