John Brent

John Brent (14 March 1938, in Madison, Connecticut – 16 August 1985, in Los Angeles) was an American comedian, actor and beat poet.

He was part of the Second City comedy club, and then later The Committee. He is mainly known for being half the duo behind the 1959 How To Speak Hip comedy album with Del Close. Otherwise he recorded and published little, since he died at a relatively young age. He also appeared as an actor in such films as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Catch-22, Steelyard Blues, and American Graffiti.

Brent's son, Jeremy Paz, resides in San Francisco. He owns and operates Question Mark Tavern, which has a barroom called The Hip Pocket dedicated to his father and the How to Speak Hip album.