Michael Showalter

Michael Showalter is an American comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer, grabbing wider recognition courtesy of his role in MTV's The State that aired from 1993 to 1995. Much of his fame comes from his partnership with David Wain in shaping the Wet Hot American Summer franchise. He co-wrote and starred in the original film, all the while extending his groundwork to the Netflix series. He did the triple duty of writing, directing, and starring in The Baxter (2005), featuring alongside Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, and Elizabeth Banks. Many of his co-stars from The State appeared in these films and in several of his other projects.

Showalter also flaunted his skills as a co-creator, co-producer, actor, and writer for the TV series Search Party. He directed the critically acclaimed films, The Big Sick (2017) and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021). In the earlier part of his career, Showalter got associated with the sketch comedy group, The New Group, when studying at New York University. Following his transfer to Brown University, he became a part of the improv comedy troupe IMPROVidence. Post his graduation, The New Group changed its name to The State and started creating video shorts for the MTV show You Wrote It, You Watch It. Showalter's career also included teaching screenwriting at New York University's Graduate Film School. He partnered with Michael Ian Black for the Comedy Central series Michael and Michael Have Issues in 2009, and later, in 2013, they launched a podcast named "Topics".