Tom Papa has the distinction of serving as star, writer, producer and co-creator of his own NBC sitcom, "Come to Papa" (March 2004). In the series, based loosely on his own life, Papa plays a struggling New Jersey comedy writer.

Papa is also a successful standup comedian who for three years has been the opening act for Jerry Seinfeld. TV audiences have seen him on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan O’Brien."

Papa grew up in New Jersey. He first realized he wanted to be a comedian when at a very young age he heard Steve Martin’s comedy album "Let’s Get Small" at a friend’s house. After he graduated from college, Papa began appearing at various Open Mike nights at comedy clubs around New York. Comedy became an addiction. He perfected his act and performed seven nights a week while working as an advertising copywriter during the day.