Will Arnett | |
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 Arnett in 2019 | |
| Born | William Emerson Arnett (1970-05-04)May 4, 1970 (age 54) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1994–present |
| Spouses | |
| Partner | Alessandra Brawn (2019–present) |
| Children | 3 |
William Emerson Arnett (/ɑːrˈnɛt/; born May 4, 1970[1]) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles asGob Bluth in theFox/NetflixsitcomArrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) andthe titular character in the Netflix animated seriesBoJack Horseman (2014–2020). He has received nominations for sevenPrimetime Emmy Awards and threeScreen Actors Guild Awards.
Arnett was Emmy-nominated for his recurring role asDevon Banks in theNBC sitcom30 Rock (2007–2013). He starred in the NBC sitcomUp All Night (2011–2012), theCBS sitcomThe Millers (2013–2014), and theNetflix mystery seriesMurderville. He has also starred, co-created, executive produced theFox sitcomRunning Wilde (2010–2011), and the Netflix comedy-drama seriesFlaked (2016–2017).
Arnett has acted in films such asLet's Go to Prison (2006),Blades of Glory (2007),Semi-Pro (2008),G-Force (2009), andTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Known for his deepbaritone voice, Arnett also took roles inDanny Phantom (2004–2007),Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006),Ratatouille (2007),Horton Hears a Who! (2008),Monsters vs. Aliens (2009),Despicable Me (2010),The Nut Job film franchise (2014–2017),The Lego Movie franchise (2014–2019),Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018),Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022), andTwisted Metal (2023–).
Arnett has beenPrimetime Emmy Award-nominated forArrested Development,30 Rock, andBoJack Horseman. Since 2020, he has hosted theFox reality seriesLego Masters. Arnett began co-hosting the comedy podcastSmartLess (2020–) alongsideSean Hayes andJason Bateman.
Arnett was born inToronto,Ontario,[2] to Edith Alexandra "Alix" (née Palk) and Emerson James "Jim" Arnett, who was a corporate lawyer and brewer, among other occupations.[3][4][5] His parents were originally fromWinnipeg, Manitoba, and he has roots on both sides of his family in Manitoba going back many generations.[6] Arnett has two older sisters and a younger brother.[7] His father, a graduate ofHarvard University and a corporate lawyer, served as the president and CEO ofMolson Breweries from 1997 to 2000.[8]
Arnett briefly attendedLakefield College School inLakefield, Ontario, but was asked not to return after a semester for being a troublemaker.[9][10] TheSubway Academy II allowed him to take theatre classes at theTarragon Theatre. He eventually graduated fromLeaside High School and attendedConcordia University, Montreal for a semester but dropped out.[10] As a teenager, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue an acting career. He auditioned for commercials in Toronto and enjoyed acting. In 1990, he moved to New York City to study acting at theLee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.[11] He appeared in plays in New York, and his first acting role was inFelicity Huffman's independent filmErie, which was filmed on theErie Canal.[12] As mentioned on theSmartLess podcast, Arnett is an avid hockey fan and workout enthusiast, known to often boast about his “Pro Dumper” and ability to bench press as much as 165 pounds.[11]
In February 1996, Arnett made his first television pilot withKevin Pollak and Pollak's wife Lucy Webb forCBS, that was not picked up.[12] In 1999, Arnett was in another pilot forThe Mike O'Malley Show onNBC as the protagonist's friend Jimmy. The show was picked up, but it was cancelled after two episodes. Arnett has referred to 2000, the year after that show was cancelled, as "the darkest year of [his] life", and he admits that he "didn't get a lot of work" and "drank those years away".[12] In summer 2000, a friend helped pull Arnett out of his battle with alcoholism, and he began to get his career back on track.[13] In 2001, Arnett was cast in theCBS television pilot,Loomis as the slacker brother of a local news reporter (Cheri Oteri), that was not picked up. In 2002, Arnett was cast in a fourth television pilot which was for the CBS sitcomStill Standing, which was picked up and ran for several seasons, but his character was cut from the series after the pilot.[2] Arnett became so frustrated, after his fourth failed pilot, that he "swore off pilots"[2] altogether, until his agent persuaded him to audition for the pilot forArrested Development. In 2002, prior toArrested Development, Arnett guest-starred inThe Sopranos andLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit.[14]
