History of Seth MacFarlane in Timeline
Seth MacFarlane is a multifaceted American entertainer recognized for his work in animation, acting, writing, producing, directing, comedy, and music. He is the creator of the animated sitcom Family Guy and the science fiction comedy-drama The Orville. MacFarlane also co-created American Dad! and The Cleveland Show. He has extended his creative reach to film, writing, directing, and starring in the Ted movies and A Million Ways to Die in the West, demonstrating his diverse talents and impact on popular culture.
1928: Arthur Sager's Olympic Participation
In 1928, Arthur Sager, Seth MacFarlane's maternal grandfather, competed in the Summer Olympics in track and field.
1946: Birth of Ronald Milton MacFarlane
In 1946, Ronald Milton MacFarlane, Seth MacFarlane's father, was born.
1947: Birth of Ann Perry Sager
In 1947, Ann Perry (née Sager), Seth MacFarlane's mother, was born.
1970: Parents' Meeting and Marriage
In 1970, Seth MacFarlane's parents, Ronald Milton MacFarlane and Ann Perry (née Sager) met in Boston and later married that year.
1972: Family Move to Kent
In 1972, Seth MacFarlane's parents moved to Kent, Connecticut, where Ann began working at South Kent School.
October 26, 1973: Seth MacFarlane Born
On October 26, 1973, Seth Woodbury MacFarlane was born. He would later become an acclaimed actor, animator, writer, producer, director, comedian, and singer.
1991: High School Graduation
In 1991, Seth MacFarlane received his high school diploma from the Kent School.
1995: Graduation from RISD
In 1995, Seth MacFarlane graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
1997: King of the Hill Success
After the success of "King of the Hill" in 1997, Seth MacFarlane contacted Leslie Kolins about a possible second pitch for Family Guy.
July 1998: Family Guy Purchase Announcement
In July 1998, Fox announced the purchase of "Family Guy", which was scheduled for a January 1999 debut.
January 1999: Family Guy Debut
In January 1999, "Family Guy" was intended to debut, with the original concept being a series of shorts on MADtv.
January 31, 1999: Family Guy First Aired
On January 31, 1999, Family Guy first aired, marking the beginning of MacFarlane's success in prime-time animation.
1999: Family Guy Debut
In 1999, Seth MacFarlane created and began starring in the television series "Family Guy", which would become his most well known show.
2000: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2000, Seth MacFarlane won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Family Guy.
September 10, 2001: Speech at Rhode Island School of Design
On September 10, 2001, Seth MacFarlane gave a speech at his alma mater, the Rhode Island School of Design. He was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11 the next morning but missed the flight due to a hangover and a miscommunication about the departure time.
2002: Appearance in Gilmore Girls
In 2002, Seth MacFarlane appeared in the Gilmore Girls episode "Lorelai's Graduation Day".
2002: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2002, Seth MacFarlane won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Family Guy.
April 26, 2005: Family Guy: Live in Vegas Release
On April 26, 2005, Seth MacFarlane and Walter Murphy released "Family Guy: Live in Vegas", featuring a Broadway show tune theme. MacFarlane voiced Stewie on "Stewie's Sexy Party".
2005: American Dad! Co-Creation
In 2005, Seth MacFarlane co-created the television series "American Dad!", adding another successful show to his repertoire.
April 16, 2006: Address at Stanford University
On April 16, 2006, Seth MacFarlane was invited by Stanford University's ASSU Speakers' Bureau to address an audience of over 1,000 at Memorial Auditorium.
June 7, 2006: "Class Day" Address at Harvard University
On June 7, 2006, Seth MacFarlane was invited by Harvard University's class of 2006 to deliver the "class day" address. He spoke as himself, and also as Peter Griffin, Stewie Griffin and Glenn Quagmire.
November 5, 2006: Guest Starring on The War at Home
On November 5, 2006, Seth MacFarlane guest starred on Fox's "The War at Home" as "Hillary's Date," a 33-year-old man who secretly dates teenaged Hillary in the episode "I Wash My Hands of You."
November 11, 2006: Appearance on MADtv
On November 11, 2006, Seth MacFarlane appeared on Fox's comedy show MADtv.
