Will Arnett
{{short description|Canadian-American actor (born 1970)}}
{{For|other people named William Arnett|William Arnett (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Will Arnett
| image = Will Arnett 2019.png
| alt =
| caption = Arnett in 2019
| birth_name = William Emerson Arnett
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|5|4}}
| birth_place = Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| citizenship = {{hlist|Canada|United States}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian|producer}}
| years_active = 1994–present
| spouse = {{ubl
| {{marriage|Penelope Ann Miller|1994|1995|reason=divorced}}
| {{marriage|Amy Poehler|2003|2016|reason=divorced}}
}}
| partner = Alessandra Brawn (2019–present)
| children = 3
}}
William Emerson Arnett ({{IPAc-en|ɑː|r|ˈ|n|ɛ|t}}; born May 4, 1970{{cite magazine|title=Monitor|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/05/03/monitor-may-10-2013/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 10, 2013|issue=1258|page=30|access-date=June 3, 2024|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603160426/https://ew.com/article/2013/05/03/monitor-may-10-2013/ |archive-date=June 3, 2024}}) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles as Gob Bluth in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) and the titular character in the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman (2014–2020). He has received nominations for seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Arnett was Emmy-nominated for his recurring role as Devon Banks in the NBC sitcom 30 Rock (2007–2013). He starred in the NBC sitcom Up All Night (2011–2012), the CBS sitcom The Millers (2013–2014), and the Netflix mystery series Murderville. He has also starred, co-created, executive produced the Fox sitcom Running Wilde (2010–2011), and the Netflix comedy-drama series Flaked (2016–2017).
Arnett has acted in films such as Let's Go to Prison (2006), Blades of Glory (2007), Semi-Pro (2008), G-Force (2009), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Known for his deep baritone voice, Arnett also took roles in Danny Phantom (2004–2007), Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), Ratatouille (2007), Horton Hears a Who! (2008), Monsters vs. Aliens (2009), Despicable Me (2010), The Nut Job film franchise (2014–2017), The Lego Movie franchise (2014–2019), Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018), Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022), and Twisted Metal (2023–).
Arnett has been Primetime Emmy Award-nominated for Arrested Development, 30 Rock, and BoJack Horseman. Since 2020, he has hosted the Fox reality series Lego Masters. Arnett began co-hosting the comedy podcast SmartLess (2020–) alongside Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman.
Early life
Arnett was born in Toronto, Ontario,Weisman, Jon. [https://variety.com/2004/tv/awards/will-arnett-2-1117906324/ "Will Arnett"], Variety, June 10, 2004. Retrieved April 12, 2007. to Edith Alexandra "Alix" (née Palk) and Emerson James "Jim" Arnett, who was a corporate lawyer and brewer, among other occupations.{{cite web|url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/93/Will-Arnett.html |title=Will Arnett Film Reference biography |publisher=Filmreference.com |date=August 29, 2003 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}[http://tviv.org/Will_Arnett Will Arnett profile], TV IV, February 25, 2007. Retrieved April 12, 2007{{Cite book|last=Europa Publications|title=The International Who's Who 2004|publisher=Routledge|year=2003|page=[https://archive.org/details/internationalwho2004ond/page/66 66]|url=https://archive.org/details/internationalwho2004ond/page/66|isbn=1-85743-217-7|url-access=registration}} His parents were originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and he has roots on both sides of his family in Manitoba going back many generations.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/video-will-arnett-in-winnipeg-1.1054854| title=VIDEO: Will Arnett in Winnipeg|newspaper=CBC News|date=November 30, 2011|access-date=December 10, 2015}} Arnett has two older sisters and a younger brother.{{cite interview |last=Arnett |first=Will |interviewer=Wing Chun |title=The Will Arnett Interview |url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-11.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501020024/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-11.html |archive-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Television Without Pity |date=n.d. |page=12 |access-date=February 25, 2007 |url-status=dead }} His father, a graduate of Harvard University and a corporate lawyer, served as the president and CEO of Molson Breweries from 1997 to 2000.[http://www.askmen.com/men/celeb_profiles_entertainment/35_will_arnett.html Will Arnett profile @ AskMen.com], 2006. Retrieved April 12, 2007
Arnett briefly attended Lakefield College School in Lakefield, Ontario, but was asked not to return after a semester for being a troublemaker.{{cite interview|subject=Will Arnett|interviewer=Terry Gross|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/09/14/140430485/arnetts-newborn-sitcom-keeps-him-up-all-nigh|title=Arnett's Newborn Sitcom Keeps Him 'Up All Night'| type=Interview: Transcript| work=Fresh Air| publisher=WHYY; NPR| date=September 14, 2011| access-date=September 14, 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/754134--will-arnett-overconfidence-man|title=Will Arnett: Overconfidence Man|work=Toronto Star|access-date=January 23, 2010|date=January 22, 2010|author=Richard Ouzounian|location=Toronto}} The Subway Academy II allowed him to take theatre classes at the Tarragon Theatre. He eventually graduated from Leaside High School and attended Concordia University, Montreal for a semester but dropped out. As a teenager, he was encouraged by his mother to pursue an acting career. He auditioned for commercials in Toronto and enjoyed acting. In 1990, he moved to New York City to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.{{cite interview |last=Arnett |first=Will |interviewer=Wing Chun |title=The Will Arnett Interview |url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501002649/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-2.html |archive-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Television Without Pity |date=n.d. |page=3 |access-date=February 25, 2007 |url-status=dead }} He appeared in plays in New York, and his first acting role was in Felicity Huffman's independent film Erie, which was filmed on the Erie Canal.{{cite interview |last=Arnett |first=Will |interviewer=Wing Chun |title=The Will Arnett Interview |url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501011516/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1005/index-3.html |archive-date=May 1, 2007 |publisher=Television Without Pity |date=n.d. |page=4 |access-date=February 25, 2007 |url-status=dead }} As mentioned on the SmartLess podcast, Arnett is an avid hockey fan and workout enthusiast, known to often boast about his “Pro Dumper” and ability to bench press as much as 165 pounds.
