Forte was age 32 before he came to the public's attention on Saturday Night Live (1975), but had been working in comedy since 1997. Forte is the son of artist Patricia (Stivers) and financial broker Orville Willis Forte III (divorced), and has one older sister, Michelle. A creative and artistic child, he was an athlete (football and swimming) in high school and voted Best Personality at Acalanes High School. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in History, Forte had a brief career at a brokerage house before deciding to try comedy. Although he rarely performed stand-up, he joined the world-famous "Groundlings" and was hired as a writer for the series The Jenny McCarthy Show (1997), The Army Show, and The David Letterman Show. He eventually caught the attention of Carsey-Werner executive Tom Werner when he wrote a pilot about two childlike idiot brothers (eventually turned into the film, Los hermanos Solomon (2007)) and was hired for the shows Cosas de marcianos (1996) and Aquellos maravillosos 70 (1998).
In 2002, Forte moved from his home state of California to New York City to join Saturday Night Live (1975) as a writer and cast member. Although known as shy and reserved in his personal life, Forte was one of the individuals responsible for the shows move to absurd, surrealist comedy. Along with voice-over acting, guest appearances on television and small roles in films, Forte had his biggest opportunities to be a movie star with films he wrote. Forte wrote the screenplay for Los hermanos Solomon (2007) (and had the leading role of childlike "Dean Solomon") and played the title role and co-wrote the SNL film MacGruber (2010). Both films were given small budgets ($10,000,000 each) and they were both considered box-office and critical failures, although they do have a cult following.
After MacGruber's theatrical release, Forte left SNL for personal and professional reasons, although he has returned as a guest performer. Forte has had a recurring role on the series 30 Rock and made numerous other guest appearances on other TV comedies. Since leaving SNL, he has also increased his work as a voice artist and appeared in 5 movies (A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011), Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie (2012), Rock of Ages(2012), Desmadre de padre (2012), and Los amos del barrio (2012)).
Since 2012, he has moved into dramatic and straight roles on a television pilot titled Rebounding by the producers of Modern Family and Irish film Run and Jump. In August 2012, he was cast (and first choice) in the Alexander Payne film Nebraska, despite rumors that higher profile actors such as Casey Affleck and Paul Rudd were interested in the role. - IMDb Mini Biography By: anonymous
Trivia Member of the Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles
Graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California in 1988.
His favorite bands are Led Zeppelin, The White Stripes, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Strokes.
Collects life preservers and construction helmets.
Has the 36th highest score in the World for the classic video game Donkey Kong! Will played the game a lot while filming A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) in Wilmington, NC after seeing the movie The King of Kong (2007). His score can be seen on the official high score website of Twin Galaxies, the official keeper of world records for the Guiness book of records for video and pinball games. Will and his stand-in Leo Daniels (13th highest DK score) on the film A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) are supposed to have a Donkey Kong playoff in the near future.
During his audition for SNL he began and ended with skits by cursing. As he walked out the room he gave Lorne Michaels a half-hearted apology. Having the job at Aquellos maravillosos 70 (1998) waiting for him allowed him to go for broke during the audition.
Months before her death, Will filmed his grandmother in Internet ads for his movie Los hermanos Solomon (2007), discussing her favorite dessert and questioning the movie's title. His mother appeared in the Mother's Day episode of SNL when Will Forte sang a song to her and wedding scene of MacGruber. He also brings staged pictures of his mother and sister on talk show appearances.
Forte goes by his middle name Willis rather than his first name Orville. As a child, his nickname was Billy. Although the fourth with the name Orville Willis Forte, he is the first to go by a variation of the name. His father went by Reb, his grandfather went by Junie, and his Great-Grandfather went by Buster.
In her book, "Girl Walks Into a Bar", Rachel Dratch describes Will Forte and Seth Meyersas two of her comedy non-boyfriends (male friends she relates to as brothers). Dratch and Forte lived on the same block during their time together at SNL and would often have breakfast together.
According to Darrell Hammond, the only time he cracked facing the camera was during his Donald Rumsfeld sketch when Will Forte improvised and kissed him on the cheek twice as George W. Bush.
