The figure who holds the magma of jokes was born in Yogyakarta, January 5, 1959. Embedded in him being an actor (traditional theater, modern, film) and a famous comedian from Yogyakarta. He is known as Den Baguse Ngarso because of his popular role as an antagonist in the broadcast program Mbangun Desa on TVRI Yogyakarta in the 1990s. In this role, he is described as a priyayi who is arrogant, often talks in a slick manner, is cynical towards the other person he talks to, pretends to know and wants to win over himself. In various theatrical performances and films, such roles are often played by Susilo convincingly. Susilo Nugroho did not have a formal educational background in the arts, particularly theater. He completed his education at SD Suryodiningratan II Yogyakarta (1971), SLIP Pangudi Luhur I Yogyakarta (1974), and SMA Kolese de Britto Yogyakarta (1977). Then he continued his studies at the IKIP Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta majoring in Economics (1982). This means that his ability and acting capacity are obtained from various "art institutes" namely communities, groups, and the various roles entrusted to him. It was in these spaces that he processed and continuously matured Susilo, who began to enter the world of acting since attending high school in 1977. Then in 1983, together with Heru Kesawa Murti, Jujuk Prabowo, Sepnu Heryanto and Saptaria Handayaningsih (late) he founded the Gandrik Theatre. In various Gandrik Theater performances, he often plays a central role. He is also active as a scriptwriter and kethoprak director in the Kethoprak Tjonthong Djogjakarta community. Susilo Nugroho also often plays important roles - with Cak Lonthong, Akbar, Wisben, Marwoto, etc. - in the performance (a kind of opera) "Our Indonesia" initiated by Butet Kartaredjasa, Djaduk Ferianto (late) and Agus Noor. The source of Susilo Nugroho's humor lies in his self-knowing expressions and cynicism regarding various social, political, economic and everyday matters. Now, Susilo is enjoying his retirement as a teacher at SMK Negeri 1 Bantul, Yogyakarta (2019). Being both a teacher and an active role player must have kept him very busy. However, he never intended to leave the world of acting. Susilo stated that in the world of art there is no such thing as retirement. He addressed art as his first need. He also doesn't differentiate between theatre, farce, or ketoprak. He did all of that, across all genres, and to him it was theater.
Susilo said the difference between past and present art performances was that in the 70s it was very easy to find free folk performances. Almost every village has a theater group. "In the past, theater was very powerful, especially on campuses. Even though the performances were not as good as now because they were sober, they were very enjoyable," he said. According to him, being a role player is also not an easy matter. One must be able to let go of one's self in every figure one plays on stage. What Susilo plays on stage can also be seen as a reflection of the daily reality that is lived and lived.*"