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Michael Showalter (born June 17, 1970) is an American actor, writer, and director. He is one-third of the sketch comedy trio Stella. Many informed critics will note that he is by far the most talented and the funniest of the three. Showalter first came to recognition as a cast member on MTV's The State which aired from 1993 to 1995. He co-wrote (with David Wain) and starred in the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and he wrote, directed, and starred in The Baxter (2005), with Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux and Elizabeth Banks. Both of these movies featured many of his co-stars from The State, and so do several of his other projects.

Showalter was born in Princeton, New Jersey to an Episcopalian father and a Jewish mother, the literary critic Elaine Showalter.^[1] He has one older sister, Vinca Showalter LaFleur, a professional speechwriter.

He began his undergraduate studies at New York University where he joined an improv troupe known as The New Group. Showalter transferred to and graduated from Brown University. After completing college The New Group changed its name to The State and began creating video shorts for an MTV show called You Wrote It, You Watch It hosted by Jon Stewart. The State was then picked up as its own show which aired for two years on MTV.

Showalter has also had several smaller roles in movies and TV shows. He was the host of the sports show Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic in the pilot episode as Ron Parker, an arrogant host. However, after a bookcase fell on Showalter's character, tape librarians (and brothers) Randy Sklar and Jason Sklar took over the hosting duties. Showalter spent a brief time as a correspondent on The Daily Show (1996).

He is also one half of The Doilies, an acoustic, artistic comedy band. Michael is the singer. The other member is the guitarist, Zak Orth.

Showalter is the host of The Michael Showalter Showalter, an original webshow on Collegehumor.com which premiered January 16, 2007. His first guest was comedian Zach Galifianakis. Other guests have included David Cross and Michael Ian Black. Upcoming guests include David Wain, Andy Samberg and Paul Rudd.

In the fall and winter of 2006, Showalter toured the US with frequent collaborator, Michael Ian Black. And in March 2007 Showalter briefly toured as the opening act for Janeane Garofalo.

1. ^ "Romantic Comedy Loser Finds Love", Jewish Journal, September 2, 2005.

• Official website
• Michael Showalter at the Internet Movie Database
• Michael Showalter: The state of comedy That Other Paper
• "A Love for Silliness", Newsweek interview, 15 July 2005
• "Michael Showalter, comedian & filmmaker", *The Michael Showalter Showalter Premiere Episode with Zach Galifianakis

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