Michael Ian Black is an American actor and writer. His television credits include roles in the comedy series Viva Variety, The State, and The Jim Gaffigan Show, as well as providing the voice for the Pets.com sock puppet. Black has appeared in films such as Hell Baby, Michael Ian Black: Very Famous, and Linoleum. He directed the film Wedding Daze and cocreated the series Michael & Michael Have Issues with Michael Showalter. Black also hosted the comedy podcast Obscure with Michael Ian Black.