Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Cross

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how David Cross made an impact.

David Cross is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer renowned for his stand-up and sketch comedy. He gained prominence as the co-creator and star of HBO's "Mr. Show with Bob and David" and further recognition for his role as Tobias Fünke in the sitcom "Arrested Development." Cross has also appeared in movies like Alvin and the Chipmunks. Considered a defining figure in Gen X comedy, he is known for his unique and often satirical comedic style.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2005: Mocking Larry the Cable Guy

In December 2005, David Cross ended his performance on Comedy Central's Last Laugh '05 by mockingly yelling Larry the Cable Guy's catchphrase, "GIT-R-DONE!", to the audience as he left the stage. He also satirized Blue Collar TV during an appearance on Wonder Showzen and created the "Danny the Plumber Guy" character in Freak Show.

2006: Initial Investment in Kickstarter

In 2006, David Cross was among the "friends and family" who first financed Kickstarter.

December 2007: Backlash for Alvin and the Chipmunks Role

In December 2007, David Cross received backlash for his role in Alvin and the Chipmunks, prompting responses to critics regarding his decision to appear in the film.

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2009: Reprising Role in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

In 2009, David Cross reprised his role as Ian Hawke in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

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2011: Appearance in Make Some Noise Music Video

In 2011, David Cross appeared in the Beastie Boys' music video for "Make Some Noise," which was nominated for Video of The Year at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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2011: Filming Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

In 2011, David Cross filmed Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, which he described as the most unpleasant experience in his professional life due to alleged antisemitism and mistreatment, and being forced to film on a cruise. These comments cost him a $150,000 bonus.

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September 26, 2013: Kickstarter Investor

On September 26, 2013, Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler revealed that David Cross was the first investor in the crowdfunding platform.

2018: Bliss Release and Sorry to Bother You

In 2018, David Cross created the black comedy series Bliss, which was released by BritBox and stars Stephen Mangan. Also in 2018, Cross voiced the lead character's "white voice" in the film Sorry to Bother You.

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2020: Appearance in Beastie Boys Story

In 2020, David Cross had a post-credit scene in the Spike Jonze-directed documentary Beastie Boys Story, where he interrupted the group's theater performance to poke fun at the commercial failure of their second album, Paul's Boutique.

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