Veteran actor David Alan Grier received a Critics Choice Award nomination for his role as Dr. Ron in NBC’s hit mockumentary St. Denis Medical, and for him, the honor was simply “an opportunity to see a bunch of friends in the same room and kick it and have a ball.” But behind the laughs lies a role filled with depth, vulnerability, and the quiet heartbreak of experience.
A Character That Felt Instantly Familiar
Grier was immediately drawn to the role of Dr. Ron — a cynical yet wise physician described in the script by creators Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer as “burned out” and “the oldest staff member in the hospital.” The character’s complexity spoke to Grier: “I know this dude!” he recalls thinking. “He’s a really good doctor. It’s just the system won.”
Through Dr. Ron, Grier explores themes of sacrifice and regret. The character warns others not to make the same mistakes he did — sacrificing family, losing touch with his children, and struggling after divorce. It’s not just comedy; it’s lived-in pain presented with a touch of dry wit.
A Show That Blurs the Line Between Comedy and Drama
According to Grier, St. Denis Medical is a hybrid unlike any other. “It’s a weird show. The humor is earned and organic … The way it’s written, it’s a drama,” he explains. The actor, a graduate of Yale School of Drama, says the biggest challenge was trusting the show’s unique tone. “You just have to believe it works.”
Grier compares working in an ensemble comedy to being on a sports team. “You pass the ball, someone else makes the shot — it elevates everyone.” Although he didn’t previously know the showrunners, a recommendation from friend Ana Gasteyer, who worked with them on American Auto, gave him the confidence to join. “Once I heard Wendi McLendon-Covey and Allison Tolman were cast, all my fears were assuaged.”
Comedy Rooted in Real Emotion
One standout episode, “Weird Stuff You Can’t Explain,” blends absurdity and sincerity as Dr. Ron dismisses hospital superstitions only to experience a crisis during surgery — prompting him to pray. “That’s more true to life,” Grier notes. “Nine times out of 10, when you laugh, it’s coming from a dramatic moment.” He adds that the prayer moment reflects his own reality: “I wouldn’t call myself religious, but when it’s time … I’m praying for the odds.”
Another episode, “Bruce-ic and the Mus-ic,” showcases Grier’s restraint as he plays emcee for the hospital fundraiser. Despite his extensive stand-up background, the actor had to hold back. “It was the anti-David episode. I couldn’t really be funny,” he says. Still, he embraced the challenge.
He also singles out “Buffalo Bruce and Matty the Kid” as a personal favorite — a story that sees Dr. Ron grappling with not being invited to a colleague’s party. “Even though he wouldn’t have gone, it still hurts,” says Grier, highlighting the quiet emotional layers that define the show.
A Career of Milestones — and Staying Grounded
Long before St. Denis Medical, Grier earned acclaim for his stage work. He won a Tony Award for A Soldier’s Play, after previous nominations for The First, Race, and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. “When they called my name, I sat there because I wanted to be sure,” he recalls. “I immediately became emotional … and that’s why I had to go to comedy, because otherwise I would’ve been a blubbering mess.” Even years later, he remains grateful. “I was very humbled. I continue to be very humbled.”
As St. Denis Medical continues to resonate with audiences, Grier’s performance is a reminder that the funniest characters often carry the deepest truths.
