Comedian David Koechner will be performing for free during Veishea 2014 at 10 p.m. April 12 at Stephens Auditorium. 

Best known for his roles in the film “Anchorman” and its sequel “Anchorman 2” as well as the television show “The Office,” Koechner has toured his stand-up comedy throughout the country. 

“He’s a great comedian,” said Mikayla O’Brien, Veishea entertainment co-chairwoman. “It’s a good opportunity for a larger name comedian to come, especially when his movie [“Anchorman 2″] will be out.” 

Originally from Tipton, Mo., Koechner went to the University of Missouri and Benedictine College for Political Science but eventually moved to Chicago to begin a career in improvisational comedy. 

Koechner studied improvisation under instructor Del Close at Chicago’s ImprovOlympic. Koechner then joined The Second City comedy troupe located in Chicago and graduated in 1994.

Koechner got his start on “Saturday Night Live” in 1995 and became known for many recurring skits during that year, such as “Bill Brasky” with fellow star Will Ferrell. Both Ferrell and Koechner reprised their skit in 2013 when they guest stared on SNL. 

Koechner partnered with fellow comedian and SNL friend David ‘Gruber’ Allen in 1999 to go through many popular improvisational skits. It was with Allen that Koechner developed his popular character “T-Bone” which created the “The Naked Trucker Show.” The two would become popular through skits on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.” The duo would then tour with fellow musical comedy duo Tenacious D.

Many early deals to bring the duo its own television show never panned out until Comedy Central brought them to television with “The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show” in 2007.

In 2004, Koechner began landing large film roles in popular movies such as “Anchorman” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” 

Since then, Koechner has landed roles in films like “Waiting…” and “Talladega Nights.” He also appeared on the television show “Hannah Montana.”

“He’s a very recognizable name to students,” O’Brien said. 

One of Koechner’s recent successes includes the black comedy film “Cheap Thrills,” which premiered at SXSW Festival in 2013 to positive reception. The film was released on DVD in March.

Currently, Koechner will be starring in the 2014 film “No Clue” and providing his voice for the animated character Asmodeus in “Hell & Back” as well as appearing on the television show “Justified” for one episode. 

Koechner is also working on an variety show with NBC where he is spending most of his time.

“I am thrilled to be working with NBC to develop a dynamic hour of variety entertainment,” said Koechner in an interview with Deadline Hollywood. “I got my start working for NBC on “Saturday Night Live” followed by a stint on “The Office,” and I’m happy to be back. As a husband and father of five, my vision is for us to create a show that engages everyone. I want it to make a mom, dad and grandmother laugh, while the 13- to 19-year-old stands behind the couch peeking over his iPhone, equally amused by the content.”