History of David Cross in Timeline

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David Cross

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.

April 2005: Criticism of Larry the Cable Guy

In April 2005, David Cross criticized Larry the Cable Guy in a Rolling Stone interview, accusing him of anti-gay and racist humor couched in a "proud-to-be-a-redneck" persona.

October 2005: Lawsuit Filed by Thomas Weber

In October 2005, David Cross was sued by Nashville club manager Thomas Weber, who accused Cross of taping him without permission for Shut Up You Fucking Baby and Let America Laugh, allegedly violating Weber's privacy rights.

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.

April 2006: Lawsuit Dismissal

In April 2006, the case against David Cross by Thomas Weber was dismissed, but the case proceeded against Warner Music, Subpop Records, WEA Corporation, and the Alternative Distribution Alliance.

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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2012: Marriage to Amber Tamblyn

In 2012, David Cross married Amber Tamblyn.

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.

2016: Praised Bernie Sanders

In 2016, David Cross praised Senator Bernie Sanders and said he admired Sanders "way before he ran for President".

February 21, 2017: Birth of Daughter

On February 21, 2017, Amber Tamblyn announced that she and David Cross had a daughter.

October 2017: Apology to Lo Mutuc

In October 2017, David Cross apologized to Lo Mutuc (formerly known as Charlyne Yi) after they reported that he had made racially insensitive comments in the mid-2000s.

August 2018: Controversy Over Mormon Undergarments Tweet

In August 2018, David Cross faced protests from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after he tweeted a photo of himself wearing "Mormon religious undergarments" to promote his show at the University of Utah. This led to condemnation from the university president, citing "bigotry and religious intolerance."

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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2021: Featured on Gravel Institute Video

In 2021, David Cross featured on a video produced by the Gravel Institute, a progressive think tank.

October 2023: Signed Artists4Ceasefire Letter

In October 2023, David Cross signed the Artists4Ceasefire open letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza War.

March 2025: Comments on Israel

In March 2025, David Cross referred to the state of Israel as "corrupt" and an "apartheid state" during an interview with Katie Halper.

October 16, 2025: Guest Starred in Elsbeth

On October 16, 2025, David Cross guest starred as Nolan Hurst in the TV series Elsbeth, specifically in the episode titled Doll Day Afternoon on CBS.

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