History of Mike White (filmmaker) in Timeline
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.
June 28, 1970: Michael Christopher White Born
On June 28, 1970, Michael Christopher White was born, marking the start of his life and career as an American filmmaker and actor. This is categorized as his birth.
1994: Father Comes Out as Gay
In 1994, Mike White's father, James Melville "Mel" White, came out as gay and became an activist, a significant event in White's personal life and family history.
2000: Chuck & Buck named best film
In 2000, Chuck & Buck, was named the best film of the year by Entertainment Weekly. The film was a milestone in his career.
2000: Wins Independent Spirit Award for Chuck & Buck
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.
2003: Writes School of Rock
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.
2004: Role in The Stepford Wives
In 2004, Mike White had a role in the remake of The Stepford Wives, adding to his acting credits.
2006: Black and White Production Company Closes
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.
2007: Directorial Debut at Sundance
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.
2008: Role in Smother
In 2008, Mike White appeared in the film Smother, further diversifying his acting roles.
2009: Member of US Dramatic Jury at Sundance
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.
October 10, 2011: Enlightened Premieres on HBO
On October 10, 2011, the HBO series Enlightened, created by Laura Dern and Mike White, premiered, showcasing White's talent in television.
2017: Directs Brad's Status
In 2017, Mike White directed Brad's Status, a film he also wrote, showcasing his dual role as a writer and director.
2021: Creates The White Lotus
In 2021, Mike White created, wrote, and directed The White Lotus, a satirical limited series for HBO, which became a critical and commercial success.
February 2022: Announces Animated Films with Universal and Illumination
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: Release of Migration
December 22, 2023 marks the release date of Migration, an original comedy written by Mike White for Universal Pictures and Illumination.
July 3, 2024: Release of Despicable Me 4
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.
2025: Relationship Falls Apart
In 2025, Mike White mentioned in an interview with The New Yorker that The White Lotus taking over his schedule led to his relationship falling apart, highlighting the personal costs of his success.
