Manitowoc Mystery: Charlie Berens Not Even From Wisconsin, Birth Records Show

MILWAUKEE, WI – More than five years after creating his successful brand of Midwestern-inspired humor, a new investigation finds that comedian Charlie Berens is not actually from Wisconsin.

Berens, known for his online news show the Manitowoc Minute, has garnered over 7.5 million followers with comedic videos based on his Wisconsin upbringing and common Midwestern tropes. But a request of Florida birth records reveals that his entire background has been fabricated. 

The records indicate that Berens hails from St. Petersburg, Florida, and comes from a long line of alligator traders. While he acts in skits about the quirks of Wisconsin deer hunting, Berens was once a sharp-shooting prodigy with swamp creatures of all kinds.

Before becoming known for his good Midwestern values, Berens was the inspiration for James Franco’s character in the 2013 film Spring Breakers. Franco portrays a rapper named Alien, clad in cornrows and silver grills, who lures a group of young women into parties that feature drugs, alcohol, sex and violence.

Berens couldn’t be reached for comment when asked about the records. According to his assistant, he has flown south for the winter and won’t be seen until spring.

Anna Williams reporting for Wisconsin News Today.