His mother and two of her friends visited the set during the naked celery scene of MacGruber (2010).
Previously the national spokesperson for the non-profit charity SCIfEyes. Donated $10,000 to the fund in 2005.
Has a mild form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, often unable to leave a task (even games) until finished. He claims he was so consumed by a jigsaw puzzle friends took it from him during a party and threw it away.
He was almost electrocuted on the set of Los hermanos Solomon (2007) when someone in the prop department accidentally plugged the battery pack of his lighted ice skating costume into an actual outlet. He claims it burned his entire chest.
Forte had two movies (Rock of Ages (2012) and Desmadre de padre (2012)) released the week of his 42nd birthday.
Will officiated his sister's wedding and filmed the births of his niece and nephew. He discussed finding the right angle to film a birth on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009).
Was voted Class of 1988's Best Personality in high school. He was also student president, a varsity swimmer and on varsity football.
His favorite episode of Saturday Night Live (1975) was hosted by Betty White. His favorite skit was "The Spelling Bee". His favorite impersonation to do was "Zel Miller".
Was almost fired after the third season of SNL when the cast was considered too bloated and cuts were made. He was the last cast member brought back.
Was the math tutor of Faye Dunaway's 12-year-old son.
Scrubs (2001)'s creator, Bill Lawrence, named a patient on "Scrubs" after Forte, who starred in his previous series, Clone High (2002).
Is an avid bowler, volleyball player, runner, karaoke singer (often with friend Jason Sudeikis) and video gamer.
Forte auditioned twice for SNL. He was offered a position in 2001 but turned it down to produce and write for Aquellos maravillosos 70 (1998). He decided to audition again in 2002.
On the board of directors for the The National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness (as of 2012).
As a young man, he and a friend went to see Tony Orlando in Concert during a road trip. From their front row seats, they were brought on stage to talk with Orlando. Will and his friend wrote letters to Orlando to thank him for encouraging them. Orlando wrote letters back, which Forte kept, along with pictures from the concert. When making Desmadre de padre (2012), Forte told Orlando the story and brought in the letter to show him. He also brought Orlando to an appearance on Jimmy Fallon to perform "Knock Three Times" with the Roots house band and Fallon and Forte singing back-up. Forte told the story during his appearance on Fallon.
Officiated the wedding of Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney and Emily Ward.
Met writing partner John Solomon as a freshman at UCLA in a lecture hall.
Comedy heroes are Steve Martin, David Letterman and Peter Sellers.
Was comedy partner of Mike Schmidt (a writer for Scrubs (2001) and Cougar Town(2009)). One of their routines, the close talkers, was made into an SNL Digital Short starring Forte and Steve Martin.
Good friends with frequent co-star Kristen Wiig.
He claims to have never "broken" character during his time at Groundlings or SNL. He had a standing bet with cast members at Groundlings to pay $100 against their $5 if they could make him laugh, and claims he never lost. He counts fellow Groundlings/SNL cast member Chris Parnell as another comic who never breaks.
Purchased new clothing to wear during the Cannes Film Festival only to have his baggage lost on the flight.
He has English, as well as smaller amounts of French-Canadian, Irish, Scottish, German, Swiss-German, and Dutch ancestry. His surname originates with his paternal great-great-grandfather, Nepthali Forte, who was a French-Canadian immigrant to Massachusetts.
After making Nebraska (2013), Forte was impressed when Jack Nicholson, longtime friend of Forte's co-star Bruce Dern, threw a screening party, which was attended by Mickey Rooney and Peter Fonda. "It was so exciting to be in that room", Forte said.
Son of Patti Forte.
Graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California in 1988.
His favorite bands are Led Zeppelin, The White Stripes, The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Strokes.
Collects life preservers and construction helmets.
Has the 36th highest score in the World for the classic video game Donkey Kong! Will played the game a lot while filming A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) in Wilmington, NC after seeing the movie The King of Kong (2007). His score can be seen on the official high score website of Twin Galaxies, the official keeper of world records for the Guiness book of records for video and pinball games. Will and his stand-in Leo Daniels (13th highest DK score) on the film A Good Old Fashioned Orgy (2011) are supposed to have a Donkey Kong playoff in the near future.