Career
=== 1996–2002: Rise to prominence ===
File:Will Arnett at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.JPG
In February 1996, Arnett made his first television pilot with Kevin Pollak and Pollak's wife Lucy Webb for CBS, that was not picked up. In 1999, Arnett was in another pilot for The Mike O'Malley Show on NBC as the protagonist's friend Jimmy. The show was picked up, but it was cancelled after two episodes. Arnett has referred to 2000, the year after that show was cancelled, as "the darkest year of [his] life", and he admits that he "didn't get a lot of work" and "drank those years away". In summer 2000, a friend helped pull Arnett out of his battle with alcoholism, and he began to get his career back on track.{{cite web|last=Chun|first=Wing|title=Page 5|url=http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show/the_will_arnett_interview.php?page=5|work=JASON IS SO MUCH LIKE A SISTER TO ME|access-date=March 8, 2011|archive-date=October 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012081853/http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/show/the_will_arnett_interview.php?page=5|url-status=dead}} In 2001, Arnett was cast in the CBS television pilot, Loomis as the slacker brother of a local news reporter (Cheri Oteri), that was not picked up. In 2002, Arnett was cast in a fourth television pilot which was for the CBS sitcom Still Standing, which was picked up and ran for several seasons, but his character was cut from the series after the pilot. Arnett became so frustrated, after his fourth failed pilot, that he "swore off pilots" altogether, until his agent persuaded him to audition for the pilot for Arrested Development. In 2002, prior to Arrested Development, Arnett guest-starred in The Sopranos and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.{{cite web| title=Will Arnett Filmography| url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/ |publisher=IMDb|access-date=March 8, 2011}}
=== 2003–2013: Arrested Development and sitcom roles ===
In 2003, Arnett found mainstream success in television when he played George Oscar "Gob" Bluth II in the Fox comedy series Arrested Development and in 2006 he was nominated for his first Emmy.{{cite web| url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/will-arnett|title=Will Arnett Emmy Nominated| publisher=Emmys.com|access-date=January 8, 2013}} The show was cancelled after three seasons due to low ratings, despite its critical acclaim and cult following.{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Die-hard-Arrested-Development-fans-already-2595181.php|title=Die-hard Arrested Development fans already feeling sting of loss|access-date=December 7, 2021|work=The San Francisco Chronicle| first=Tim| last=Goodman| date=November 14, 2005}} (He played Max the Magician in Sesame Street, in a nod to Gob Bluth's penchant for using Europe's "The Final Countdown" during his magic shows.){{Cite news |last=Pelley |first=Rich |date=2020-05-25 |title=From a talking horse to the Dark Knight: Will Arnett ranks his own roles |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/25/from-a-talking-horse-to-the-dark-knight-will-arnett-ranks-his-own-roles |access-date=2024-02-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} According to a 2006 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Arnett's two favourite episodes of the show were "Pier Pressure" and "Afternoon Delight".[http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2006/07/will_arnett_emm.html Transcript: Our chat session with Will Arnett] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214192857/http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2006/07/will_arnett_emm.html |date=February 14, 2009 }}, The Los Angeles Times, 2006. His exposure on Arrested Development led to a number of larger roles in feature films. Though having worked in drama, his role for Arrested Development is still comedy, and he often portrays smug antagonists. He "never considered himself a comic" and considers himself an "actor first".Spitznagel, Eric. "[http://blutharnett.blogspot.com/search/label/Playboy%20Magazine Spitznagel's Exclusive Interview, March 2007]", Playboy Magazine, March 29, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2007. In 2006, Arnett starred in his first leading role in Let's Go to Prison, directed by Bob Odenkirk.Topel, Fred. [http://movies.about.com/od/letsgotoprison/a/prisonwa111506_2.htm Interview: Will Arnett Talks About "Let's Go to Prison"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170520/http://movies.about.com/od/letsgotoprison/a/prisonwa111506_2.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}, About.com, 2006. Retrieved April 12, 2007 It earned more than US$4 million at the box office and more than US$13 million in rentals."[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=homevideo&id=letsgotoprison.htm Box Office Mojo: Let's Go to Prison – DVD/Home Video Rentals]", Box Office Mojo, April 22, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2007. In Blades of Glory, Arnett and his then-wife Amy Poehler played brother/sister ice-skating pair with an incestuous relationship. The film was No. 1 at the U.S. box office during its first two weeks,{{cite web |last1=Kilday |first1=Gregg |title='Blades' vanquishes 'Grindhouse' at boxoffice |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/blades-vanquishes-grindhouse-at-boxoffice-133601/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 7, 2021 |date=April 9, 2007}} and grossed approximately US$118 million domestically during its theatrical run.[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bladesofglory.htm "Box Office Mojo – Blades of Glory"], Box Office Mojo, April 13, 2007. Retrieved April 13, 2007. and US$36 million on home video.[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=homevideo&id=bladesofglory.htm Blades of Glory – DVD/Home Video Rentals], Box Office Mojo, November 16, 2007. Retrieved November 17, 2007 He guest-starred in King of the Hill and 30 Rock; in the latter, he played the recurring role of Devon Banks, Jack Donaghy's archnemesis, for which he was nominated for four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
