Popular supporting actor Suplee started his career with a recurring role as a good-natured bully on the sitcom
Boy Meets World and made his film debut opposite his childhood friend Jason Lee in Kevin Smith's 1995 flop
Mallrats. But the collaboration proved important: Not only did Smith cast him in more movies (including
Chasing Amy,
Dogma, and
Clerks II), but Suplee became a star as Lee's dimwitted buddy on the sitcom
My Name Is Earl in 2005. Along the way Suplee also proved his versatility in a string of big-screen roles, segueing from sweet (
Return of the Titans) to scary (
American History X) to stupid (
Without a Paddle). Post
Earl, the actor has appeared in films such as the critically acclaimed
Brothers (2009).
Ethan Suplee Fast Facts:
- Has been friends with actor and frequent costar Jason Lee since childhood.
- Was convinced to take acting classes at 16 by friend Giovanni Ribisi. Ribisi's mother was later Suplee's manager.
- Career took off after he dropped out of an acting class when the teacher would not advance him to the next level; at 17, landed a part on the sitcom Boy Meets World.
- Is married to Brandy Lewis, the sister of actress Juliette Lewis.
- Ethan Suplee Relationships:
- Billie Grace Suplee - Daughter
- Bella - Stepdaughter
- Brandy Lewis - Wife
- Francis Clementine Suplee - Daughter
- Lily - Stepdaughter
- Samantha Suplee - Sister
- Ethan Suplee Awards:
- 2005 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Nominee