During his audition for SNL he began and ended with skits by cursing. As he walked out the room he gave Lorne Michaels a half-hearted apology. Having the job at Aquellos maravillosos 70 (1998) waiting for him allowed him to go for broke during the audition.
Months before her death, Will filmed his grandmother in Internet ads for his movie Los hermanos Solomon (2007), discussing her favorite dessert and questioning the movie's title. His mother appeared in the Mother's Day episode of SNL when Will Forte sang a song to her and wedding scene of MacGruber. He also brings staged pictures of his mother and sister on talk show appearances.
Forte goes by his middle name Willis rather than his first name Orville. As a child, his nickname was Billy. Although the fourth with the name Orville Willis Forte, he is the first to go by a variation of the name. His father went by Reb, his grandfather went by Junie, and his Great-Grandfather went by Buster.
In her book, "Girl Walks Into a Bar", Rachel Dratch describes Will Forte and Seth Meyersas two of her comedy non-boyfriends (male friends she relates to as brothers). Dratch and Forte lived on the same block during their time together at SNL and would often have breakfast together.
According to Darrell Hammond, the only time he cracked facing the camera was during his Donald Rumsfeld sketch when Will Forte improvised and kissed him on the cheek twice as George W. Bush.
His mother and two of her friends visited the set during the naked celery scene of MacGruber (2010).
Previously the national spokesperson for the non-profit charity SCIfEyes. Donated $10,000 to the fund in 2005.
Has a mild form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, often unable to leave a task (even games) until finished. He claims he was so consumed by a jigsaw puzzle friends took it from him during a party and threw it away.
He was almost electrocuted on the set of Los hermanos Solomon (2007) when someone in the prop department accidentally plugged the battery pack of his lighted ice skating costume into an actual outlet. He claims it burned his entire chest.
Forte had two movies (Rock of Ages (2012) and Desmadre de padre (2012)) released the week of his 42nd birthday.
Will officiated his sister's wedding and filmed the births of his niece and nephew. He discussed finding the right angle to film a birth on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2009).
Was voted Class of 1988's Best Personality in high school. He was also student president, a varsity swimmer and on varsity football.
His favorite episode of Saturday Night Live (1975) was hosted by Betty White. His favorite skit was "The Spelling Bee". His favorite impersonation to do was "Zel Miller".
Was almost fired after the third season of SNL when the cast was considered too bloated and cuts were made. He was the last cast member brought back.
Was the math tutor of Faye Dunaway's 12-year-old son.
Scrubs (2001)'s creator, Bill Lawrence, named a patient on "Scrubs" after Forte, who starred in his previous series, Clone High (2002).
Is an avid bowler, volleyball player, runner, karaoke singer (often with friend Jason Sudeikis) and video gamer.
Forte auditioned twice for SNL. He was offered a position in 2001 but turned it down to produce and write for Aquellos maravillosos 70 (1998). He decided to audition again in 2002.
On the board of directors for the The National Policy and Advocacy Council on Homelessness (as of 2012).
As a young man, he and a friend went to see Tony Orlando in Concert during a road trip. From their front row seats, they were brought on stage to talk with Orlando. Will and his friend wrote letters to Orlando to thank him for encouraging them. Orlando wrote letters back, which Forte kept, along with pictures from the concert. When making Desmadre de padre (2012), Forte told Orlando the story and brought in the letter to show him. He also brought Orlando to an appearance on Jimmy Fallon to perform "Knock Three Times" with the Roots house band and Fallon and Forte singing back-up. Forte told the story during his appearance on Fallon.
Officiated the wedding of Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney and Emily Ward.
Met writing partner John Solomon as a freshman at UCLA in a lecture hall.
Comedy heroes are Steve Martin, David Letterman and Peter Sellers.
Was comedy partner of Mike Schmidt (a writer for Scrubs (2001) and Cougar Town(2009)). One of their routines, the close talkers, was made into an SNL Digital Short starring Forte and Steve Martin.
Good friends with frequent co-star Kristen Wiig.
He claims to have never "broken" character during his time at Groundlings or SNL. He had a standing bet with cast members at Groundlings to pay $100 against their $5 if they could make him laugh, and claims he never lost. He counts fellow Groundlings/SNL cast member Chris Parnell as another comic who never breaks.