File:Will Arnett 2012 Shankbone.JPG in 2012]]
Arnett's distinctive gravelly voice has earned him voice-over work for CBS television promos, film trailers and numerous advertisements, including Lamisil medication. Perhaps most recognizable is Arnett's voice saying, "It's not more than you need, just more than you're used to" in ads for GMC trucks.[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004715/otherworks "Will Arnett – Other works"], IMDb, April 22, 2007. Retrieved April 22, 2007 He has lent his voice to a number of television shows, such as Ghost Writer in the 2005 Nickelodeon's series Danny Phantom, Duncan Schiesst for the Comedy Central animated program Freak Show, which was created by and stars the voice of his Arrested Development co-star David Cross. Arnett was the announcer for the faux trailer "Don't" in the 2007 film Grindhouse, and became announcer for Cartoon Network in October 2008 during its "Noods" era, replacing Greg Cipes. He has voiced characters in animated films, including Vlad in Horton Hears a Who!,Faraci, Derek. [http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=interviews&id=9525 CHUD.com], March 29, 2007. Retrieved April 12, 2007 The Missing Link in Monsters vs. Aliens, Horst the German sous-chef in Ratatouille, and Mr. Perkins in Despicable Me. He planned to be the voice of the K.I.T.T. in Universal's Knight Rider, a sequel to the popular 1980s television series. The production featured a Ford Mustang as K.I.T.T. Since Arnett had a previous long standing relationship with competitor automaker General Motors as the voice for GMC Trucks commercials, GM asked Arnett to pull out of the project. Arnett opted to withdraw from the project and he was replaced by Val Kilmer.{{cite news |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=February 6, 2008 |title=Val Kilmer voices 'Knight Rider' |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/val-kilmer-voices-knight-rider-1117980382/ |access-date=December 7, 2021}} Arnett made a commercial cameo for the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1450746/ "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – voice over cast"], IMDb, February 13, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2012
In 2009, he voiced the title character in Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard, a video game developed by Vicious Cycle Software and starred as an out of work former video game protagonist hoping to make a comeback, versus a greedy game executive played by Neil Patrick Harris. In the Fox animated comedy series Sit Down, Shut Up, he voiced Ennis Hofftard, a bodybuilder who teaches English and always attempts to chase women.{{cite web |title=Sit Down, Shut Up |url=http://sitdownshutupwiki.fox.com/?t=anon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417045348/http://sitdownshutupwiki.fox.com/?t=anon |archive-date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=April 14, 2009 |publisher=Fox}} The show premiered on April 19, 2009, but was eventually cancelled after several months due to poor ratings. It aired its last episode on November 21, 2009.
Arnett played supporting roles in the films Spring Breakdown, Hot Rod, The Comebacks, and On Broadway, where he once again worked with his close friend and director Dave McLaughlin. In The Brothers Solomon, he again teamed with Odenkirk and starred with Saturday Night Live member Will Forte. He appeared in a major supporting role in the basketball comedy Semi-Pro, his second film with Ferrell.{{cite web |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |title=Arnett turning 'Semi-Pro' with Ferrell |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/arnett-turning-semi-pro-ferrell-128918/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 7, 2021 |date=January 29, 2007}} He plays Lou Redwood, the commentator of the team, who is "a former player, a bit of a womanizer, and a boozer".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZx2OoqVNrA| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/fZx2OoqVNrA| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=YouTube–OurStage: Will Arnett interview| date=May 14, 2007|publisher=Youtube.com|access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cbignore}} On November 17, 2009, it was announced that Arnett would try to win over real-life wife Amy Poehler in a guest spot on Parks and Recreation. Arnett played Chris, an MRI technician and possible love interest for Poehler's Leslie Knope. Justin Theroux appeared in the same episode as yet another suitor. Arnett signed on for one episode, and the episode entitled "The Set Up" aired January 14, 2010.{{cite news|author=Joyce Eng|title=Will Arnett to Guest-Star on Parks and Recreation| url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/arnett-guest-star-1012216/|work=TVGuide.com|date=November 17, 2009|access-date=December 7, 2021}}
File:Will Arnett by Gage Skidmore.jpg promoting The Lego Batman Movie.]]
