Michael Ian Black
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.
Birthday: 12 August 1971
Birth place: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Known for: Acting
Movies known for
Wet Hot American Summer
Spinning Gold
The Baxter
The Ten
Alchemy
Take Me Home Tonight
Michael Ian Black: Very Famous
This Is 40
Hell Baby
Sorry/Not Sorry
Nantucket Film Festival's 2nd Comedy Roundtable
Handyman from Hell
They Came Together
Stella: Live in Boston
Backwash
Misery Loves Comedy
Slash
Smosh: The Movie
Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist
Wanderlust
Hurricane of Fun: The Making of Wet Hot
Folk Hero & Funny Guy
Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Beef
Reno 911!: Miami
Birthday
Sextuplets
MTV: The State, Skits and Stickers
I Want My MTV
The Bogus Witch Project
Partner(s)
Calls
First One In
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special
Linoleum
Long Live the State
Superman
Cults: Saying No Under Pressure
Related TV Shows
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Frisky Dingo
Ed
Reno 911!
Tom Goes to the Mayor
The State
Stella
Retro Tech
Reaper
Viva Variety
Reality Bites Back
The Xtacles
I Love Toys
Michael & Michael Have Issues
I Love the '70s: Volume 2
I Love the New Millennium
You're Whole
Random Play
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
Burning Love
Us & Them
Reno 911!
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Another Period
Deadbeat
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
The Jim Gaffigan Show
Join or Die with Craig Ferguson
Insatiable
Duck Quacks Don't Echo
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Search Party
Debate Wars
Gotham Comedy Live
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
Name That Tune
Would I Lie to You?
@midnight with Chris Hardwick
The Good Fight
Bobcat Goldthwait's Misfits & Monsters