David Cross

David Cross comes from a mixed heritage, his mother Susi is said to be American and father Barry hails from Yorkshire, England. David grew up in the States and did not have his father around him while growing up. It is said that his father left him when he was a child and they settled in Georgia. Having a dysfunctional family, David was born with the funny bone and he began his Stand-up acts when he was in the school itself.

He graduated from Northside High School in Atlanta and he was already into Stand-up comedy. He gained popularity for his talent but since he did not have a Godfather, nor did he have a fool proof plan on his career, he picked up meager jobs like working with lawn care companies and so on. David, after realizing that his life was going nowhere, joined college. But he could study only a semester at Emerson College in Boston since his association with college sketch team continued. He made friends with ‘John Ennis’ and the two went on the road performing around and returned to Boston.

Born on April 4^th, 1964, David did not have a systematic education/formal education in college but his awareness for things around him and his opinions on politics are widely regarded. Unlike Seinfeld, David did not have an instant success which led him to all luxuries in life. David’s struggle and controversies are longer than his movie lists and that does not bother him a bit. 

In “Catch a Rising Star”, David had the opportunity to perform along with others and that platform, he says paid him his bread and butter and also boosted his stunted career. David’s management skills were also noticeable as he put together a group of comic actors and organized performances (during the 90s) and it was noticed by ‘Joe Frank’, the radio artist. David’s performances at Un-cabaret and Alternative Comedy were critically appreciated and he was gaining popularity in the stand up the circle.

In 1994, Joe Frank got David to be part of his show and the two together associated and David was part of “The Last Run”, “A Hearing” and in 1997 “O J Chronicles”. David’s partnership with Joe is a long one as he still makes his appearances in shows like Unfictional for KCRW. David’s famous stand-ups are his specials, “Shut Up You Fucking Baby”, Bigger, and Blackerer, and It’s not Funny. His specials are filled with political satires and David’s humor is not subtle and certainly not for the faint-hearted.

In his famous stand-up act Shut up You Fucking Baby, he criticizes the then President George W. Bush and his governance during and after the famous 9/11 incident. David is very blunt and straight forward and doesn’t believe in holding back. The comedy gig was so popular that it was nominated for Best Comedy Album at the Grammys.

David’s career in Hollywood began after working with ‘ Ben Stiller Ben Stiller is one of the most renowned comedians >> Read More... ’. Although he didn’t act with him, David wrote for the show and also said to have made brief appearances. His writing skills were not unnoticed as he won an Emmy for it. It was this time that he acquainted ‘ Bob Odenkirk Robert John Odenkirk (born October 22, 1962) is an >> Read More... ’ and the friendship seems to be for lifelong one. In 1995, David with Bob created a famous show called “Mr. Show”. His television career took off from there and his role in Arrested Development was worth watching.

He did happen to appear in many shows for single episodes like Aqua Teen Hunger Force in 2002, Tom Goes to the Mayor in 2005, “Family Guy” in 2006. His recurring appearances in Freak Show in 2006 were quite the performance for David. Although, acting along with ‘Jon Benjamin’ in the Comedy Central show, Freak Show was canceled apparently due to unimpressive ratings. David has given voices to several characters in the shows like Tom Goes to The Mayor Returns in 2003, Channel Surfing in 2004, and been a narrator in the TV series Oliver Beene. He has also voiced the video games like “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” and in “Halo 2” as the Marine.

Apart from his comedy on small screen and his hour long gigs, David is also seen in many movies. But, only a few got a positive response and made him popular. His role as Rob in the 2004 movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is noticeable. Some of his other movies include, She’s the Man, School of Scoundrels and Crashing in 2007. David’s performance as a nemesis Ruth Lieber in The Colbert Report which ran through 2005 to 2007 garnered his popularity. Playing Ruth he gained more popularity and also boosted his comic talent.

He was also seen as playing Nathaniel Hornblower in the short movie “The Day in the Life of Nathaniel Hornblower” was critically acclaimed for his performance, he played Allen Ginsberg, a famous American Poet in “I am Not There”. He talked about drugs and his experience with and his message to the people of America. David’s association with the trilogy Alvin and the Chipmunks began in 2007. He appeared as Ian in the movie with negative shades. He is considered as playing an antagonist but in the strict sense since the movie is humor based and directed for kids mostly.

David appeared on both the Sequels in 2009 and 2011 and reprised his role as Ian. He also got into controversy for playing such a role in the half-animated movie. But, he defended the criticisms by claiming that he acted in the movies as it paid him well because of it being a success and that it helped him financially in the career. Along with this, David also voiced Crane in “Kung Fu Panda 2” movie which released in 2011 and also the third sequel (as Crane) in 2016. His stint in television continued and he also made his performance felt in Emmy-winning shows like Modern Family and Community. ‘ Elizabeth Banks Elizabeth Banks is an actress from Hollywood, and >> Read More... ’ recalls that David’s scene in her famous sequel “ Pitch Perfect 2 Click to look into! >> Read More... ” is the most memorable one for her and that she would not have any other artist/actor play it, but David alone.

David’s latest and famous show which he produces himself and writes is his magnum opus called “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret”. The show revolves around an American temp who has been relocated to the UK and his unfortunate events he faces in the new place. It is not an inspiring happy go lucky show but rather shows the hopeless life of Todd. His character reminds us of Kafka era as Todd/David is also needed for trial in a murder case. The show ran successfully and the third season is being aired currently.

David has always been surrounded by controversies as he admits to not get along with people very quickly and not in a typical way. He talks about politics and drugs more often than anything else. He was known to be a recovered addict but he loves talking about it. His girlfriend ‘ Amber Tamblyn   Amber Tamblyn is an American actress, director, >> Read More... ’ whom he married recently is 19 years younger to him is also an actor who appeared on “House MD” and “Two and a Half Men”.  He acts and does stand-ups and also writes his own show. He recently announced tour dates for 2016 for his stand-up gigs.