Baum is recognized for his large mustache, long hair, and remarkable resemblance to musician David Crosby.
[1][2] Baum and comedian Barry Marder co-authored the first three Letters From a Nut books, written under the pseudonym Ted L.
At UC-Davis, he earned a degree in political science while performing impromptu comedy routines in the school library and food commons.
Baum has appeared in several television programs since the early 1980s, including The Stockard Channing Show, Growing Pains, Full House, and Northern Exposure.
He also appeared as an animated version of himself on The Simpsons, guest-starring with Jay Leno, Janeane Garofalo, Steven Wright, and Bobcat Goldthwait in the episode "The Last Temptation of Krusty".