Michael Ian Black

Biography

Michael Ian Black (born Michael Ian Schwartz; August 12, 1971) is an American comedian, actor, writer and director. He has starred in several TV comedy series, including The State, Ed, Viva Variety, Stella, Another Period and Michael & Michael Have Issues. He is also a prominent poker player, appearing on Celebrity Poker Showdown several times. He released a well-received children's book, Chicken Cheeks, in 2009. Black was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Jill and Robert Schwartz, a store owner and an executive, respectively. His family is Jewish. He grew up in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, where he attended Hillsborough High School. His parents divorced when he was three years old; his mother, Jill, later came out as a lesbian. Black's father died at age 39 due to a head injury apparently suffered in an assault and allergic reaction during subsequent surgery. His birth name, Schwartz, is derived from the German word schwarz, which means black. He changed his name to Michael Ian Black to avoid confusion with the actor Mike Schwartz. Black briefly attended New York University, but dropped out to portray Raphael in the promotional campaign for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co…

Movies & TV Shows

1. Superman (2025) — Cleavis Thornwaite
2. Peacemaker (2022) — Cleavis Thornwaite
3. This Is 40 (2012) — Accountant
4. Insatiable (2018) — Pastor Mike
5. Wanderlust (2012) — Himself
6. Wet Hot American Summer (2001) — McKinley
7. Sextuplets (2019) — Doug
8. Take Me Home Tonight (2011) — Pete Bering
9. They Came Together (2014) — Trevor
10. Impractical Jokers (2011)
11. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) — Self - Guest
12. The Good Fight (2017) — Stephen Rankin-Hall
13. Reno 911!: Miami (2007) — Ron of Ron's Tattoo
14. Hell Baby (2013) — Dr. Marshall
15. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015) — McKinley Dozen
16. Smosh: The Movie (2015) — Steve Youtube
17. Reaper (2007) — Steve
18. The Ten (2007) — Prison Guard Jamberg Saivon
19. Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) — Self
20. Reno 911! (2003) — Kevin the Sex Offender
21. Search Party (2016) — Wally
22. Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (2017) — McKinley / George H.W. Bush
23. Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) — Self - Guest
24. The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005) — Self
25. Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! (2007) — Self
26. Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (2009) — Self - Guest
27. Linoleum (2023) — Tony
28. Frisky Dingo (2006) — Chase Fontaine (voice)
29. Deadbeat (2014) — TJ
30. Another Period (2015) — Peepers
31. The Baxter (2005) — Ed
32. Ed (2000) — Phil Stubbs
33. Maron (2013) — Himself
34. Spinning Gold (2023) — Bill Aucoin
35. Slash (2016) — Denis
36. Bless This Mess (2019) — Cheff
37. Hurricane of Fun: The Making of Wet Hot (2015) — Self
38. Misery Loves Comedy (2015) — Self
39. Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist (2022) — Hatzolah Commander
40. Burning Love (2012) — Bill Tundle

Directed

1. Wedding Daze (2006) — Director
2. Stella Shorts 1998-2002 (2002) — Director