Purchased new clothing to wear during the Cannes Film Festival only to have his baggage lost on the flight.
He has English, as well as smaller amounts of French-Canadian, Irish, Scottish, German, Swiss-German, and Dutch ancestry. His surname originates with his paternal great-great-grandfather, Nepthali Forte, who was a French-Canadian immigrant to Massachusetts.
After making Nebraska (2013), Forte was impressed when Jack Nicholson, longtime friend of Forte's co-star Bruce Dern, threw a screening party, which was attended by Mickey Rooney and Peter Fonda. "It was so exciting to be in that room", Forte said.
Son of Patti Forte.
Personal Quotes
"There's kind of a weird, intense energy that flows through the place. I tend to get in there about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and get out around 8 a.m. Wednesday. You end up drinking a massive amount of coffee and downing a lot of Funions." (On the Tuesday-night "SNL" writing regime)
[discussing his liberal upbringing and love of playing dress-up as a child] If I had become a cross-dresser it would have taken her just a second because my mom is very supportive and she would have loved me anyway.
I have been in a lot of things, but maybe I've cursed them all.
I'll check my stove all the time, but I haven't used the stove in 8 years. An old girlfriend of mine, we went through this test you could take on-line to see if you are OCD or not and at the end, it said get help immediately.
I don't know if I was a funny kid. I would say I was a loud and weird kid.
[on why he often seems restrained during interviews] I just didn't want to be the kind of person who always seemed like they were ON. That would annoy me when there seemed to be people who always seem to be on.
[on why he wears fake mustaches in comedies] There is something about a person who wears a mustache that is...they just don't quite get it. It takes a unique person in our society to wear a mustache.
[on why he left SNL] I left because I had just turned 40, I'd been there for 8 years, my family was all in California, its a grueling schedule. It was such a delight to be on the show and a real family atmosphere, but it was just time to move on.
[asked by Larry King if there were any personal ticks he wish he didn't have] I feel like all my faults go into making the person that I am. I like myself as a person. And I think taking any fault away would change who I am as a person. These OCD really probably helped me as a comedian.
[on working with Bruce Dern] It's like watching him pull a rabbit out of a hat in every scene. I don't know what he's doing. It's magic. And I love it.
[on traveling to the American heartland to film Nebraska (2013)] I went in intimidated by the process. But [director] Alexander Payne and Bruce Dern put me at ease from the start. They made me feel like I was part of the club and that I belonged there. I have a habit of over-thinking everything but they found a way to get me out of my head. And that was really just talking to me, and nurturing me. I'm a weird combination of self-doubt and extreme confidence. [Dern] would always talk about the truth and finding the truth in what you are going for. It was more teaching without teaching. It was just know what's going.
[re making Nebraska (2013)] It's certainly a lot of corn, Nebraska, but I found it really beautiful. I thought it was going to be this real monotonous visual experience, and it wasn't. There was a lot of texture to it. It kept reminding me of a van Gogh painting - these big beautiful circular corn husk bales, the way the light would hit them and the shadows they'd cast. Brilliant hues of yellow - it was really striking.
[re Nebraska (2013)] I am a pretty realistic person, and I was just as shocked to get this part as people were shocked to hear that I got the part...You talk to your agents and managers, you try to develop this plan. Nowhere in any of these plans of 'here's what the strategy should be' was there, like 'and then you'll try to get into an 'Alexander Payne' movie.' That wasn't even something that we would have ever entertained in a million years...If I get to do something else like this, it would be awesome, but just to get to do something like this once is enough for me.
That period in between getting the part and starting work on the movie[Nebraska (2013)] was an anxiety-riddled period...I really had no formal acting training, but I didn't know what it was like to go to a natural drama class or an acting class. So in my head, I would think, 'Oh, at a class like that they have these pearls of wisdom that everybody who is part of "Nebraska" has, except me'...Basically, when you watch this movie you're watching somebody who's in the process of being taught by a legendary actor and an amazing director. I learned so much from this experience.
(Gifs and photos: source_Tumblr and google) birthdays