In 2010, Arnett and former Arrested Development co-star Jason Bateman created DumbDumb Productions, a production company focusing on digital content. Their first video was "Prom Date", the first in a series of "Dirty shorts" for Orbit.{{cite web |url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/bateman-arnett-orbit-1019545/ |title=Jason Bateman and Will Arnett Reunite for Web Video |publisher=TVGuide.com |author=Kate Stanhope |date=2010-06-12 |access-date=2021-12-07}} In March 2012, Mansome, Arnett's first executive producer credit with Bateman, was announced as a Spotlight selection for the Tribeca Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.tribecafilm.com/news-features/TFF_2012_Spotlight.html |title=Tribeca Film Festival 2012: Spotlight |publisher=Tribecafilm.com |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=January 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410193413/http://www.tribecafilm.com/news-features/TFF_2012_Spotlight.html |archive-date=2012-04-10 }} The documentary, directed by Morgan Spurlock, is a comedic look at male identity as it is defined through men's grooming habits featuring celebrity and expert commentary. He starred in Running Wilde which was cancelled in January 2011, due to poor ratings{{cite web |date=January 12, 2011 |title='The Good Guys' & 'Running Wilde' Both Cancelled, Fox's Kevin Reilly Admits |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/01/12/the-good-guys-running-wilde-both-cancelled-foxs-kevin-reilly-admits/78282/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114071726/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/01/12/the-good-guys-running-wilde-both-cancelled-foxs-kevin-reilly-admits/78282 |archive-date=January 14, 2011 |publisher=Zap2it}} as well as The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret with David Cross. On March 23, 2011, Arnett appeared in the penultimate episode to The Office season 7.{{cite web |last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Ricky Gervais, Will Arnett and Brad Pitt Are Coming to 'The Office'! (Rainn Wilson Made Up One of These Names) |url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/ricky-gervais-will-arnett-and-brad-pitt-are-coming-to-the-office-rainn-wilson-made-up-one-of-these-names/ |work=The New York Times}} Arnett co-starred in the NBC television comedy series Up All Night, about a couple who struggle to balance their home lives (especially with their newborn child) and their work ones. He had been attached to play the lead role of David Miller in the 2013 comedy We're the Millers, but had to pass due to scheduling; the part went to Jason Sudeikis.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
=== 2014–present: BoJack Horseman and SmartLess ===
He voiced the eponymous character in the critically acclaimed Netflix animated sitcom BoJack Horseman, which ran from 2014 to 2020.{{cite magazine |author=Ryan Reed |date=December 11, 2013 |title=Aaron Paul, Will Arnett Join 'BoJack Horseman' Cartoon Cast |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/aaron-paul-will-arnett-join-bojack-horseman-cartoon-cast-20131211 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 2, 2018}}{{cite magazine |last1=Sepinwall |first1=Alan |date=February 1, 2020 |title='BoJack Horseman' Series Finale Recap: Alone Again, Naturally |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-features/bojack-horseman-series-finale-recap-944800/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=December 7, 2021}} He co-starred as Vern Fenwick in the 2014 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and its 2016 sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2013 |title=Will Arnett Joining Megan Fox in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/will-arnett-joining-megan-fox-432515# |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Arnett starred in the CBS sitcom The Millers, which lasted for two seasons. In 2017, Arnett was cast in the recurring role of Mr. Quagmire on the Netflix comedy drama series A Series of Unfortunate Events.{{cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Caitlin |date=January 14, 2017 |title=Who Do Will Arnett & Cobie Smulders Play In 'A Series Of Unfortunate Events'? Not Everything Is As It Seems |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/who-do-will-arnett-cobie-smulders-play-in-a-series-of-unfortunate-events-not-everything-is-as-it-seems-29363 |access-date=April 2, 2018 |work=Bustle}} In 2016, he co-created, co-wrote and starred in the Netflix original series Flaked, which received negative reviews from critics.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2015/01/will-arnett-comedy-series-flaked-netflix-1201353360/ |title=Netflix Picks Up Will Arnett Comedy Series 'Flaked' |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2015-01-19 |work=Deadline |access-date=2018-04-02}}
Arnett lent his voice to Batman in the film The Lego Movie. Arnett reprised the role in The Lego Batman Movie, a spin-off of The Lego Movie released in 2017{{cite news |author=Borys Kit |date=October 10, 2014 |title='Lego Batman' Spinoff Movie in the Works at Warner Bros. |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lego-batman-spinoff-movie-works-738631 |access-date=March 15, 2015}} as well as The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, released in 2019. He reprises the role in an episode of the franchise's spinoff animated series Unikitty! titled "BatKitty", which aired days before the release of the film.{{cite web |last=Dar |first=Taimur |date=January 30, 2019 |title=BatKitty Begins—Will Arnett Guest Stars on UniKitty! on Cartoon Network |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/amp-to-publish-reading-with-pictures-the-graphic-textbook/ |access-date=February 1, 2019 |website=ComicsBeat}} He is the spokesman of a series of Hulu advertisements and his role in television spots deliberately recalls Devon Banks as a power-hungry manipulator. In July 2020, Arnett, along with Bateman and Sean Hayes, created a comedy and talk podcast called SmartLess.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Peter |date=July 7, 2020 |title=Jason Bateman, Will Arnett & Sean Hayes Launch 'Smartless' Podcast |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/smartless-podcast-n-bateman-will-arnett-sean-hayes-1202979210 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707221113/https://deadline.com/2020/07/smartless-podcast-n-bateman-will-arnett-sean-hayes-1202979210/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
