Michael Ian Black
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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
Credits
Superman (2025)
as Cleavis Thornwaite
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass (2026)
as Very Famous Star Maps Salesman
This Is 40 (2012)
as Accountant
They Came Together (2014)
as Trevor
Wanderlust (2012)
as Himself
Take Me Home Tonight (2011)
as Pete Bering
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
as McKinley
Reno 911!: Miami (2007)
as Ron of Ron's Tattoo
Sextuplets (2019)
as Doug
Spinning Gold (2023)
as Bill Aucoin
The Ten (2007)
as Prison Guard Jamberg Saivon
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
as Self
Misery Loves Comedy (2015)
as Self
Smosh: The Movie (2015)
as Steve Youtube
Linoleum (2023)
as Tony
Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist (2022)
as Hatzolah Commander
Hell Baby (2013)
as Dr. Marshall
Hurricane of Fun: The Making of Wet Hot (2015)
as Self
I Want My MTV (2019)
as Self
The Baxter (2005)
as Ed
Stella Shorts 1998-2002 (2002)
as Michael
Nantucket Film Festival's 2nd Comedy Roundtable (2013)
as Self
Deepfaking Sam Altman (2026)
as Self
Long Live the State (2025)
as Self
Birthday (2008)
as Michael
Bad Day For Bigfoot (—)
Actor
The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special (1995)
as Various
Slash (2016)
as Denis
Partner(s) (2005)
as Christopher
Alchemy (2005)
as Jerry (voice)
Big Helium Dog (1999)
as Martin Huber
Beef (2014)
as Lynn Vanderloo
MTV: The State, Skits and Stickers (—)
Actor
The Bogus Witch Project (2000)
as Stephen Hawking (segment "In the Woods")
Sorry/Not Sorry (2024)
as Self
First One In (2020)
as Philip
Stella: Live in Boston (2009)
as Michael
Folk Hero & Funny Guy (2016)
as Randy Jeppesen
Cults: Saying No Under Pressure (1991)
as Male Student (as Michael Schwartz)
Calls (2020)
Actor
Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert (2016)
as Self
Handyman from Hell (2023)
as Philosophy Contractor
Michael Ian Black: Very Famous (2011)
as Self