In 2003, Arnett found mainstream success in television when he playedGeorge Oscar "Gob" Bluth II in theFox comedy seriesArrested Development and in 2006 he was nominated for his firstEmmy.[15] The show was cancelled after three seasons due to low ratings, despite its critical acclaim andcult following.[16] (He played Max the Magician inSesame Street, in a nod to Gob Bluth's penchant for usingEurope's "The Final Countdown" during his magic shows.)[17] According to a 2006 interview with theLos Angeles Times, Arnett's two favourite episodes of the show were "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight".[18] His exposure onArrested Development led to a number of larger roles in feature films. Though having worked in drama, his role forArrested Development is still comedy, and he often portrays smug antagonists. He "never considered himself a comic" and considers himself an "actor first".[19] In 2006, Arnett starred in his first leading role inLet's Go to Prison, directed byBob Odenkirk.[20] It earned more than US$4 million at the box office and more than US$13 million in rentals.[21] InBlades of Glory, Arnett and his then-wife Amy Poehler played brother/sister ice-skating pair with anincestuous relationship. The film was No. 1 at the U.S. box office during its first two weeks,[22] and grossed approximately US$118 million domestically during its theatrical run.[23] and US$36 million on home video.[24] He guest-starred inKing of the Hill and30 Rock; in the latter, he played the recurring role of Devon Banks,Jack Donaghy's archnemesis, for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
Arnett's distinctive gravelly voice has earned himvoice-over work forCBS television promos, film trailers and numerous advertisements, includingLamisil medication. Perhaps most recognizable is Arnett's voice saying, "It's not more than you need, just more than you're used to" in ads forGMC trucks.[25] He has lent his voice to a number of television shows, such asGhost Writer in the 2005 Nickelodeon's seriesDanny Phantom, Duncan Schiesst for theComedy Central animated programFreak Show, which was created by and stars the voice of hisArrested Development co-starDavid Cross. Arnett was the announcer for the faux trailer "Don't" in the 2007 filmGrindhouse, and became announcer forCartoon Network in October 2008 during its "Noods" era, replacingGreg Cipes. He has voiced characters in animated films, including Vlad inHorton Hears a Who!,[26] The Missing Link inMonsters vs. Aliens, Horst the German sous-chef inRatatouille, and Mr. Perkins inDespicable Me. He planned to be the voice of theK.I.T.T. inUniversal'sKnight Rider, a sequel to the popular 1980s television series. The production featured aFord Mustang as K.I.T.T. Since Arnett had a previous long standing relationship with competitor automakerGeneral Motors as the voice for GMC Trucks commercials, GM asked Arnett to pull out of the project. Arnett opted to withdraw from the project and he was replaced byVal Kilmer.[27] Arnett made a commercial cameo for the video gameCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.[28]
In 2009, he voiced the title character inEat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, a video game developed byVicious Cycle Software and starred as an out of work former video game protagonist hoping to make a comeback, versus a greedy game executive played byNeil Patrick Harris. In the Fox animated comedy seriesSit Down, Shut Up, he voiced Ennis Hofftard, a bodybuilder who teaches English and always attempts to chase women.[29] The show premiered on April 19, 2009, but was eventually cancelled after several months due to poor ratings. It aired its last episode on November 21, 2009.[29]Arnett played supporting roles in the filmsSpring Breakdown,Hot Rod,The Comebacks, andOn Broadway, where he once again worked with his close friend and directorDave McLaughlin. InThe Brothers Solomon, he again teamed with Odenkirk and starred withSaturday Night Live memberWill Forte. He appeared in a major supporting role in the basketball comedySemi-Pro, his second film with Ferrell.[30] He plays Lou Redwood, the commentator of the team, who is "a former player, a bit of a womanizer, and a boozer".[31] On November 17, 2009, it was announced that Arnett would try to win over real-life wifeAmy Poehler in a guest spot onParks and Recreation. Arnett played Chris, an MRI technician and possible love interest for Poehler's Leslie Knope.Justin Theroux appeared in the same episode as yet another suitor. Arnett signed on for one episode, and the episode entitled "The Set Up" aired January 14, 2010.[32]