In 2021, Arnett played The Facts of Life{{'}}s Dink Lockwood in a reenactment of the third season episode "Kids Can Be Cruel" for the third edition of Live in Front of a Studio Audience.{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Ryan |date=December 7, 2021 |title=ABC's Facts of Life Live Begins With OG Cast Reunion — Grade Reenactment |url=https://tvline.com/2021/12/07/facts-of-life-recap-cast-reunion-live-in-front-of-a-studio-audience-jennifer-aniston/ |access-date=December 7, 2021 |website=TVLine}} In December 2021, it was announced that Arnett had replaced Armie Hammer in reshoots in the role of Alex Magnussen in Next Goal Wins due to abuse allegations made against Hammer in January 2021. The part, initially meant as a cameo, was expanded upon when Arnett joined.{{cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|title=Will Arnett Subbing For Armie Hammer In Taika Waititi's Soccer Movie 'Next Goal Wins'|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/armie-hammer-replaced-will-arnett-next-goal-wins-taika-waititi-movie-1234903098/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 31, 2021|access-date=December 31, 2021}} Arnett is currently set to star in Is This Thing On? alongside Bradley Cooper. Arnett will write the screenplay while Cooper will direct.{{Cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=March 13, 2024|title=Bradley Cooper & Will Arnett To Lead Searchlight Pic 'Is This Thing On?'; Cooper Also Directing|url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/bradley-cooper-will-arnett-searchlight-pic-is-this-thing-on-1235417425/|access-date=March 13, 2023|website=Deadline|language=en-US}} Cursed Friends, a Comedy Central original movie from Arnett's production company Electric Avenue,{{Cite web |title=Electric Avenue |url=https://www.backstage.com/resources/detail/productioncompany/electric-avenue-83675/ |access-date=18 Oct 2022 |website=Backstage}} was announced in September 2022. Arnett made an appearance in the film.{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=2022-09-20 |title=Nicole Byer, Harvey Guillén, Jessica Lowe & Andrew Lewis Caldwell To Star In Comedy Central Movie 'Cursed Friends' From Will Arnett |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/nicole-byer-harvey-guillen-jessica-lowe-andrew-lewis-caldwell-comedy-central-movie-cursed-friends-will-arnett-1235122934/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}
Influences
Arnett lists Steve Martin and Chevy Chase as his two biggest comedic influences.
Personal life
Arnett lives in Los Angeles, California, and is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States."[http://etcanada.com/video/701360707975/will-arnett-talks-being-canadian-on-chelsea/ Will Arnett Talks Being Canadian On 'Chelsea'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005512/http://etcanada.com/video/701360707975/will-arnett-talks-being-canadian-on-chelsea/ |date=February 14, 2017 }}", ET Canada, 2017 He moved to New York City in 1990 and lived there for 20 years.{{Cite magazine |last=Kehe |first=Jason |title=Will Arnett's Guide to (Newly Tech-y) Venice, California |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2016/03/will-arnetts-guide-to-venice/ |access-date=2023-01-22 |issn=1059-1028}} In 2015, Arnett bought property in Beverly Hills and began construction on a new home, which was completed in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Will Arnett Lists His Prefab-Hybrid Home in Beverly Hills for $11M - Dwell |url=https://www.dwell.com/article/will-arnett-prefab-home-reddymade-design-livinghomes-beverly-hills-real-estate-87949a5a |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=www.dwell.com|date=July 20, 2020 }} In 2021, he sold the custom home and moved to a modern farmhouse in Benedict Canyon.{{cite web |date=August 20, 2021 |title=After Selling Custom Beverly Hills Home, Will Arnett Upgrades to $16.4 Million Modern Farmhouse |url=https://www.dirt.com/gallery/entertainers/actors/will-arnett-house-beverly-hills-1203419046/}}
=== Marriages and family ===
Arnett has been married twice and has three children. He was married to Penelope Ann Miller for a brief period between 1994 and 1995. The two began dating in November 1994 and married a month later in December 1994.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Simrin |title=Chad Michael Murray Was Married To Sophia Bush, Plus 18 Other Alternate-Universe Celebrity Marriages IWas Completely Shocked To Hear About |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/simrinsingh/celebs-i-had-no-idea-were-married-to-each-other |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=BuzzFeed |date=October 15, 2021 |language=en}} They divorced less than a month later in January 1995.[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/30/will-arnett-divorce-turne_n_3362297.html "Reason Behind Amy Poehler And Will Arnett's Shocking Split: The Laughter Just Died"], "The Huffington Post", September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 4, 2015
