Actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse describes his acting career as “the first anything I’ve ever done.” Born on June 20, 1989 in Los Angeles, California, his first film appearance was in the 2007 film Superbad. Before that, he had no acting experience, aside from drama classes during his stay at El Camino Real High School in Los Angeles. He auditioned for the part with two of his high school friends after the film’s producers failed to find an actor amongst 500 prospects. His performance in the movie earned him a Breakthrough Performance nomination in this year’s MTV Movie Awards.
In the film, Mintz-Plasse played the role of resident school geek Fogell. He helps his friends Evan (Michael Cera) and Seth (Jonah Hill) buy alcohol for a party by producing a fake ID. He manages to buy some despite doubts that his ID would work, partly because of the name he decides to place—McLovin.
After Superbad, he continued his studies for two months—he was tutored while filming—before graduating. He then appeared in the Internet-only comedy program Wainy Days, as one of the laborers. It was followed by an appearance in a sketch for late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live. He also appeared in a few Internet-only PSAs and videos.
The success of Superbad has led to him being offered more film roles. He is slated to appear in the David Wain-directed comedy Role Models, which also stars Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott. He also has appearances in two films that are currently in production: Year One, a comedy set in the ancient times, directed by Judd Apatow and starring Jack Black and Michael Cera; and How to Train Your Dragon, an animated adaptation of the children’s book, where he provides the voice of Fishlegs, the main character’s best friend.