He started doing stand-up and writing/performing with sketch groups in Detroit before joining the Second City Detroit mainstage. After writing and performing in three revues, he joined the Second City Chicago for two shows and then one revue at the Second City Toronto. Jerry is the only performer to have belonged to all three of the Second City's touring companies.

Minor was a featured player on Saturday Night Live for one season, from October 7, 2000 through the season finale in 2001. He was fired along with Chris Parnell by Lorne Michaels during the summer before the 2001