Michael Showalter American actor, comedian, writer and director Date of Birth: 17.06.1970 Country: USA

1. Biography of Michael Showalter
2. Early Career and "The State"
3. Acting and Filmmaking
4. Other Ventures

Biography of Michael Showalter

Michael Showalter is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director. He gained recognition as a member of the comedy series "The State" on MTV from 1993 to 1995. Showalter was born on June 17, 1970, in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. He is the son of Elaine Showalter, a Jewish writer and literary critic, and English Showalter, a professor of French literature and a member of the Episcopal Church. Showalter has an older sister, Vinka Showalter LaFleur, who is a professional speechwriter.

Early Career and "The State"

Showalter attended Princeton High School and later shared an apartment with his girlfriend, actress Andrea Rosen. While studying at New York University, he joined the comedy sketch group "The New Group." The group eventually changed its name to "The State" and started creating small creative videos for MTV. Their project, titled "You Wrote It, You Watch It," was hosted by Jon Stewart. Showalter turned this MTV project into a full-fledged comedy series called "The State," which aired for two years.

Acting and Filmmaking

Aside from his work on "The State," Showalter also appeared in the series "Sex and the City" and starred in films such as the crime comedy "The Baxter" (2005) alongside Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Williams, and Justin Theroux. He also appeared in the notable science fiction thriller "Signs" (2002) with Mel Gibson and the touching film "Griffin & Phoenix: A Love Story" (2006) with Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney. Showalter has also collaborated with fellow "State" members in the comedy film "Wet Hot American Summer" (2001) and its prequel series on Netflix.

Other Ventures

In addition to his acting career, Showalter signed a contract with the non-profit label "JDub Records" in June 2007 and released his first humor CD titled "Sandwiches & Cats" in November. He also teaches the art of writing good screenplays at the New York University's film school. Currently, Showalter is working on the development and direction of the series "Michael & Michael Have Issues," featuring Michael Ian Black. The series premiered in July 2009. He is also a member of the comedy sketch trio "Stella."