Michael Ian Black
Acting

Michael Ian Black

August 12, 1971 (54 years old) Chicago, Illinois, USA

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 concert tour.

Known For

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

2009 • TV

Late Night with Seth Meyers

Late Night with Seth Meyers

2014 • TV

Superman

Superman

2025 • Movie

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

2005 • TV

The Good Fight

The Good Fight

2017 • TV

Sextuplets

Sextuplets

2019 • Movie

Movie Credits (47)

Acting

2025

Superman

as Cleavis Thornwaite

2019

Sextuplets

as Doug

2012

This Is 40

as Accountant

2023

Spinning Gold

as Bill Aucoin

2005

The Baxter

as Ed

2013

Hell Baby

as Dr. Marshall

2012

Wanderlust

as Himself

2023

Linoleum

as Tony

2005

Partner(s)

as Christopher

2015

Smosh: The Movie

as Steve Youtube

2014

Beef

as Lynn Vanderloo

2007

Reno 911!: Miami

as Ron of Ron's Tattoo

2020

Calls

2011

Take Me Home Tonight

as Pete Bering

2019

I Want My MTV

as Self

2015

Misery Loves Comedy

as Self

2001

Wet Hot American Summer

as McKinley

2007

The Ten

as Prison Guard Jamberg Saivon

2022

Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist

as Hatzolah Commander

2008

Birthday

as Michael

Crew

2006

Wedding Daze

Director

2011

Michael Ian Black: Very Famous

Writer

2016

Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert

Writer

2014

Beef

Writer

2014

Beef

Producer

2002

Stella Shorts 1998-2002

Writer

2002

Stella Shorts 1998-2002

Director

2025

Alaskan Murder Mystery

Writer

TV Credits (58)

Acting

2009

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

as Self - Guest

1 episodes

2014

Late Night with Seth Meyers

as Self

1 episodes

2005

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

as Self

1 episodes

2017

The Good Fight

as Stephen Rankin-Hall

2 episodes

2003

Reno 911!

as Kevin the Sex Offender

1 episodes

2003

Reno 911!

as Chris

2 episodes

2003

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

as Self

1 episodes

2011

Impractical Jokers

1 episodes

2016

Match Game

as Self - Panelist

1 episodes

2000

Ed

as Phil Stubbs

83 episodes

2013

@midnight with Chris Hardwick

as Self

2 episodes

2007

Reaper

as Steve

6 episodes

2007

Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!

as Self

1 episodes

2018

Insatiable

as Pastor Mike

5 episodes

2016

Search Party

as Wally

1 episodes

2004

Tom Goes to the Mayor

as Dr. Ian Black (voice)

2 episodes

1999

The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn

as Self - Guest

1 episodes

2015

Another Period

as Peepers

32 episodes

2022

Would I Lie to You?

as Self

2 episodes

2017

Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later

as McKinley / George H.W. Bush

8 episodes

Crew

2005

Stella

Producer

2005

Stella

Writer

2009

Michael & Michael Have Issues

Producer

2015

Another Period

Writer

2005

Stella

Creator

1997

Viva Variety

Creator

2009

Michael & Michael Have Issues

Creator

2012

You're Whole

Creator

Personal Info

Known For
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
August 12, 1971 (54 years old)
Place of Birth
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Popularity
0.7

Career Stats

47
Movies
58
TV Shows