paul andrew "andy" richter (born october 28, 1966) is an american comedian and actor. he is best known for his former role as conan o'brien's sidekick on "late night with conan o'brien". richter was born in grand rapids, michigan. he is the second of four children. he was raised in yorkville, illinois. while attending columbia college, chicago, he played in several chicago comedy groups, including the annoyance theatre, before getting on late night.