Michael Ian Black is an American comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work in the sketch comedy series The State and the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.
Michael Ian Black was born on August 12, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois. During his early childhood, his family relocated to Hillsborough, New Jersey. His parents divorced when he was three years old. At the age of 12, his father tragically passed away due to complications during neurological surgery. Black enrolled in New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts but left before completing his degree.
Michael Ian Black began his career in comedy while attending NYU, where he joined the sketch comedy group The State. The group's popularity led to the creation of their own MTV show in 1993. Although an attempt to transition to CBS with a Halloween special fell short, the group left a lasting impact on '90s comedy.
Following The State, Black became a recurring face on television, including roles on Comedy Central’s Reno 911! and Another Period. He also appeared in The Jim Gaffigan Show on TV Land. Notably, he reprised his role in Netflix's comedy series Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp and its sequel, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later.
As a member of the comedy trio Stella, alongside fellow The State alumni Michael Showalter and David Wain, Black performed regularly at the Fez Under Time Cafe in New York City until it closed in 2005. Their collaborations contributed significantly to the alternative comedy scene of the early 2000s.
Michael Ian Black has appeared in a range of film and television projects, often showcasing his distinctively dry wit. One well-known anecdote from a 2010 appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly featured actor Bradley Cooper, who jokingly named Black as his favorite on-screen kisser due to their shared scene in Wet Hot American Summer.
In 2019, Black took on a supporting role as Doug in the Netflix comedy film Sextuplets, starring Marlon Wayans. While not one of his more prominent roles, it reflected his continued presence in mainstream comedy productions.
Beyond acting, Black is a prolific author and commentator. He has written several books for both adults and children and frequently contributes satirical and thoughtful essays across various media. His distinctive voice and comedic style translate seamlessly from screen to page.
Michael Ian Black resides in Connecticut with his wife, Martha Hagen. The couple has two children: a son, Elijah, born in 2001, and a daughter, Ruth, born in 2003. Ruth made a brief appearance in the Stella short video titled Fellowship.
| Birth Date: | 12 Aug, 1971 |
| Age: | 49 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Screenwriter Television actor Podcaster |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Chicago |
| Education: | New York University Tisch School of the Arts |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American comedian, actor, writer, and director |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
