Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Cross

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

David Cross is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He gained prominence through his stand-up performances, the HBO sketch comedy series *Mr. Show with Bob and David*, and his role as Tobias Fünke in the sitcom *Arrested Development*. He also appeared as Ian Hawke in the *Alvin and the Chipmunks* franchise. Cross is recognized as a defining figure in Gen X comedy.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 2005: Criticism of Larry the Cable Guy

In April 2005, David Cross criticized Larry the Cable Guy's comedy in a Rolling Stone interview, citing anti-gay and racist humor.

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.

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", with Patton Oswalt joking about rejecting the role. Cross later said he had reconsidered taking the role after initially rejecting it.

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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: MTV Video Music Awards Nomination

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: Chipwrecked Experience and Fallout

In 2011, David Cross described his experience filming "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" as unpleasant. He accused a producer of antisemitism, mistreatment, and was forced to film on a Carnival Cruise. His comments cost him a $150,000 bonus for violating his non-disparagement clause.

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September 26, 2013: Revealed as Early 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 "Bliss", an eight-episode black comedy series released on BritBox, starring Stephen Mangan. Also in 2018, Cross voiced the lead character's "white voice" in the science fiction comedy film "Sorry to Bother You".

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2020: Beastie Boys Story Post-Credit Scene

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

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