Career Timeline of Will Forte: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Will Forte built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Will Forte is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer, best known for his eight seasons as a cast member and writer on Saturday Night Live (2002-2010). He created the recurring character MacGruber, which led to a feature film and streaming series. Forte also created and starred in the sitcom The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018), earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the show.
2001: Spotted by Lorne Michaels
In 2001, while performing with The Groundlings, Will Forte was spotted by Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, leading to an audition invitation.
2002: Joins Saturday Night Live
In 2002, Will Forte joined the cast of NBC's Saturday Night Live as a cast member and writer.
2004: Nearly fired from Saturday Night Live
In 2004, after his third season, Will Forte was nearly fired from Saturday Night Live, but was ultimately brought back after extensions to decide his fate.
January 2007: First MacGruber Sketch Airs
In January 2007, the first MacGruber sketch, based on the TV series MacGyver, aired on Saturday Night Live, created by writer Jorma Taccone.
2007: Co-stars in The Brothers Solomon
In 2007, Will Forte co-starred in and wrote the film The Brothers Solomon.
2009: Voice work for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
In 2009, Will Forte provided voice-work for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
2009: MacGruber Commercials
In 2009, the MacGruber sketches were spun off into a series of commercials sponsored by Pepsi premiering during Super Bowl XLIII. The commercials featured Richard Dean Anderson, the actor behind MacGyver, as MacGruber's father.
May 2010: MacGruber film released
In May 2010, the MacGruber film was released, receiving mixed reviews and performing poorly at the box office.
2010: Leaves Saturday Night Live; MacGruber film release
In 2010, Will Forte left Saturday Night Live after eight seasons. Also in 2010, the feature film adaptation of his recurring SNL character, MacGruber, was released.
2010: Leaves Saturday Night Live
In 2010, Will Forte left Saturday Night Live after eight years, leading to a period of regret and smaller roles.
2013: Working on The Last Man on Earth
In 2013, Will Forte began working on The Last Man on Earth with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
2013: Stars in drama film Nebraska
In 2013, Will Forte starred in the drama film Nebraska.
2013: First Dramatic Role
In 2013, Will Forte took his first dramatic role in the film Run & Jump and auditioned for a role in Alexander Payne's film, Nebraska.
2014: The Last Man on Earth picked up by Fox
In 2014, The Last Man on Earth was picked up by Fox, with Will Forte serving as creator, writer, lead role, and showrunner for the first season.
2014: Voice work in The Lego Movie films
In 2014, Will Forte did voice work in The Lego Movie films, Michelangelo and Lincoln: History Cops.
2015: The Last Man on Earth Premieres
In 2015, The Last Man on Earth premiered to positive responses and was renewed for three further seasons.
2016: Plays Hulka in Keanu
In 2016, Will Forte played Hulka in the comedy Keanu.
2016: Voice work for Get Squirrely
In 2016, Will Forte provided voice-work for Get Squirrely.
2018: The Last Man on Earth ends
In 2018, The Last Man on Earth, created by and starring Will Forte, ended its run.
2018: Plays Douglas Kenney in A Futile and Stupid Gesture
In 2018, Will Forte played Douglas Kenney in the Netflix biographical film A Futile and Stupid Gesture and voiced Shaggy Rogers in the Scooby-Doo film Scoob!.
2018: Voice work for Luis & the Aliens
In 2018, Will Forte provided voice-work for Luis & the Aliens.
2019: Voice work in The Lego Movie films
In 2019, Will Forte did voice work in The Lego Movie films.
2020: Voice Work for The Willoughbys and Scoob!
In 2020, Will Forte did voice work for The Willoughbys and Scoob!
2021: Voice work in America: The Motion Picture
In 2021, Will Forte did voice work in America: The Motion Picture.
2021: Stars in Sweet Tooth, reprises MacGruber, voices Wolf Tobin
In 2021, Will Forte starred in Sweet Tooth, reprised his role as MacGruber in a TV series on Peacock, and began voicing Wolf Tobin in the animated sitcom The Great North.
2021: MacGruber limited series released
In 2021, Will Forte's MacGruber character was revived in a streaming limited series.
2022: Leading role in Disney and Pixar's Win or Lose announced
In 2022, it was announced that Will Forte had a leading role for Disney and Pixar's first animated television series Win or Lose.
2023: Voice Work in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
In 2023, Will Forte did voice work in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.
2024: Main role in Sunny Nights announced
In 2024, Will Forte was announced in the main role of Martin in Sunny Nights.
2024: Voice work for Sausage Party: Foodtopia
Will Forte did voice work in 2024 for Sausage Party: Foodtopia.
2025: Win or Lose Premieres on Disney+
In 2025, Win or Lose premiered on Disney+ with Will Forte in a leading role.
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