In 2010, Arnett and formerArrested Development co-starJason Bateman created DumbDumb Productions, a production company focusing on digital content. Their first video was "Prom Date", the first in a series of "Dirty shorts" forOrbit.[33] In March 2012,Mansome, Arnett's firstexecutive producer credit with Bateman, was announced as a Spotlight selection for theTribeca Film Festival.[34] The documentary, directed byMorgan Spurlock, is a comedic look at male identity as it is defined through men's grooming habits featuring celebrity and expert commentary. He starred inRunning Wilde which was cancelled in January 2011, due to poor ratings[35] as well asThe Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret withDavid Cross. On March 23, 2011, Arnett appeared in the penultimate episode toThe Office season 7.[36] Arnett co-starred in the NBC television comedy seriesUp All Night, about a couple who struggle to balance their home lives (especially with their newborn child) and their work ones. He had been attached to play the lead role of David Miller in the 2013 comedyWe're the Millers, but had to pass due to scheduling; the part went toJason Sudeikis.[citation needed]
He voiced the eponymous character in the critically acclaimed Netflix animated sitcomBoJack Horseman, which ran from 2014 to 2020.[37][38] He co-starred as Vern Fenwick in the 2014 filmTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its 2016 sequel,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.[39] Arnett starred in the CBS sitcomThe Millers, which lasted for two seasons. In 2017, Arnett was cast in the recurring role of Mr. Quagmire on theNetflix comedy drama seriesA Series of Unfortunate Events.[40] In 2016, he co-created, co-wrote and starred in theNetflix original seriesFlaked, which received negative reviews from critics.[41]
Arnett lent his voice toBatman in the filmThe Lego Movie. Arnett reprised the role inThe Lego Batman Movie, a spin-off ofThe Lego Movie released in 2017[42] as well asThe Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, released in 2019. He reprises the role in an episode of the franchise's spinoff animated seriesUnikitty! titled "BatKitty", which aired days before the release of the film.[43] He is the spokesman of a series ofHulu advertisements and his role in television spots deliberately recalls Devon Banks as a power-hungry manipulator. In July 2020, Arnett, along with Bateman andSean Hayes, created a comedy and talk podcast calledSmartLess.[44]
In 2021, Arnett playedThe Facts of Life's Dink Lockwood in a reenactment of the third season episode "Kids Can Be Cruel" for the third edition ofLive in Front of a Studio Audience.[45] In December 2021, it was announced that Arnett had replacedArmie Hammer in reshoots in the role of Alex Magnussen inNext Goal Wins due toabuse allegations made against Hammer in January 2021. The part, initially meant as a cameo, was expanded upon when Arnett joined.[46] Arnett is currently set to star inIs This Thing On? alongsideBradley Cooper. Arnett will write the screenplay while Cooper will direct.[47]Cursed Friends, a Comedy Central original movie from Arnett's production company Electric Avenue,[48] was announced in September 2022. Arnett made an appearance in the film.[49]
Arnett listsSteve Martin andChevy Chase as his two biggest comedic influences.[18]
Arnett lives inLos Angeles, California, and is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.[50] He moved toNew York City in 1990 and lived there for 20 years.[51] In 2015, Arnett bought property inBeverly Hills and began construction on a new home, which was completed in 2017.[52] In 2021, he sold the custom home and moved to a modern farmhouse inBenedict Canyon.[53]
Arnett has been married twice and has three children. He was married toPenelope Ann Miller for a brief period between 1994 and 1995. The two began dating in November 1994 and married a month later in December 1994.[54] They divorced less than a month later in January 1995.[55]
Arnett began datingAmy Poehler in 2000, four years after their initial encounter in 1996 when he saw her in anUpright Citizens Brigade performance.[56] Arnett and Poehler married on August 29, 2003, and had two sons together.[57] Their first son was born on October 25, 2008,[58][59] and their second son was born in August 2010.[60] Arnett and Poehler separated amicably in September 2012.[61][62][63] In April 2014, Arnett filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.[57] Their divorce was finalized in July 2016.[64][65] During their relationship, the two appeared together in four episodes ofArrested Development, one episode ofParks and Recreation, and the filmsBlades of Glory,Horton Hears a Who!,On Broadway,Spring Breakdown,Monsters vs. Aliens, and the Disney American English dubbing ofThe Secret World of Arrietty.
