American actor Jason Bateman was born on January 14, 1969 in Rye, New York. He started his acting career in 1981, when he played James Cooper Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie. Bateman was a popular teen actor, appearing in programs such as Silver Spoons, It’s Your Move and Valerie—which was later renamed The Hogan Family when Valerie Harper left. He also started directing at age 18, when he directed three episodes of The Hogan Family. He also started a Hollywood stage company with his sister, actress Justin Bateman, which produced the television film Cam You Feel Me Dancing? in 1986.
Bateman’s career slowed down significantly after the end of The Hogan Family. He held major parts in different television series—Simon, Chicago Sons, George & Leo and Some of My Best Friends—but none of them lasted longer than one season. His first major film role after the slump was in 2002’s The Sweetest Thing, but his major career comeback was due to his role as Michael Bluth in the hit comedy Arrested Development.
His character is considered the series’ straight man—tasked to lead the Bluth Corporation, which has just entered deep trouble, he has to deal with the quirks of his family and his own life as well. Critics applauded his deadpan, confident performance, and he won a Golden Globe for Best Comedy Actor in 2005. His newfound popularity led to roles in Starsky & Hutch and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, as well as guest stints on Scrubs, The Fairly OddParents, and The Jake Effect.
Bateman’s most recent credits include The Break-Up, with Vince Vaughn; Smokin’ Aces, with Andy Garcia and Alicia Keys; The Kingdom, with Jennifer Garner; Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, with Dustin Hoffman; Juno, with Ellen Page and Michael Cera; and Han!$#!#, with Will Smith and Charlize Theron.