2006: Family Guy Video Game Release
In 2006, a "Family Guy" video game was released, expanding the franchise.
March 24, 2007: Interview and Performance on Talkshow with Spike Feresten
On March 24, 2007, Seth MacFarlane was interviewed on Fox's "Talkshow with Spike Feresten", and he sang the Frank Sinatra song "You Make Me Feel So Young" to close the show.
July 22, 2007: Possible Family Guy Feature Film Announcement
On July 22, 2007, Seth MacFarlane announced he might start work on a "Family Guy" feature film.
August 2007: Digital Content Production Deal with AdSense
In August 2007, Seth MacFarlane closed a digital content production deal with AdSense.
September 2007: Script Work Begins
In September 2007, Ricky Blitt confirmed he had begun working on the script for a "Family Guy" movie.
October 3, 2007: Lawsuit Filed by Bourne Co. Music Publishers
On October 3, 2007, Bourne Co. Music Publishers filed a lawsuit accusing Family Guy of copyright infringement for the song "I Need a Jew" from the episode "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein," alleging it parodied their copyrighted song "When You Wish Upon a Star" with antisemitic lyrics. MacFarlane and others were named in the suit.
December 2007: Family Guy Production Halt Due to WGA Strike
During the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike, official production of Family Guy was halted for most of December 2007 and various periods afterwards due to Seth MacFarlane's support and participation in the strike. Fox continued producing episodes without MacFarlane's final approval.
December 2007: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit by Art Metrano
In December 2007, Art Metrano filed a lawsuit against Seth MacFarlane and others, alleging copyright infringement regarding a scene in Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story where Jesus performs Metrano's signature magic parody act. MacFarlane was named in the suit.
2007: Writers Guild of America Strike
During its sixth season, episodes of "Family Guy" and "American Dad!" were delayed due to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, in which Seth MacFarlane participated.
February 12, 2008: End of Writers Guild Strike
On February 12, 2008, the Writers Guild of America strike ended, and "Family Guy" resumed airing regularly.
May 4, 2008: $100-Million Agreement with Fox
On May 4, 2008, after lengthy negotiations, Seth MacFarlane reached a $100-million agreement with Fox to continue "Family Guy" and "American Dad!" until 2012, making him the highest-paid television writer at the time.
July 18, 2008: Plans to Produce Theatrically Released Family Guy Movie
In TV Week on July 18, 2008, Seth MacFarlane confirmed plans to produce a theatrically released "Family Guy" movie.
2008: Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy Creation
In 2008, Seth MacFarlane created the online series "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy".
2008: Donation to Democratic Party
In 2008, Seth MacFarlane donated over $200,000 to various Democratic congressional committees and to the 2008 presidential campaign of then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama.
2008: Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy Webisodes Release
In 2008, Seth MacFarlane released a series of webisodes known as "Seth MacFarlane's Cavalcade of Cartoon Comedy", with animated shorts sponsored by Burger King.
2008: Voice Role in Hellboy II: The Golden Army
In 2008, Seth MacFarlane voiced Johann Kraus in the film "Hellboy II: The Golden Army".
2008: Statement on Gay Rights
In 2008, prior to the Obergefell v. Hodges case, Seth MacFarlane expressed his strong support for gay rights and criticized the discriminatory treatment of gay couples.
March 16, 2009: Ruling in Family Guy Copyright Case
On March 16, 2009, United States District Judge Deborah Batts ruled that "Family Guy" did not infringe on Bourne's copyright when it transformed the song for comical use in an episode.
May 3, 2009: Second Season Pick-Up of The Cleveland Show
On May 3, 2009, before the first season even premiered, Fox picked up "The Cleveland Show" for a second season.
May 8, 2009: Guest on Real Time with Bill Maher
On May 8, 2009, Seth MacFarlane was a guest on "Real Time with Bill Maher".
July 2009: Court Ruling in Metrano Lawsuit
In July 2009, a federal district court judge rejected Fox's motion to dismiss Art Metrano's lawsuit, stating that the fair use factors favored Metrano. The case alleged copyright infringement regarding a scene in Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story. The reference in the scene made light of Jesus and his followers—not Metrano or his act
September 27, 2009: The Cleveland Show First Aired
On September 27, 2009, "The Cleveland Show", a "Family Guy" spin-off focusing on Cleveland Brown, first aired on Fox.
