X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Michael McKean Biography

Birth Name:Michael John McKean

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack, Writer, Music department, Director, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Studied acting at Carnegie Mellon University and New York University, training under Olympia Dukakis at the latter
  • Started out as a member of the Los Angeles satirical comedy troupe The Credibility Gap with Harry Shearer and David L․ Lander
  • Quote: "I don't believe in regret․ I think it's just a big time-waster, and I could be swimming․"
  • Quote: "Some people stay in the academic world just to avoid becoming self-aware․ You can quote me on that․"
  • During his time on "SNL," he demonstrated an ability to aptly impersonate such diverse public figures as Bill Clinton, Robert Evans and Howard Stern
  • Has appeared in several films by Christopher Guest in addition to "This Is Spinal Tap," including "The Big Picture," "Best in Show" and "For Your Consideration․"
  • Best known for playing Leonard "Lenny" Kosnowski in "Laverne & Shirley" and David St․ Hubbins in "This Is Spinal Tap․"
  • At age 46, he was the oldest person to become a cast member on "Saturday Night Live․"
  • Has participated in the roasting of celebrities with the New York Friars Club

Awards

  • 1993CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1994CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1996CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2001Video Premiere Award-Best DVD Audio Commentary: winner
  • 2003DVD Premiere Award-Best Animated Character Performance: nominated
  • 2003LAFCA Award-Best Music: nominated
  • 2003Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Music: winner
  • 2004Oscar-Best Music, Original Song: nominated
  • 2004Critics Choice Award-Best Song: winner
  • 2004FFCC Award-Best Ensemble Cast: winner
  • 2004Gold Derby Film Award-Original Song: nominated
  • 2004Gold Derby Film Award-Original Song: winner
  • 2004Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2004Grammy-Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media: winner
  • 2004INOCA-Best Original Song: nominated
  • 2004OFTA Film Award-Best Music, Original Song: nominated
  • 2004PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: nominated
  • 2004Golden Satellite Award-Best Original Song: nominated
  • 2006Gotham Independent Film Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
  • 2013BTVA Television Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series - Action/Drama: nominated
  • 2013BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short: nominated
  • 2014BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short: nominated
  • 2016Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2016Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2016INOCA TV-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2017Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2017IGN Award-Best Dramatic TV Performance: nominated
  • 2017INOCA TV-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2018Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actor on Television: winner
  • 2018Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2018Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 2019Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Guest Actor: nominated
  • 2019INOCA TV-Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2019OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series: winner
  • 2019Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: nominated