Michael Ian Black
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- August 12, 1971
- Place of birth
- 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.
Movies with Michael Ian Black
- Superman 2025 · ★ 7.3
- This Is 40 2012 · ★ 5.9
- Wanderlust 2012 · ★ 5.5
- Wet Hot American Summer 2001 · ★ 6.2
- Sextuplets 2019 · ★ 6.2
- Take Me Home Tonight 2011 · ★ 6.0
- They Came Together 2014 · ★ 5.6
- Reno 911!: Miami 2007 · ★ 5.8
- Hell Baby 2013 · ★ 5.1
- The Ten 2007 · ★ 4.7
- Smosh: The Movie 2015 · ★ 4.4
- Linoleum 2023 · ★ 6.2
- Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass 2026 · ★ 6.5
- The Baxter 2005 · ★ 6.0
- Spinning Gold 2023 · ★ 5.4
- Slash 2016 · ★ 5.8
- Hurricane of Fun: The Making of Wet Hot 2015 · ★ 6.4
- Misery Loves Comedy 2015 · ★ 6.1
- Reno 911!: It's a Wonderful Heist 2022 · ★ 5.8
- Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2014 · ★ 7.4
- The Bogus Witch Project 2000 · ★ 3.1
- Folk Hero & Funny Guy 2016 · ★ 5.2
- Alchemy 2005 · ★ 5.5
- I Want My MTV 2019 · ★ 7.5
- Partner(s) 2005 · ★ 5.6
- Michael Ian Black: Noted Expert 2016 · ★ 6.7
- Beef 2014 · ★ 6.1
- Big Helium Dog 1999 · ★ 4.3
- First One In 2020 · ★ 4.7
- Sorry/Not Sorry 2024 · ★ 4.2
- Stella Shorts 1998-2002 2002 · ★ 4.0
- Handyman from Hell 2023 · ★ 3.8
- Stella: Live in Boston 2009 · ★ 5.2
- The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special 1995 · ★ 4.0
- Michael Ian Black: Very Famous 2011 · ★ 7.0
- Cults: Saying No Under Pressure 1991 · ★ 8.0
- Nantucket Film Festival's 2nd Comedy Roundtable 2013
- Birthday 2008
- Calls 2020
- Long Live the State 2025
Movies directed by Michael Ian Black
- Wedding Daze 2006 · ★ 5.7
- Stella Shorts 1998-2002 2002 · ★ 4.0