2009: Vocalist at the BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra
In 2009, Seth MacFarlane appeared as a vocalist at the BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in Prom 22, A Celebration of Classic MGM Film Musicals.
2009: The Cleveland Show Co-Creation
In 2009, Seth MacFarlane co-created "The Cleveland Show", further expanding his presence in television animation.
2009: Webby Award Win
In 2009, Seth MacFarlane won the Webby Award for Film & Video Person of the Year.
May 2010: Conversation with Larry King about MacFarlane
In May 2010, Ann Perry Sager and Larry King had a conversation that Larry King acknowledged during an interview with Seth MacFarlane on Larry King Live.
July 16, 2010: Death of Mother, Ann Perry Sager
On July 16, 2010, Seth MacFarlane's mother, Ann Perry Sager, died from cancer.
August 2010: Guest Voice-Over in Phineas and Ferb
In August 2010, Seth MacFarlane appeared as a guest voice-over in a sci-fi themed episode of Disney's "Phineas and Ferb" entitled "Nerds of a Feather".
2010: Death of Ann Perry MacFarlane
In 2010, Ann Perry (née Sager) MacFarlane, Seth MacFarlane's mother, passed away.
2010: Reappearance at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra
In 2010, Seth MacFarlane reappeared at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in a Christmas concert special.
2010: Settlement of Art Metrano Lawsuit
In 2010, the copyright infringement case filed by Art Metrano, regarding a scene in "Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story", was settled out of court with undisclosed terms.
October 13, 2011: Family Guy Film Deal Confirmation
On October 13, 2011, Seth MacFarlane confirmed that a deal for a "Family Guy" film had been made, and he would write it with Ricky Blitt.
October 2011: Communion Ceremony Fascination
In an October 2011 interview, Seth MacFarlane revealed his childhood fascination with the Communion ceremony, which inspired a controversial comic strip.
2011: Music Is Better Than Words Album Release
In 2011, Seth MacFarlane released his first studio album, "Music Is Better Than Words", beginning his foray into jazz-influenced music.
2011: Harvard Humanist of the Year
In 2011, Seth MacFarlane was named the Harvard Humanist of the Year in recognition of "his active, passionate commitment to humanist values, and his fearless support of equal marriage rights and other social justice issues".
September 15, 2012: Hosts Saturday Night Live
On September 15, 2012, Seth MacFarlane hosted the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live", with musical guest Frank Ocean, marking his first appearance on the show.
November 30, 2012: Family Guy Movie Plans Confirmation
On November 30, 2012, Seth MacFarlane confirmed plans for the Family Guy movie project.
2012: Relationship with Emilia Clarke
From 2012 to 2013, Seth MacFarlane was in a relationship with British actress Emilia Clarke.
2012: Ted Film Release
In 2012, Seth MacFarlane co-wrote, co-produced, directed, and starred in the film "Ted", marking his venture into feature films.
2012: Donation to Library of Congress
In 2012, Seth MacFarlane donated money to create The Seth MacFarlane Collection of the Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive at the Library of Congress.
2012: Agreement with Fox Ends
In 2012, Seth MacFarlane's $100-million agreement with Fox to keep Family Guy and American Dad! ended.
2012: Appearance at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra
In 2012, it was announced that Seth MacFarlane would again appear at the Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra in a concert celebrating Broadway musicals.
May 19, 2013: The Cleveland Show Series Finale
On May 19, 2013, "The Cleveland Show" ended its run with a total of 4 seasons and 88 episodes, with Cleveland and his family later returning to "Family Guy".
November 12, 2013: Opening of Collection at Library of Congress
On November 12, 2013, The Seth MacFarlane Collection of the Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive opened at the Library of Congress.
2013: End of Relationship with Emilia Clarke
From 2012 to 2013, Seth MacFarlane was in a relationship with British actress Emilia Clarke.
2013: The Cleveland Show Ended
In 2013, "The Cleveland Show", co-created by Seth MacFarlane, concluded its run.