Arnett began dating Amy Poehler in 2000, four years after their initial encounter in 1996 when he saw her in an Upright Citizens Brigade performance.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Eliza |date=2022-03-29 |title=Amy Poehler and Will Arnett: The Way They Were |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/amy-poehler-and-will-arnetts-relationship-timeline/ |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}} Arnett and Poehler married on August 29, 2003, and have two sons together.{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2016 |title=Judge finalizes Amy Poehler and Will Arnett's divorce |url=https://apnews.com/article/f62fa99c56744798961e3b25d399555c |access-date=January 21, 2023 |work=Associated Press News}} Their first son was born on October 25, 2008,{{Cite web |last=Arnett |first=Will |date=October 31, 2022 |title=Smartless podcast, episode 120, 1:00:21 |url=https://www.smartless.com/episodes/episode/2380ba92/elisabeth-moss |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Smartless podcast}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/amy-poehler-gives-birth-to-baby-boy/|date=October 26, 2008|access-date=February 1, 2019|title=Amy Poehler Gives Birth to Baby Boy|work=People Magazine}} and their second son was born in August 2010.{{cite news|url=https://people.com/parents/amy-poehler-and-will-arnett-welcome-baby-no-2/|title=Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Welcome Baby No. 2|first=Eunice|last=Oh|website=People|access-date=February 1, 2019|date=August 6, 2010}} Arnett and Poehler separated amicably in September 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/will-arnett-files-for-divorce-from-amy-poehler-19-months-after-split-2014164|title=Will Arnett Files for Divorce From Amy Poehler 19 Months After Split |work=US Magazine |first=Allison |last=Takeda |date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=March 15, 2015}}{{cite news | url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2012/09/amy-poehler-and-will-arnett-have-split/1|title=Amy Poehler, Will Arnett Separating After 9 Years| work =Us Weekly | date=September 6, 2012| first=Zach|last=Johnson| access-date=October 14, 2014}}
{{Cite web |last=Takeda |first=Allison |date=April 16, 2014 |title=Will Arnett Files for Divorce From Amy Poehler 19 Months After Split |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/will-arnett-files-for-divorce-from-amy-poehler-19-months-after-split-2014164/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=Us Weekly}} In April 2014, Arnett filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in July 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/amy-poehler-will-arnett-divorec_us_57a22295e4b0e1aac9142988|title=Amy Poehler And Will Arnett Finalize Their Divorce|first=Brittany|last=Wong|website=Huffington Post|date=August 3, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/amy-poehler-will-arnett-divorce-finalized/|title=Amy Poehler and Will Arnett's divorce finalized|website=CBS News|date=August 2, 2016}} During their relationship, the two appeared together in four episodes of Arrested Development, one episode of Parks and Recreation, and the films Blades of Glory, Horton Hears a Who!, On Broadway, Spring Breakdown, Monsters vs. Aliens, and the Disney American English dubbing of The Secret World of Arrietty.
Arnett began a relationship with socialite and businesswoman Alessandra Brawn in 2019.{{Cite web |title=Who Is Will Arnett's Girlfriend? All About Alessandra Brawn |url=https://people.com/tv/who-is-alessandra-brawn-will-arnett/ |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}} They have one son together. He also has a stepson.{{Cite web|title=Will Arnett and Girlfriend Alessandra Brawn Welcome Baby Boy|url=https://www.etonline.com/will-arnett-and-girlfriend-alessandra-brawn-welcome-baby-boy-148027|access-date=July 21, 2020|website=Entertainment Tonight|language=en-US}}
=== Substance use issues ===
Arnett has struggled with alcoholism in the past, a topic explored in his shows Flaked and BoJack Horseman. He managed to maintain sobriety for 15 years until a relapse during the production of Flaked.{{cite web |last1=Wilkerson |first1=May |title=Will Arnett Reveals He Relapsed While Working on Netflix Series 'Flaked' |url=https://www.thefix.com/will-arnett-reveals-he-relapsed-while-working-netflix-series-flaked |website=The Fix |access-date=February 20, 2020 |language=en |date=April 5, 2016}} Flaked is in part inspired by Arnett's own struggles with alcoholism. He has attested that Alcoholics Anonymous has played a role in reclaiming sobriety.{{cite news |last1=Hume |first1=Ashley |title=Will Arnett Opens Up About His Sobriety: 'I'm Very, Very Grateful on a Daily Basis' |url=https://variety.com/2019/scene/news/will-arnett-addiction-sobriety-1203346624/ |website=Variety |access-date=May 31, 2023 |language=en |date=September 23, 2019}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Ref. |
|---|
| rowspan=2|1996
|Close Up |Dave | | |
| Ed's Next Move
|Weather Video Guy | |
| 1997
|data-sort-value="Broken Giant, The" | The Broken Giant |Ezra Caton | |
| rowspan=2|1999
|Whitey | |
| data-sort-value="Waiting Game, The" | The Waiting Game
|Lenny | | |
| 2000
|data-sort-value="Acting Class, The" | The Acting Class |Will Bennett | | |
| 2001
|Narrator |Voice |
| 2005
|Kit | | |
| rowspan=5|2006
|Voice |
| RV
|Todd Mallory | | |
| data-sort-value="Great New Wonderful, The" | The Great New Wonderful
|Danny |Segment: Emme's Story | |
| Let's Go to Prison
|Nelson Biederman IV | | |
| Wristcutters: A Love Story
|Messiah | | |
| rowspan=7|2007
|Stranz Van Waldenberg | | |
| Grindhouse
|Announcer |Voice, segment: "Don't" | |
| On Broadway
|Tom | | |
| Ratatouille
| Horst | Voice |
| Hot Rod
|Jonathan Ault | | |
| data-sort-value="Brothers Solomon, The" | The Brothers Solomon
| John Solomon | | |
| data-sort-value="Comebacks, The" | The Comebacks
| Mailman | | |
| rowspan=3|2008
| Semi-Pro | Lou Redwood | | |
| Horton Hears a Who!
