McG Biography

Fast Facts

• Born in Michigan but grew up in Newport Beach, CA
• The youngest of three, he was nicknamed "McG" by his family so he wouldn't be confused with his uncle Joe or his grandfather Joe
• Childhood pals included Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath
• In high school, the two were in a band, the Q Tips, with McG---not McGrath---as lead singer
• A year out of college, he formed a record label and signed his friends' band Shrinky Dinx, which later became Sugar Ray
• Shared a house with Sugar Ray, produced their debut album and, with borrowed equipment, shot their first music video
• Has directed more than 50 music videos, for (among others) the Barenaked Ladies, the Offspring and Smashmouth
• Was picked to direct 2000's Charlie's Angels—his first big-screen effort—after a 45-minute meeting with producer Drew Barrymore
• Founded the production company Wonderland Sound and Vision, which produces TV shows such as Supernatural and Chuck in addition to films