Standup comedian, writer, actor, and director Michael Showalter got his big break in 1993 when the MTV network began airing the half-hour sketch comedy television show The State. Showalter, a New Jersey native, became a founding member of the State comedy group while he was attending New York University. He stuck with the State as he transferred and eventually graduated from Brown University. Short films that the group made for MTV turned into an offer for a series that would run for two years before the CBS network picked it up. After one strange Halloween special with special guests Sonic Youth, CBS sent the State packing, and slowly the group dissolved. After a short gig with Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Showalter would form a new comedy group, Stella, in 1997 with former State members Michael Ian Black and David Wain. As Stella gained a loyal following through touring, Showalter and Wain were also writing the film Wet Hot American Summer, a cult hit that would see release in 2001. Four years later Showalter would direct and star in his own film, The Baxter. The film also starred Zak Orth, who would form the musical comedy duo the Doilies with Showalter. Also in 2005, Stella would land a show on the Comedy Central network, but it was canceled after just one season. In 2007 Showalter would begin hosting his own web show -- The Michael Showalter Showalter -- on the collegehumor.com website and release his debut comedy album -- Sandwiches & Cats -- on the Jdub record label. ~ David Jeffries