| Vlad Vladikoff | Voice |
| data-sort-value="Rocker, The" | The Rocker
| Lex Drennan | | |
| rowspan=4|2009
| Ted | |
| Brief Interviews with Hideous Men
| Subject No. 11 | | |
| Monsters vs. Aliens
| The Missing Link | Voice |
| G-Force
| Secret Agent Kip Killian | | {{Cite magazine |title=G-Force |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/07/23/g-force/ |access-date=2024-02-07 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}} |
| rowspan=3|2010
| Antonio Donatelo | | |
| Jonah Hex
| Lieutenant Grass | | |
| Despicable Me
| Mr. Perkins | Voice |
| rowspan=3|2012
|data-sort-value="Secret World of Arrietty, The" | The Secret World of Arrietty | Pod | Voice, English dub |
| Men in Black 3
| Agent AA | Uncredited | |
| Mansome
| Himself | Documentary; Producer | |
| rowspan=3|2014
|data-sort-value="Nut Job, The" | The Nut Job | Surly | rowspan="2" | Voice |
| data-sort-value="Lego Movie, The" | The Lego Movie |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
| | |
| 2015
| Himself | Documentary | |
| rowspan=2|2016
|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows | Vern Fenwick | | |
| Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
|Main CMZ Reporter | | |
| rowspan=5|2017
|data-sort-value="Lego Batman Movie, The" | The Lego Batman Movie |rowspan="4" |Bruce Wayne / Batman |Voice | |
| Dark Hoser
| rowspan="3" |Voice, short film | |
| Batman is Just Not That Into You
| |
| Cooking with Alfred
| |
| data-sort-value="Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature, The" | The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
|Surly |Voice |
| rowspan=2|2018
|Det. Frank Nicholas | | |
| Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
|Voice; also producer |
| 2019
|data-sort-value="Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, The" | The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part |Batman / Bruce Wayne |Voice |
| 2020
|Jackrabbit in prison cell |Voice, uncredited | {{cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171009005547/en/Arnett-Kristen-Bell-Join-Voice-Cast-Warner|title=Will Arnett and Kristen Bell Join Voice Cast of Warner Bros. Pictures' New Animated Feature "Teen Titans GO! To the Movies";|website=www.businesswire.com|date=October 9, 2017}} |
| 2021
|Steve | rowspan="3" |Voice |
| rowspan=3|2022
|Sweet Pete |
| Minions: The Rise of Gru
|Mr. Perkins |
| G’day, the short film
|Louie |Voice, short film |
| 2023
|Alex Magnussen | |
| 2025
| Alex | Filming; also writer and producer | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Refs |
|---|
| 1994
|Himself (remote host) |Awards show | |
| rowspan=2|1999
|Jack |Episode: "La Douleur Exquise!" | |
| data-sort-value="Mike O'Malley Show, The" | The Mike O'Malley Show
|Jimmy |13 episodes | |
| 2000
|Kenny |Episode: "Spring Forward, Fall Back" | |
| 2001
|Hand Salesman |Episode: "Chapter Twenty-Nine" | |
| rowspan=3|2002
|Bobby |Episode: "Johnny Ampleseed" | |
| data-sort-value="Sopranos, The" | The Sopranos
|Mike Waldrup |2 episodes | |
| Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
|Tony Damon |Episode: "Angels" | |
| 2003
|Scott Green's Assistant | |
| 2003–2006 2013 2018–2019 |George Oscar "G.O.B." Bluth II |82 episodes |
| 2004
|Artemis Johnson |Episode: "Back Up, Dancer" | |
| rowspan=2|2005
|Tiberius McKorkindale |Voice, 2 episodes | |
| Danny Phantom
|Voice, episode: "The Fright Before Christmas" |
| rowspan=3|2006
|Duncan Schiesst |Voice, 7 episodes | |
| O'Grady
|Dougski |Voice, 1 episode | {{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/conan-obrien-amy-poehler-guest-star-season-two-ogrady|title=Conan O'Brien & Amy Poehler Guest Star In Season Two Of O'Grady|date=March 3, 2006|work=Animation World Network|first=Sarah|last=Baisley}} |
| data-sort-value="X's, The" | The X's
|Pork E. Bacon |Voice, episode: "From Crusha With Love" | |
| 2007
|Portis |Voice, episode: "Hank Gets Dusted" | |
| 2007–2013
|9 episodes |
| rowspan=2|2008
|Max the Magician |Episode: "Max the Magician" |
| Human Giant
|Himself |Episode: "I'm Gonna Live Forever!" | |
| rowspan=3|2009
|Ennis Hofftard |Voice, 13 episodes | |
| Delocated
|TV Announcer |Voice, episode: "Good Buds" | |
| Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space |The Missing Link |Voice, television film |
| 2009–2011
|Himself/Brett Favre |6 episodes | |
| 2010
|Chris |Episode: "The Set Up" | |
| 2010–2011
|Steve Wilde |13 episodes; | |
| 2010–2016
|data-sort-value="Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, The" | The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret |Brent Wilts |17 episodes | |
| 2011
|data-sort-value="Office, The" | The Office |Fred Henry |Episode: "Search Committee" | |
| 2011–2012
|Chris |35 episodes | |
| rowspan=2|2012
|data-sort-value="Cleveland Show, The" | The Cleveland Show |General Richter |Voice, episode: "A General Thanksgiving Episode" | |
| Comedy Bang! Bang!
