Discover the career path of Mike White (filmmaker), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Michael Christopher White is an American filmmaker, actor, and writer known for his diverse career spanning independent films, mainstream comedies, and television. He gained recognition for writing and starring in "Chuck & Buck" (2000) and writing "School of Rock" (2003). White has also directed films like "Brad's Status" (2017). His television work includes co-creating and starring in HBO's "Enlightened." He has appeared in reality TV shows such as The Amazing Race and Survivor. Currently, White is the creator, writer, and director of the HBO satirical comedy anthology series "The White Lotus," earning him multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2000, Chuck & Buck, was named the best film of the year by Entertainment Weekly. The film was a milestone in his career.
In 2000, Mike White won the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for the film Chuck & Buck, which he wrote and starred in. This was a significant achievement early in his career.
In 2003, Mike White wrote the screenplay for the successful film School of Rock, further establishing himself as a talented writer in the film industry.
In 2004, Mike White had a role in the remake of The Stepford Wives, adding to his acting credits.
In 2006, the production company Black and White, formed by Mike White and Jack Black, closed. The production company closure marks a change in his collaborative endeavors.
In 2007, Mike White made his directorial debut with Year of the Dog at the Sundance Film Festival, marking a new phase in his career.
In 2008, Mike White appeared in the film Smother, further diversifying his acting roles.
In 2009, Mike White served as a member of the US Dramatic Jury at the Sundance Film Festival, recognizing his standing in the film community.
On October 10, 2011, the HBO series Enlightened, created by Laura Dern and Mike White, premiered, showcasing White's talent in television.
In 2017, Mike White directed Brad's Status, a film he also wrote, showcasing his dual role as a writer and director.
In 2021, Mike White created, wrote, and directed The White Lotus, a satirical limited series for HBO, which became a critical and commercial success.
In February 2022, it was announced that Mike White would write two upcoming animated films for Universal Pictures and Illumination, expanding his work into animation.
December 22, 2023 marks the release date of Migration, an original comedy written by Mike White for Universal Pictures and Illumination.
July 3, 2024 marks the release date of Despicable Me 4, a fourth installment in the Despicable Me franchise written by Mike White for Universal Pictures and Illumination.