David Cross

David Cross (born April 4, 1964) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and television producer. He is best known for his funny stand-up shows and for his work on the HBO comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David. People also remember him for playing the character Tobias Fünke in the popular Fox/Netflix show Arrested Development.

Cross has appeared in many movies and TV shows. He played the character Ian Hawke in the first three Alvin and the Chipmunks films. He also created and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret and had roles in Modern Family and Freak Show.

In addition to his live performances and TV work, Cross has done voice acting for several animated movies. He provided voices for films like Curious George, Battle for Terra, the Kung Fu Panda film franchise, Megamind, and Next Gen.

Cross has won and been nominated for many awards for his work. In 1993, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for his writing on The Ben Stiller Show. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for his stand-up specials.

Early life

David Cross was born in Roswell, Georgia, to Jewish parents, Barry and Susi Cross. His father came from Leeds, England. When David was six months old, his family moved to Florida. They later lived in New York and Connecticut before returning to Roswell for about ten years. David is the oldest of three children and has two younger sisters.

The family did not have much money, and they were sometimes evicted from their home. David remembers living in motels and friends' homes for a while. When he was 10, his father left the family, and they did not speak again after David turned 19. Both his father and he lived in New York City until David sold his home there in 2011.

Career

David Cross began his career in stand-up comedy around age 17. After graduating from Northside High School in Atlanta, he moved to New York City and later attended Emerson College in Boston. He performed stand-up regularly in Boston during the 1980s and 1990s and became known for his political comedy and satire.

Cross gained fame for co-creating and starring in the HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David (Mr. Show) with Bob Odenkirk. He also played memorable roles such as Tobias Fünke in the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development and Ian Hawke in the first three Alvin and the Chipmunks movies. Throughout his career, Cross has released several comedy albums, performed in various television shows and films, and contributed to many animated series and voice acting roles.

Influences

David Cross has mentioned several comedians and comedy groups as major influences on his work. These include Bill Hicks, Andy Kaufman, Monty Python's Flying Circus, Lou Costello, Steven Wright, Richard Pryor, and Lenny Bruce. These performers inspired his unique style of stand-up comedy and storytelling.

Controversies

David Cross faced several public disagreements and controversies throughout his career. In 2005, he was sued by a club manager in Nashville for allegedly recording him without permission for two of his comedy specials. The lawsuit was later dismissed, but continued against other parties involved in the recordings.

In 2017, Cross apologized to comedian Charlyne Yi after reports surfaced that he had made racially insensitive comments toward her in the mid-2000s. He later explained that he was attempting an impression of a Southern character. Later that year, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints protested a tweet from Cross that showed him wearing religious undergarments, calling it offensive.

Cross also had public disagreements with other comedians. In 2005, he criticized Larry the Cable Guy for using humor that he felt was racist and anti-gay. Larry responded by dedicating a chapter of his book to Cross. Cross also criticized host James Lipton of Inside the Actors Studio, though the two later became friends while working together on Arrested Development.

Cross faced backlash from fans for his role as Ian Hawke in the Alvin and the Chipmunks movies. He later described his experiences making the third film, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, as very unpleasant, claiming he was mistreated and forced into unwanted filming conditions.

Personal life

David Cross married actress Amber Tamblyn in 2012, and they had a daughter in 2017. He was raised Jewish but later became an atheist.

Cross was one of the first investors in the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter back in 2006. He is good friends with the band Beastie Boys and was featured in their song "Ch-Check It Out" and their music video for "Make Some Noise". He also appeared in the documentary Beastie Boys Story. Cross holds citizenship in both the United States and Britain.

Views

David Cross has talked about his political views, saying he leans more toward socialist Democrat ideas rather than centrist ones. In 2016, he praised Senator Bernie Sanders and said he liked him even before Sanders ran for President. In 2021, he appeared in a video for the Gravel Institute, a progressive think tank.

In 2023, Cross signed a letter calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza War. Later, he spoke about the state of Israel, calling it "corrupt" and an "apartheid state." He also criticized comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, saying their government was very unfair and urging people to support the Human Rights Foundation.

Discography

David Cross has released several comedy albums throughout his career. These albums feature his stand-up routines and humorous insights, showcasing his talent as a comedian.

He has also appeared on various comedy compilations, sharing his comedic style with wider audiences. His work in these albums and appearances continues to entertain fans of his humor.