|Dale |Episode: "Seth Rogen Wears a Plaid Shirt & Brown Pants" | |
| 2013, 2015
|data-sort-value="Late Late Show, The" | The Late Late Show |Himself (Guest host) |3 episodes | |
| 2013–2014
|data-sort-value="Millers, The" | The Millers |Nathan Miller |34 episodes | |
| 2014
|data-sort-value="Simpsons, The" | The Simpsons |Deputy Director Gratman |Voice, episode: "Steal This Episode" | |
| 2014–2020
|BoJack Horseman |Voice, 76 episodes; also executive producer | |
| 2014
|Ryder |Voice, episode: "The Rider" |
| 2016–2017
|Chip |14 episodes; | |
| 2016
|Kitty |Voice; episode: "Kimmy Kidnaps Gretchen!"; uncredited | |
| rowspan=4|2017
|data-sort-value="Series of Unfortunate Events, A" | A Series of Unfortunate Events |Father/Mr. Quagmire |8 episodes | |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live!
|Himself (guest host) |1 episode | |
| Minecon Earth 2017
|Himself (co-host) |YouTube live show | |
| Netflix: LIVE
|Himself (host) |Netflix special | |
| 2017–2018
|data-sort-value="Gong Show, The" | The Gong Show |Himself (guest judge) |5 episodes; also executive producer | |
| 2017
|data-sort-value="Magic School Bus Rides Again, The" | The Magic School Bus Rides Again |Galapagos Gil |Voice, episode: "Frizzle Of The Future" |
| 2017–2019
|Sam Keurig |Episode: "For Real, Where Have All My Friends Gone?"; also executive producer | |
| 2018
|data-sort-value="Guest Book, The" | The Guest Book |Rob |Episode: "Under Cover" | |
| rowspan=2|2019
|Bruce Wayne / Batman / Batkitty |Voice, episode: "Batkitty" | |
| Riviera
|Jeff Carter |10 episodes | |
| 2020–present
|Himself (host) |Also executive producer |
| 2020
|data-sort-value="First Team, The" | The First Team |Mark Crane |4 episodes | |
| rowspan=3|2021
|All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs |Himself (narrator) |Voice, 5 episodes | |
| Muppets Haunted Mansion
|Ghost Host |Television special | |
| Live in Front of a Studio Audience
|Dink Lockwood |Episode: "Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life" | |
| 2021-2023
|data-sort-value="Morning Show, The" | The Morning Show |Doug Klassen |3 episodes | |
| rowspan=3|2022
|Senior Detective Terry Seattle |7 episodes; also executive producer | |
| Our Flag Means Death
|Episode: "We Gull Way Back" | |
| Island of the Sea Wolves
|Himself (narrator) |3 episodes; Netflix documentary series | |
| 2023-2024
|Various |Voice, 3 episodes | |
| 2023–present
|Marcus "Needles" Kane / Sweet Tooth |Main voice role; Also executive producer |
| 2025
|Super Team Canada |Breakaway |Main voice role |
=Video games=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable|Ref. |
|---|
| rowspan=3|2009
|Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard |Matt Hazard |
| Monsters vs. Aliens
|The Missing Link |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
|Sgt. Arnett | |
| 2015
|Bruce Wayne / Batman (The LEGO Batman Movie), Excalibur Batman | |
| 2022
| Dragon Lord |
Awards and nominations
Honors and recognition
In April 2007, during a panel hosted by The Paley Center for Media, talk show host Conan O'Brien and his writing staff named Will Arnett as one of their three all-time favourite guests, sharing the honour with fellow Canadians Norm Macdonald and Harland Williams."[http://www.theapiary.org/archives/2007/04/late_night_with_3.html Simply Absurd: The Comedy of Late Night with Conan O'Brien @ The Museum of Television and Radio – 4.5.7]", The Apiary, April 5, 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2007.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote|Will Arnett}}
- {{Twitter}}
- {{IMDb name|nm0004715|Will Arnett}}
{{Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arnett, Will}}
Category:20th-century American comedians
Category:21st-century American comedians
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:20th-century Canadian comedians
Category:21st-century Canadian comedians
Category:20th-century Canadian male actors
Category:21st-century Canadian male actors
Category:American male comedians
Category:American male film actors
Category:American male television actors
Category:American male video game actors
Category:American male voice actors
Category:Canadian emigrants to the United States
Category:Canadian expatriate male actors in the United States
Category:Canadian male comedians
Category:Canadian male film actors
Category:Canadian male television actors
Category:Canadian male video game actors
Category:Canadian male voice actors
Category:Comedians from Toronto
Category:Concordia University alumni
Category:Lakefield College School alumni