15 AWESOME Dan Harmon Quotes for Screenwriters

He’s one of the most critically acclaimed comedy screenwriters out there, known most famously for Rick and Morty. In general, Dan Harmon is not afraid to break down barriers and deconstruct the norm when it comes to writing. But how does he do it? Well, we’ve put together 15 Dan Harmon quotes to teach screenwriters about his unique approach to writing as well as his tenacious work ethic and attitude to life.

Dan Harmon – Beginnings

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harmon spent his teenage years performing stand-up comedy. He joined the sketch troupe The Dead Alewives, alongside his friend and fellow screenwriter Rob Schrab. Together the troupe produced an album entitled Take Down the Grand Master. Moreover, they frequently performed at Milwaukee’s Safehouse Free Comedy Stage.

Harmon moved to California, briefly attending Glendale Community College. This was an experience that would inspire his hit sitcom Community – which told the story of a group of students attending the fictional Greendale Community College. Harmon has discussed how he formed the show from his own experiences at college. He even admitted that the main character Jeff Winger is loosely based on himself.

As one of his first ventures into screenwriting, Harmon wrote the comedy science fiction show Heat Vision and Jack, alongside Rob Schrab. The pilot starred Jack Black and Owen Wilson, premiering on Fox in 1999. Although Fox ultimately did not order the show to series, the pilot became a cult classic and gained a large online following. And this helped to establish Harmon as a popular comedy writer.