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.
Acting
Movie
Superman
as Cleavis Thornwaite
2025
TV
Peacemaker
as Cleavis Thornwaite
2022
Movie
This Is 40
as Accountant
2012
TV
Insatiable
as Pastor Mike
2018
Movie
Wanderlust
as Himself
2012
Movie
Wet Hot American Summer
as McKinley
2001
Movie
Sextuplets
as Doug
2019
Movie
Take Me Home Tonight
as Pete Bering
2011
Movie
They Came Together
as Trevor
2014
TV
Impractical Jokers
2011
TV
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
as Self - Guest
2015
TV
The Good Fight
as Stephen Rankin-Hall
2017
Movie
Reno 911!: Miami
as Ron of Ron's Tattoo
2007
Movie
Hell Baby
as Dr. Marshall
2013
TV
Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp
as McKinley Dozen
2015
TV
Reaper
as Steve
2007
Movie
Smosh: The Movie
as Steve Youtube
2015
Movie
The Ten
as Prison Guard Jamberg Saivon
2007
TV
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
as Self
2003
TV
Reno 911!
as Kevin the Sex Offender
2003
TV
Reno 911!
as Chris
2003
TV
Search Party
as Wally
2016
TV
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
as McKinley / George H.W. Bush
2017
TV
Late Night with Seth Meyers
as Self - Guest
2014
Crew
Movie
Run Fatboy Run
Screenplay
2007
Movie
Wedding Daze
Director
2006
TV
Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later
Consulting Producer
2017
TV
Another Period
Writer
2015
TV
Stella
Producer
2005
Movie
Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert
Writer
2016
Movie
Beef
Writer
2014
TV
Viva Variety
Creator
1997
Movie
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
Writer
2002
TV
Michael & Michael Have Issues
Producer
2009
TV
You're Whole
Creator
2012
Movie
Michael Ian Black: Very Famous
Writer
2011