Trivia

While a guest on "Live with Regis & Kelly" in 2010, Bradley Cooper was asked which of the many actresses he has co-starred with was his favorite on-screen kisser. Instead of an actress, he chose Michael Ian Black, with whom he shared a love scene in Wet Hot American Summer (2001).

Real name is Michael Ian Schwartz, but changed his name to Michael Ian Black because there was already a popular actor named Michael Schwartz.

Added his middle name, Ian, because there was already an actor named "Michael Black".

Was the voice of the pets.com sock puppet.

Lives in Connecticut with his wife, Martha Hagen, and their two children. (2008)

Was not the original choice to play Phil Stubbs on NBC's Ed (2000); fellow I Love the '80s (2002) commentator Donal Logue played the role in the first episode, but backed out due to scheduling conflicts. Donal Logue appeared in the early promotion for the series but the first episodes were re-shot to include Black.

His birth name, Schwartz, is derived from the German word "schwarz," which has the same meaning as his stage name, Black. He has joked that he dropped the name Schwartz because "I'm ashamed of my Jewishness." However, the comedy group Stella (2005)'s uniting theme is the 3 members' Jewishness (Black, Michael Showalter, and David Wain).

Has a daughter, Ruth, born 2003. She makes an appearance in the Stella (2005) short "Friendship."

Is currently a member of the comedy troupe Stella (2005) with David Wain and Michael Showalter. They were all cast members on "The State". Stella played weekly shows at Fez Under Time Cafe in NYC until the Fez closed on February 1st, 2005. (2005)

Attended New York University but left before graduating.

Release of his book, "My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face". (2008)

Son, Elijah, born 2001.

Release of his children's book, "Chicken Cheeks: The Beginning of the Ends". (2009)

He is a middle child with an older sibling (brother) and a younger sibling (sister).