John Keister

Biography

John Keister (born February 15, 1956, Seattle, Washington) is a Seattle-based comedian, writer, television host, and motivational speaker, best known as the primary host and head writer of the long-running local sketch comedy series Almost Live! on KING-TV from 1988 to 1999, for which he won twelve Northwest Emmy Awards. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1974 and the University of Washington, and began his career writing for The Rocket music magazine and as a music reviewer on KING-TV's REV in 1984. After Almost Live! ended, he created The John Report with Bob (2000) on KIRO-TV, wrote for The Eyes of Nye (2005), served as head writer for the PBS children's series Biz Kid$ (2008–2012), and co-hosted The (206) (2013–2014) with Pat Cashman. He narrated the documentary Sonicsgate (2009) about the Seattle SuperSonics' relocation, and has taught video production at the Art Institute of Seattle. He is married to Mary McKinley and has three sons. His acting credits are limited, as his career has centered on writing and hosting. His film appearance is Visioneers (2008) (Zach Galifianakis, Judy Greer), in which he played Dr. Knob. On television he appeared as a guest on Bill Nye the Science Guy (1993), in American Messiah (1995), and in various episodes of Almost Live! (1991–1996), Biz Kid$ (2008–2012), and The (206) (2013–2014). He also voiced a character in the 2020 short The Realm Beyond Reason.