About

Michael Ian Black is a comedian/writer/actor/director who began his career with The State, a sketch comedy troupe that he co-founded at New York University in 1988. The State went on to have a successful run on MTV, followed by a disastrous stint at CBS.

After The State, he co-created "Viva Variety," a fake European variety show, which enjoyed a successful run on Comedy Central.

From there, he appeared on several television shows, before landing the role of Phil Stubbs, the quirky bowling alley manager on NBC's "Ed."

He is also the co-creator (with Michael Showalter and David Wain) of the comedy trio Stella, which began as a weekly alternative comedy showcase, spawning a series of internet shorts, and eventually, a television series.

Michael has appeared in several films, notably "Wet Hot American Summer," "The Baxter," "Reno 911: Miami," "The Ten," and the upcoming "Kids in America."

He is also a popular contributor to VH1's "I Love the..." series.

In 2005, he wrote and directed his first film, "The Pleasure of Your Company," starring Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher. After premiering at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, MGM purchased the film and retitled it "Wedding Daze."

Another of his scripts, "Run, Fatboy, Run," was recently directed by David Schwimmer ("Friends"). The film stars Simon Pegg ("Hot Fuzz," "Sean of the Dead,"), Thandie Newton ("Crash"), and Hank Azaria ("The Birdcage," "The Simpsons"). After being the UK's number film four weeks in a row, it will be released in the US in March, 2008.

His book, "My Custom Van (And 46 Other Mind-Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face)" will be published by Simon & Schuster in summer '08. Simon & Schuster will also publish his two children's books, "Chicken Cheeks" and "Purple Kangaroo."

In 2007, Michael released his first stand-up comedy album, entitled "I am a Wonderful Man."

He is also a frequent guest host on NPR's "Fair Game." Michael is married and has two children.