Directing
Michael Showalter
Born 1970-06-17
Michael Showalter (born June 17, 1970) is an American director, writer, and producer. He first achieved recognition as a cast member on MTV's The State, which aired from 1993 to 1995. He and David Wain created the Wet Hot American Summer franchise, with Showalter co-writing and starring in Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and the Netflix series. Showalter wrote and directed The Baxter(2005), in which he starred with Michelle Williams, Justin Theroux, and Elizabeth Banks. Both films featured many of his co-stars from The State, and so do several of his other projects. Showalter is also a co-creator, co-producer, actor, and writer for the TV series Search Party. He directed the 2017 film The Big Sick and the 2021 film The Eyes of Tammy Faye, both of which were critically acclaimed.
Acting
Long Live the State
2025 · Self
It Started As a Joke
2019 · Self
Giles Vanderhoot
2016 · Giles Vanderhoot
Jammers
2016 · Jeremy
Hurricane of Fun: The Making of Wet Hot
2015 · Self
Misery Loves Comedy
2015 · Self
Two Night Stand
2014 · Rick Raines
Wanderlust
2012 · Himself
Stella: Live in Boston
2009 · Michael
Birthday
2008 · Michael
The Ten
2007 · Police Lt. Flarn Bleern
Reno 911!: Miami
2007 · Paul
Griffin & Phoenix
2006 · Terry's Fiancé
The Baxter
2005 · Elliot Sherman
Hair High
2004 · Wally (voice)
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
2002 · Michael
Signs
2002 · Lionel Prichard
Operation Midnight Climax
2002 · Chip
Kissing Jessica Stein
2002 · Stephen
Wet Hot American Summer
2001 · Coop / Alan Shemper
Chocolate For Breakfast
1998
Safe Men
1998 · Larry
Tick
1996 · Clifford
The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special
1995 · Various
Chickula! Teenage Vampire
1995
MTV: The State, Skits and Stickers
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Director
Verity
2026
Oh. What. Fun.
2025
The Idea of You
2024
Spoiler Alert
2022
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
2021
The Lovebirds
2020
Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner
2019
The Big Sick
2017
Giles Vanderhoot
2016
Hello, My Name Is Doris
2015
The Baxter
2005
Stella Shorts 1998-2002
2002
Untitled Holiday Comedy Project
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The Last Ride of Cowboy Bob
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Untitled 'Cyrano Pop' Movie
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Baby Boom
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