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.
Acted in 54
2020s
- 2026
- 2025
- 2023
Handyman from Hell
Philosophy Contractor
- 2022
Reno 911! Defunded
Miss Mertz, Time Traveler, Hatzolah Captain, Organ Dealer · 1 episode
- 2020
2010s
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
Slash
Denis
- 2015
The Jim Gaffigan Show
Daniel · 11 episodes
- 2014
Beef
Lynn Vanderloo
- 2013
- 2012
You're Whole
Randall Tyree Mandersohn · 9 episodes
- 2011
2000s
- 2009
Stella: Live in Boston
Michael
- 2008
The Xtacles
Chase Fontaine · 2 episodes
- 2007
- 2006
Frisky Dingo
Chase Fontaine (voice) · 25 episodes
- 2005
The Baxter
Ed
Partner(s)
Christopher
Stella
TV
- 2004
- 2003
- 2002
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
Michael
- 2001
- 2000
The Bogus Witch Project
Stephen Hawking (segment "In the Woods")
1990s
- 1999
Big Helium Dog
Martin Huber
- 1997
Viva Variety
Johnny Blue Jeans · 37 episodes
- 1995
The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special
Various
- 1994
No release date
MTV: The State, Skits and Stickers
Movie
Wrote 11
2020s
- 2026
Michael Ian Black: First Annual Retirement Special
Writer
- 2025
Alaskan Murder Mystery
Writer
2010s
- 2016
Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert
Writer
- 2015
- 2014
Beef
Writer
- 2011
Michael Ian Black: Very Famous
Writer
2000s
- 2009
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
Stella
Writer
- 2002
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
Writer
Produced 4
2010s
- 2017
- 2014
Beef
Producer
2000s
- 2009
- 2005
Stella
Producer
Created 4
2010s
- 2012
You're Whole
Creator
2000s
- 2009
- 2005
Stella
Creator
1990s
- 1997
Viva Variety
Creator
Directed 3
2000s
- 2009
- 2006
- 2002
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
Director
Appearances38
2020s
- 2026
Michael Ian Black: First Annual Retirement Special
Self
Deepfaking Sam Altman
Self
- 2025
Long Live the State
Self
- 2024
Sorry/Not Sorry
Self
The Big Game on Tour
Self · 5 episodes
- 2022
Criss Angel's Magic with the Stars
Self · 1 episode
Would I Lie to You?
Self · 2 episodes
- 2021
2010s
- 2019
Retro Tech
Self - Actor / Writer / Comedian · 1 episode
I Want My MTV
Self
- 2018
- 2016
Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert
Self
- 2015
- 2014
Duck Quacks Don't Echo
Self - Host · 14 episodes
- 2013
- 2012
The Burn with Jeff Ross
Self · 1 episode
- 2011
Michael Ian Black: Very Famous
Self
2000s
- 2009
- 2008
Reality Bites Back
Host · 8 episodes
I Love the New Millennium
Self · 8 episodes
- 2007
- 2006
I Love the '70s: Volume 2
Self · 10 episodes
- 2005
- 2003
Celebrity Poker Showdown
Self · 1 episode
