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Michael Ian Black

Michael Ian Black is a multi-talented actor, writer, comedian, and director. Most recently, he's become a filmmaker, writing and directing the GreeneStreet feature, "The Pleasure of Your Company." The film stars Jason Biggs and Isla Fisher, and is premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Along with David Wain and Michael Showalter, Black created, starred in and co-wrote the 2005 Comedy Central series, "Stella." He's one of the lead commentators on VH1's "I Love the..." series, and was recently a finalist to replace Craig Kilborn as the host of CBS' "The Late, Late Show." His writings on contemporary culture have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Filter Magazine, CMJ Magazine and McSweeney's online. Black is also an editor-at-large for the new humor magazine, Crack'd.
Black starred opposite Julie Bowen and Jay Harrington in the upcoming film, "Partners," and he was a lead opposite Paul Rudd and Janeane Garofalo in the USA Films cult hit, "Wet Hot American Summer." For four years, he appeared on NBC's hit drama, "Ed," playing bowling alley manager Phil Stubbs.
His career began when he co-created, co-wrote and starred in the acclaimed MTV sketch comedy show, "The State." From there, he co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the Comedy Central series "Viva Variety." He was also the voice and forearm of the popular Pets.com sock puppet.
In addition to "Pleasure," Black has two other screenplays that are looking at start dates in the next year. "Raritan Valley Line" will be directed by Black, and will star Sissy Spacek and Mary Louise Parker. Beech Hilm Films ("Face") is producing. "Run, Fat Boy, Run" is being produced in London by Gold Circle ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"). The film will be directed by David Schwimmer and will star Simon Pegg. Two other television projects are in development at Comedy Central.
Black gives comedy lectures around the country under the title, "The Awesome Life with Michael Ian Black," and he performs stand-up comedy in clubs around the northeast.
Black lives in Connecticut with his wife Martha and their two young children.