Arnett began a relationship with socialite and businesswoman Alessandra Brawn in 2019.[66] They have one child together.[67]
Arnett has struggled withalcoholism in the past, a topic explored in his showsFlaked andBoJack Horseman. He managed to maintainsobriety for 15 years until a relapse during the production ofFlaked.[68]Flaked is in part inspired by Arnett's own struggles with alcoholism. He has attested thatAlcoholics Anonymous has played a role in reclaiming sobriety.[69]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Cybermania '94 | Himself (remote host) | Awards show | |
| 1999 | Sex and the City | Jack | Episode: "La Douleur Exquise!" | |
| The Mike O'Malley Show | Jimmy | 13 episodes | ||
| 2000 | Third Watch | Kenny | Episode: "Spring Forward, Fall Back" | |
| 2001 | Boston Public | Hand Salesman | Episode: "Chapter Twenty-Nine" | |
| 2002 | Yes, Dear | Bobby | Episode: "Johnny Ampleseed" | |
| The Sopranos | Mike Waldrup | 2 episodes | ||
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Tony Damon | Episode: "Angels" | ||
| 2003 | Undefeated | Scott Green's Assistant | Television film | |
| 2003–2006 2013 2018–2019 | Arrested Development | George Oscar "G.O.B." Bluth II | 82 episodes | [17] |
| 2004 | Will & Grace | Artemis Johnson | Episode: "Back Up, Dancer" | |
| 2005 | Odd Job Jack | Tiberius McKorkindale | Voice, 2 episodes | |
| Danny Phantom | Ghost Writer | Voice, episode: "The Fright Before Christmas" | [73] | |
| 2006 | Freak Show | Duncan Schiesst | Voice, 7 episodes | |
| O'Grady | Dougski | Voice, 1 episode | [79] | |
| The X's | Pork E. Bacon | Voice, episode: "From Crusha With Love" | ||
| 2007 | King of the Hill | Portis | Voice, episode: "Hank Gets Dusted" | |
| 2007–2013 | 30 Rock | Devon Banks | 9 episodes | [17] |
| 2008 | Sesame Street | Max the Magician | Episode: "Max the Magician" | [17] |
| Human Giant | Himself | Episode: "I'm Gonna Live Forever!" | ||
| 2009 | Sit Down, Shut Up | Ennis Hofftard | Voice, 13 episodes | |
| Delocated | TV Announcer | Voice, episode: "Good Buds" | ||
| Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space | The Missing Link | Voice, television film | [73] | |
| 2009–2011 | Late Night with Jimmy Fallon | Himself/Brett Favre | 6 episodes | |
| 2010 | Parks and Recreation | Chris | Episode: "The Set Up" | |
| 2010–2011 | Running Wilde | Steve Wilde | 13 episodes; also co-creator, writer, and executive producer | |
| 2010–2016 | The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret | Brent Wilts | 17 episodes | |
| 2011 | The Office | Fred Henry | Episode: "Search Committee" | |
| 2011–2012 | Up All Night | Chris | 35 episodes | |
| 2012 | The Cleveland Show | General Richter | Voice, episode: "A General Thanksgiving Episode" | |
| Comedy Bang! Bang! | Dale | Episode: "Seth Rogen Wears a Plaid Shirt & Brown Pants" | ||
| 2013, 2015 | The Late Late Show | Himself (Guest host) | 3 episodes | |
| 2013–2014 | The Millers | Nathan Miller | 34 episodes | |
| 2014 | The Simpsons | Deputy Director Gratman | Voice, episode: "Steal This Episode" | |
| 2014–2020 | BoJack Horseman | BoJack Horseman / Additional voices | Voice, 76 episodes; also executive producer | |
