Biography for
Joel McHale More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

20 November 1971, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Birth Name

Joel Edward McHale

Height

6' 4" (1.93 m)

Mini Biography

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, having graduated from Mercer Island High School, Joel McHale was a cast member on KING-TV's "Almost Live!" (1984). Following the run of that show, Joel completed the Actor's Training Masters Program at The University of Washington. He moved to LA after graduating, and he quickly landed parts in "Will & Grace" (1998) and "Oliver Beene" (2003). 2004 was a big year for Joel, as he booked roles in Spider-Man 2 (2004), The Onion Movie (2008) and Lords of Dogtown (2005).

In addition, he writes, produces and stars in "The Soup" (2004) on E! where he counts down the most absurd, hysterical, wacky and surreal moments in the world of reality TV and celebrity each week.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Associate

Mini Biography

Born in Rome, Italy and raised in Seattle, Washington, Joel was a history major at the University of Washington, where he also was a member of their championship football team. In addition, Joel received his Master's of Fine Arts from UW's Actor's Training Program.

He is currently starring on NBC's hit comedy series, "Community" (2009), has a number of films on deck and recently wrapped a much-buzzed-about gig as the host of the 2011 Independent Spirit Awards.

Joel recently wrapped production on Seth MacFarlane's Ted (2012), which is a live-action tale of a boy and his teddy bear. He will star opposite Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane, where he will play a charming but sleazy boss to Mila Kunis' character. He can be seen next in Robert Rodriguez's Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D (2011), opposite Jessica Alba, where he plays a spy-hunting reporter married to Alba's character, the stepmother to his children. He can also be seen in What's Your Number? (2011) with Anna Faris and The Big Year (2011) with Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, which are both set to be released this fall. Previously, Joel starred opposite Matt Damon in Steven Soderbergh's comedic thriller, The Informant! (2009). In addition, Joel continues to satirize pop culture and current events each week on E!'s "The Soup" (2004). Joel's quick wit and sharp comedic timing have made "The Soup" a pop culture phenomenon. Joel also performs his stand-up act around the country to sold-out audiences.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two sons.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous

Spouse

Sarah Williams

(20 July 1996 - present) 2 children

Trivia

Is known for his appearance in Burger King commercials as an office jerk.

Went to the University of Washington as an undergrad from 1991-1995. Got his bachelor's degree in history and was a tight end for the Husky football team.

His wife gave birth to their first son, Edward Roy McHale, in 2005. They call him Eddie.

His father's profession moved the family around several times. Joel was born in Rome before his family moved to Washington State, then they lived in Haddonfield, New Jersey for 2 years before moving back to a Seattle suburb.

His son, Eddie, underwent open heart surgery at 2-months-old. He made a full recovery.

Was a history major and went on to complete the master's program in acting at the University of Washington.

His wife gave birth to their second child, Isaac McHale, on March 12, 2008.

Joel is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity from the Alpha Rho chapter at the University of Washington.

Listed his five favorite films as Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964), Blade Runner (1982), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Children of Men (2006) and Ikiru (1952).

Personal Quotes

My goal and my career is definitely not to be famous. That's a really horrible goal, just to be famous for the sake of having fame.

I won't do porn. Well, I won't do triple-X porn.

I've always made fun of television shows and how ridiculous some celebrity behavior is, but I never thought my job would be commenting on it. There's a side of me that's happy I get to say these things out loud. But other times I feel like a whore.

[on The Soup's mascot dog, Lou] I didn't like Chihuahuas very much before I met Lou, I thought they looked like big-eyed rats, but now I'm in love.

Every parent should thank God for the gift that is their children's health, and shower them with love.

I loved New Jersey. I thought it was the greatest place in the world because on Halloween kids could start trick or treating right after school. Isn't that great?

Salary

"Community" (2009)

$50,000/episode (2009-10)