2013: Cameo in Movie 43
In 2013, Seth MacFarlane had a cameo in the film "Movie 43".
2013: 85th Academy Awards Hosting and Nomination
In 2013, Seth MacFarlane hosted the 85th Academy Awards and was nominated for Best Original Song for "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from the movie "Ted".
July 16, 2014: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
On July 16, 2014, Seth MacFarlane was sued by the production company of the Internet video series Charlie the Abusive Teddy Bear. The company claimed that the movie Ted infringed on their copyright, citing similarities in the bear's background story, persona, voice tone, attitude, and dialogue.
2014: A Million Ways to Die in the West Release
In 2014, Seth MacFarlane co-wrote, co-produced, directed, and starred in the film "A Million Ways to Die in the West".
March 23, 2015: Lawsuit Dismissal
On March 23, 2015, the copyright infringement lawsuit against Seth MacFarlane regarding the movie Ted was dismissed with prejudice. The plaintiffs conceded that Ted was independently created and withdrew the suit.
2015: Vocalist at The Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra
In 2015, Seth MacFarlane again appeared at The Proms as a vocalist with the John Wilson Orchestra, this time in a Sinatra program.
2015: Ted 2 Film Release
In 2015, Seth MacFarlane co-wrote, co-produced, directed, and starred in "Ted 2", the sequel to his successful film "Ted".
2015: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders
In 2015, Seth MacFarlane endorsed Bernie Sanders for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and introduced Sanders onstage at a Los Angeles rally.
2016: Support for Hillary Clinton
After the primaries in 2016, Seth MacFarlane supported Hillary Clinton for president during the general election.
2016: Voice Role and Soundtrack Work in Sing
In 2016, Seth MacFarlane had a voice role in the animated film "Sing", and he also performed on the film's soundtrack.
2016: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2016, Seth MacFarlane won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Family Guy.
2017: Appearance in Logan Lucky
In 2017, Seth MacFarlane appeared in Steven Soderbergh's heist comedy "Logan Lucky", alongside Channing Tatum and Adam Driver.
2017: The Orville Series Debut
In 2017, Seth MacFarlane created and starred in the television series "The Orville".
2017: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2017, Seth MacFarlane won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Family Guy.
2018: Live-Action/Animated Film Development Announcement
In 2018, Fox announced that a live-action/animated film based on the "Family Guy" series was in development.
2019: Appearance in The Loudest Voice
In 2019, Seth MacFarlane appeared in the Showtime limited series "The Loudest Voice".
2019: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2019, Seth MacFarlane received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to his contributions to the entertainment industry.
2019: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2019, Seth MacFarlane received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6259 Hollywood Blvd.
2019: Support for Pete Buttigieg
In 2019, Seth MacFarlane supported Pete Buttigieg in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
2019: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2019, Seth MacFarlane won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Family Guy.
2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden
After the primaries in 2020, Seth MacFarlane endorsed Joe Biden for president during the general election.
2020: Television Hall of Fame Induction
In 2020, Seth MacFarlane was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in television.
2020: Induction into the Television Hall of Fame
In 2020, Seth MacFarlane was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.
2022: New Frog Species Named After MacFarlane
In 2022, a newly discovered species of Hyloscirtus frog (Hyloscirtus sethmacfarlanei) from Ecuador was named after Seth MacFarlane.
2022: The Orville Ended
In 2022, the television series "The Orville", created by Seth MacFarlane, ended.
2023: Donation to Support Film and Television Workers During Strikes
During the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, Seth MacFarlane donated $1 million to The Entertainment Community Fund to support film and television workers during the strikes.
April 20, 2024: Partnership to Showcase Restored Animated Shorts
On April 20, 2024, Seth MacFarlane partnered with Martin Scorsese to showcase "Back from the Ink: Restored Animated Shorts" at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival. MacFarlane and Scorsese funded the restoration and worked with various archives.
2024: $50,000 in 1997 Equivalent to $98,000 in 2024
In 1997, Fox gave Seth MacFarlane a budget of $50,000, which is equivalent to $98,000 in 2024, to produce a pilot for Family Guy.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In 2024, after Biden withdrew his candidacy, Seth MacFarlane endorsed Kamala Harris.
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