Michael Ian Black
Acting
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 concert tour.
Known for
Acting99
movieGail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass
2026
Very Famous Star Maps Salesman
movieSuperman
2025
Cleavis Thornwaite
tvHave I Got News for You
2024
Self - Team Captain
movieHandyman from Hell
2023
Philosophy Contractor
movieSpinning Gold
2023
Bill Aucoin
movieReno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist
2022
Hatzolah Commander
tvReno 911! Defunded
2022
Miss Mertz / Time Traveler / Hatzolah Captain / Organ Dealer
tvPeacemaker
2022
Cleavis Thornwaite
tvName That Tune
2021
Self - Contestant
movieFirst One In
2020
Philip
tvReno 911!
2020
Hatzolah Commander
tvRetro Tech
2019
Self - Actor / Writer / Comedian
tvThe Fix
2018
Self - Guest
tvInsatiable
2018
Pastor Mike
tvWet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
2017
McKinley / George H.W. Bush
tvThe Good Fight
2017
Stephen Rankin-Hall
tvSearch Party
2016
Wally
Debate Wars
2016
Self - Host
tvMatch Game
2016
Self - Panelist
movieFolk Hero & Funny Guy
2016
Randy Jeppesen
movieSlash
2016
Denis
tvThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert
2015
Self - Guest
tvWet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
2015
McKinley Dozen
movieSmosh: The Movie
2015
Steve Youtube
tvAnother Period
2015
Peepers
movieBeef
2014
Lynn Vanderloo
tvLate Night with Seth Meyers
2014
Self - Guest
tvDuck Quacks Don't Echo
2014
Self - Host
tvUs & Them
2014
Brian
movieHell Baby
2013
Dr. Marshall
tvMaron
2013
Himself
movieThis Is 40
2012
Accountant
tvGotham Comedy Live
2012
Self - Host
tvYou're Whole
2012
Randall Tyree Mandersohn
tvBurning Love
2012
Bill Tundle
movieWanderlust
2012
Himself
movieTake Me Home Tonight
2011
Pete Bering
Backwash
2010
Fleming
tvWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
2009
Self - Guest
Birthday
2008
Michael
tvThe Xtacles
2008
Chase Fontaine
tvReaper
2007
Steve
movieThe Ten
2007
Prison Guard Jamberg Saivon
movieReno 911!: Miami
2007
Ron of Ron's Tattoo
tvFrisky Dingo
2006
Chase Fontaine (voice)
moviePartner(s)
2005
Christopher
movieAlchemy
2005
Jerry (voice)
tvTom Goes to the Mayor
2004
Dr. Ian Black (voice)
tvReno 911!
2003
Kevin the Sex Offender / Chris
movieWet Hot American Summer
2001
McKinley
movieThe Bogus Witch Project
2000
Stephen Hawking (segment "In the Woods")
tvEd
2000
Phil Stubbs
tvThe Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
1999
Self - Guest
movieBig Helium Dog
1999
Martin Huber
tvViva Variety
1997
Johnny Blue Jeans
tvThe State
1994
Various Characters
Cults: Saying No Under Pressure
1991
Male Student (as Michael Schwartz)
Writing10
tvAnother Period
2015
Writer
movieBeef
2014
Writer
movieRun Fatboy Run
2007
Screenplay
movieWedding Daze
2006
Screenplay
tvStella
2005
Writer
I'm Your Man
1992
Screenplay
Creator4
Production4
tvWet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
2017
Consulting Producer
movieBeef
2014
Producer
tvStella
2005
Producer
Directing2
movieWedding Daze
2006
Director
movieStella Shorts 1998-2002
2002
Director