| 2014 | Wander Over Yonder | Ryder | Voice, episode: "The Rider" | [80] |
| 2016–2017 | Flaked | Chip | 14 episodes; also co-creator, writer, executive producer, and director | |
| 2016 | Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt | Kitty | Voice; episode: "Kimmy Kidnaps Gretchen!"; uncredited | |
| 2017 | A Series of Unfortunate Events | Father/Mr. Quagmire | 8 episodes | |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Himself (guest host) | 1 episode | ||
| Minecon Earth 2017 | Himself (co-host) | YouTube live show | ||
| Netflix: LIVE | Himself (host) | Netflix special | ||
| 2017–2018 | The Gong Show | Himself (guest judge) | 5 episodes; also executive producer | |
| 2017 | The Magic School Bus Rides Again | Galapagos Gil | Voice, episode: "Frizzle Of The Future" | [73] |
| 2017–2019 | Hot Date | Sam Keurig | Episode: "For Real, Where Have All My Friends Gone?"; also executive producer | |
| 2018 | The Guest Book | Rob | Episode: "Under Cover" | |
| 2019 | Unikitty! | Bruce Wayne / Batman / Batkitty | Voice, episode: "Batkitty" | |
| Riviera | Jeff Carter | 10 episodes | ||
| 2020–present | LEGO Masters | Himself (host) | Also executive producer | [81] |
| 2020 | The First Team | Mark Crane | 4 episodes | |
| 2021 | All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs | Himself (narrator) | Voice, 5 episodes | |
| Muppets Haunted Mansion | Ghost Host | Television special | ||
| Live in Front of a Studio Audience | Dink Lockwood | Episode: "Diff'rent Strokes andThe Facts of Life" | ||
| 2021-2023 | The Morning Show | Doug Klassen | 3 episodes | |
| 2022 | Murderville | Senior Detective Terry Seattle | 7 episodes; also executive producer | |
| Our Flag Means Death | Calico Jack | Episode: "We Gull Way Back" | ||
| Island of the Sea Wolves | Himself (narrator) | 3 episodes; Netflix documentary series | ||
| 2023-2024 | Mulligan | Various | Voice, 3 episodes | |
| 2023–present | Twisted Metal | Marcus "Needles" Kane / Sweet Tooth | Main voice role; Also executive producer | [82] |
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard | Matt Hazard | [73] |
| Monsters vs. Aliens | The Missing Link | [73] | |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | Sgt. Arnett | ||
| 2015 | Lego Dimensions | Bruce Wayne / Batman (The LEGO Batman Movie), Excalibur Batman | |
| 2022 | Tiny Tina's Wonderlands | Dragon Lord | [73] |
In April 2007, during a panel hosted byThe Paley Center for Media, talk show hostConan O'Brien and his writing staff named Will Arnett as one of their three all-time favourite guests, sharing the honour with fellow CanadiansNorm Macdonald andHarland Williams.[98]
| Organizations | Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York magazine | 2005 | "New Yorkers of the Year" | Honored | [99] |
| Entertainment Weekly | 2007 | "Future King of Comedy" | Honored | [100] |
| Best Week Ever | 2007 | "Top 15 Sexiest Nerd Boys" | Honored | [101] |
| Premiere magazine | 2007 | "The 20 Hottest New Faces in Comedy" | Honored | [102] |
| Canada Walk of Fame | 2019 | Entertainment Walk of Fame | Honored | [103] |
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