Who is Mike White? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Michael Christopher White

Age: 54 Years, 54 Year Old Males

Family:

father: Mel White

mother: Lyla Lee Loehr

Born Country: United States

Bisexual Actors

Height: 5'9" (175 cm), 5'9" Males

U.S. State: California

City: Pasadena, California

More Facts

education: Wesleyan University

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1

What are Mike White's notable film and television projects?

Some of Mike White's notable projects include the films "School of Rock" and "Nacho Libre," as well as the television series "Enlightened" and "The White Lotus."
2

Has Mike White ever worked as a writer for other filmmakers?

Yes, Mike White has worked as a writer for other filmmakers. He co-wrote the screenplay for the animated film "The Emoji Movie" and has also written episodes for various television shows.
3

Is Mike White known for his work in comedy or drama?

Mike White is known for his versatile work in both comedy and drama. He has written and directed projects that span a wide range of genres.
4

Has Mike White ever collaborated with other actors or filmmakers?

Yes, Mike White has collaborated with various actors and filmmakers throughout his career. He has worked with talents such as Jack Black, Laura Dern, and Ben Stiller on different projects.
5

What is Mike White's approach to storytelling in his projects?

Mike White often infuses his storytelling with elements of humor, introspection, and social commentary. His work tends to explore complex themes and characters in a nuanced and engaging manner.

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Childhood & Early Life

Mike White was born Michael Christopher White, on June 28, 1970, in Pasadena, California, to Lyla Lee and Mel White. His mother worked as a fundraising executive, while his father was a reverend. His father had also worked as a writer for religious leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. His father came out as gay in 1994.

Mike was raised in a traditional and highly orthodox family with no association with the entertainment world. Thus, Mike did not have any aspiration to work in Hollywood. However, he loved writing.

His got his first major inspiration to write when he was in second grade. One of his teachers was the mother of popular screenwriter Sam Shepard. Thus, Mike became interested in the idea of becoming a writer himself.

That idea stayed with him for a long time, and he taught himself the basics of screenwriting. He attended the ‘Polytechnic School’ in Pasadena, a highly conservative Christian school. Following this, Mike enrolled at ‘Wesleyan University,’ which had a much more liberal environment. During his college years, he got the much-needed motivation to start writing for on-screen projects.

During college, he met a struggling screenwriter named Zak Penn, who realized Mike’s potential and asked him to move to Los Angeles. Mike made the move and began his struggle. By the time he was in his late 20s, he had already started working professionally.

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Career

In 1998, Mike began his writing career with the black comedy ‘Dead Man on Campus.’ He wrote the film in collaboration with Michael Traeger. The film received extremely poor reviews, but somehow managed to even out at the box office.

Mike next wrote for the series ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ He wrote for and also served as a producer for the series in its first two seasons. The series earned good reviews right from the beginning and ran for four more seasons. Mike moved on to his next projects after writing for the series for two seasons.

In 1999, Mike wrote for the teen comedy–drama series ‘Freaks and Geeks,’ starring James Franco in the lead role. The series ran for a season, covering 18 episodes, and received universal acclaim. However, due to issues related to time slots and scheduling, the series was canceled, without getting renewed for a second season.

Mike’s big career breakthrough arrived in 2000, when he singlehandedly wrote the black comedy–drama ‘Chuck & Buck.’ Apart from writing the film, Mike also played the lead role of ‘Buck O’Brien’ in it. The film was based on Mike’s personal experiences as a bisexual man and became a massive critical success. Mike also received a lot of appreciation for his role.

In 2001, Mike served as the creator for the soap opera titled ‘Pasadena,’ which ran for a season, covering 13 episodes, but was canceled due to poor ratings.

In 2002, Mike served as a writer for the film titled ‘Orange County,’ which starred Jack Black in the lead role. The film was a critical and commercial success. Later that year, ‘The Good Girl’ was released. This was another film written by Mike. It was also a big critical and a moderate commercial success.

In 2003, Mike’s best project to date was released. He appeared in the key role of ‘Ned Schneebly’ in the Jack Black-starrer film ‘School of Rock.’ He also wrote the film. It turned out to be a major commercial and critical success and eventually became the most successful film of the careers of both Jack Black and Mike White.

By then, Mike had established himself as a talented writer for quirky comedy films that struck a chord with the audience. In the next few years, he wrote films such as ‘Nacho Libre’ and ‘Beatriz at Dinner.’

He wrote the 2007 movie ‘Year of the Dog.’ He also made his directorial debut with the film. It was a big critical success. However, the film only managed a limited release and lukewarm box-office collections.

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In the more recent years, Mike has written films such as ‘The Emoji Movie’ and ‘Pitch Perfect 3.’

He has also acted in films such as ‘Zombieland’ and ‘Ride.’

Mike has appeared on reality TV shows such as ‘The Amazing Race’ and ‘Survivor.’

During the course of his career, Mike has won many awards and nominations, such as a ‘Critics Choice Award’ nomination at the ‘Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards,’ two ‘Independent Spirit Awards,’ a ‘New American Cinema Award’ at the ‘Seattle International Film Festival,’ and a ‘Golden Satellite Award’ nomination. Unfortunately, he has also been a recipient of the ‘Golden Raspberry Award’ for the ‘Worst Screenplay,’ for the animated film ‘The Emoji Movie.’

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Family & Personal Life

Mike is openly bisexual. He decided to be open about his sexuality as he saw his father struggling with opening up to the world about his homesexuality.

Mike once stated that he had already known his father was gay though he only came out when Mike had finished college.

Facts About Mike White

Mike White is an accomplished screenwriter, having written scripts for popular films such as School of Rock and Nacho Libre.

In addition to his work in film, Mike White is also known for his appearances on reality TV shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor.

Mike White is a passionate advocate for animal rights and has been involved in various campaigns to protect and promote animal welfare.

Despite his success in Hollywood, Mike White is known for his down-to-earth personality and humility, often shying away from the spotlight.

In his free time, Mike White enjoys practicing yoga and meditation as a way to relax and stay balanced amidst his busy schedule.

Mike White Biography

You wanted to know

What are Mike White's notable film and television projects?

Has Mike White ever worked as a writer for other filmmakers?

Is Mike White known for his work in comedy or drama?

Has Mike White ever collaborated with other actors or filmmakers?

What is Mike White's approach to storytelling in his projects?