Michael Showalter (born June 17, 1970) is an American comedian, actor, producer, writer, and director. He is a member of the sketch comedy trio
Stella. Showalter first came to recognition as a cast member on MTV's
The State, which aired from 1993 to 1995. He co-wrote (with
David Wain) and starred in
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and he wrote, directed, and starred in
The Baxter (2005), with
Michelle Williams,
Justin Theroux and
Elizabeth Banks. Both of these movies featured many of his co-stars from
The State, and so do several of his other projects.