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Mike White (filmmaker)

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Mike White (filmmaker)

Michael Christopher White (born June 28, 1970) is an American filmmaker and actor. He created, writes, and directs the ongoing HBO satirical comedy anthology series The White Lotus, for which he has won three Primetime Emmy Awards. White also won an Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for the 2000 film Chuck & Buck, which he wrote and starred in. He has written the screenplays for films such as School of Rock (2003) and has directed several films that he has written, such as Brad's Status (2017). White was a co-creator, executive producer, writer, director and actor on the HBO series Enlightened. He is also known for his appearances on reality television, competing on two seasons of The Amazing Race and later becoming a contestant and runner-up on Survivor: David vs. Goliath.

Infobox

Born
Michael Christopher White (1970-06-28) June 28, 1970 (age 55)Pasadena, California, U.S.
Alma mater
Wesleyan University (BA)
Occupations
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Years active
1997–present
Known for
Creator of The White Lotus
Father
Mel White

Tables

· Filmography › Films
Title
Year
Director
Screenwriter
Producer
Notes
Dead Man on Campus
1998
No
Yes
No
Chuck & Buck
2000
No
Yes
No
Orange County
2002
No
Yes
No
The Good Girl
No
Yes
No
School of Rock
2003
No
Yes
No
Nacho Libre
2006
No
Yes
Yes
Year of the Dog
2007
Yes
Yes
Yes
Directorial debut
The Hills with James Franco and Mila Kunis
No
No
Yes
Short film
Gentlemen Broncos
2009
No
No
Yes
Magic Magic
2013
No
No
Yes
The D Train
2015
No
No
Yes
Beatriz at Dinner
2017
No
Yes
No
The Emoji Movie
No
Yes
No
Brad's Status
Yes
Yes
No
Pitch Perfect 3
No
Yes
No
The One and Only Ivan
2020
No
Yes
No
Migration
2023
No
Yes
No
Despicable Me 4
2024
No
Yes
No
· Filmography › Films › Acting credits
Title
Year
Role
Notes
Star Maps
1997
Carmel County Writer
Chuck & Buck
2000
Buck O'Brien
Orange County
2002
Mr. Burke
The Good Girl
Corny
School of Rock
2003
Ned Schneebly
The Stepford Wives
2004
Hank
Are You the Favorite Person of Anybody?
2005
Respondent
Short film
Welcome to California
John Goodman
Smother
2008
Myron Stubbs
Gentlemen Broncos
2009
Dusty
Zombieland
Gas Station Clerk
Ride
2014
Roger
The D Train
2015
Jerry
Brad's Status
2017
Nick Pascale
The One and Only Ivan
2020
Frankie (voice) / Passing Driver
· Filmography › Television
Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek
Title
Dawson's Creek
Year(s)
1998–1999
Director
No
Writer
Yes
Producer
Supervising
Creator
No
Notes
Wrote 9 episodes / Produced 22 episodes
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks
Title
Freaks and Geeks
Year(s)
2000
Director
No
Writer
Yes
Producer
Supervising
Creator
No
Notes
Wrote 3 episodes / Produced 17 episodes
Pasadena
Pasadena
Title
Pasadena
Year(s)
2001–2002
Director
No
Writer
Yes
Producer
Executive
Creator
Yes
Notes
Created and produced 13 episodes / Wrote 6 episodes.
Cracking Up
Cracking Up
Title
Cracking Up
Year(s)
2004–2006
Director
No
Writer
Yes
Producer
Executive
Creator
Yes
Notes
Created and produced 12 episodes / Wrote episode: "The Fixer"
Earth to America
Earth to America
Title
Earth to America
Year(s)
2005
Director
No
Writer
Yes
Producer
No
Creator
No
Notes
Television special
Enlightened
Enlightened
Title
Enlightened
Year(s)
2011–2013
Director
Yes
Writer
Yes
Producer
Executive
Creator
Yes
Notes
Created, wrote and produced 18 episodes / Directed 6 episodes
The Boring Life of Jacqueline
The Boring Life of Jacqueline
Title
The Boring Life of Jacqueline
Year(s)
2012
Director
No
Writer
No
Producer
Executive
Creator
No
Notes
10 episodes
Mamma Dallas
Mamma Dallas
Title
Mamma Dallas
Year(s)
2016
Director
Yes
Writer
Yes
Producer
Executive
Creator
No
Notes
Television pilot
School of Rock
School of Rock
Title
School of Rock
Year(s)
No
Director
Yes
Writer
No
Producer
No
Creator
Episode: "Come Together" / Also wrote original theatrical film
The White Lotus
The White Lotus
Title
The White Lotus
Year(s)
2021–present
Director
Yes
Writer
Yes
Producer
Executive
Creator
Yes
Notes
Anthology series, wrote and directed every episode
Title
Year(s)
Director
Writer
Producer
Creator
Notes
Dawson's Creek
1998–1999
No
Yes
Supervising
No
Wrote 9 episodes / Produced 22 episodes
Freaks and Geeks
2000
No
Yes
Supervising
No
Wrote 3 episodes / Produced 17 episodes
Pasadena
2001–2002
No
Yes
Executive
Yes
Created and produced 13 episodes / Wrote 6 episodes.
Cracking Up
2004–2006
No
Yes
Executive
Yes
Created and produced 12 episodes / Wrote episode: "The Fixer"
Earth to America
2005
No
Yes
No
No
Television special
Enlightened
2011–2013
Yes
Yes
Executive
Yes
Created, wrote and produced 18 episodes / Directed 6 episodes
The Boring Life of Jacqueline
2012
No
No
Executive
No
10 episodes
Mamma Dallas
2016
Yes
Yes
Executive
No
Television pilot
School of Rock
No
Yes
No
No
Episode: "Come Together" / Also wrote original theatrical film
The White Lotus
2021–present
Yes
Yes
Executive
Yes
Anthology series, wrote and directed every episode
· Filmography › Television › Acting credits
Freaks and Geeks
Freaks and Geeks
Title
Freaks and Geeks
Year(s)
2000
Role
Chip Kelly
Notes
Episode: "Kim Kelly Is My Friend"
Undeclared
Undeclared
Title
Undeclared
Year(s)
2001
Role
Pet Store Employee
Notes
Episode: "Eric Visits"
Pushing Daisies
Pushing Daisies
Title
Pushing Daisies
Year(s)
2007
Role
Billy Balsam
Notes
Episode: "Bitter Sweets"
Enlightened
Enlightened
Title
Enlightened
Year(s)
2011–2013
Role
Tyler
Notes
15 episodes
Mamma Dallas
Mamma Dallas
Title
Mamma Dallas
Year(s)
2016
Role
Himself
Notes
Television pilot
Title
Year(s)
Role
Notes
Freaks and Geeks
2000
Chip Kelly
Episode: "Kim Kelly Is My Friend"
Undeclared
2001
Pet Store Employee
Episode: "Eric Visits"
Pushing Daisies
2007
Billy Balsam
Episode: "Bitter Sweets"
Enlightened
2011–2013
Tyler
15 episodes
Mamma Dallas
2016
Himself
Television pilot
· Filmography › Television › Non-acting credits
Title
Year
Notes
Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan
2007
Dog Owner
The Amazing Race 14
2009
6th place (with father, Mel White)
The Amazing Race: Unfinished Business
2011
10th place (with father, Mel White)
Survivor: David vs. Goliath
2018
Runner-up
Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans
2026
TBD
· Awards and nominations
2002
Best Screenplay
Role(s)
The Good Girl
Notes
Won
2007
Year of the Dog
Role(s)
Nominated
2017
Beatriz at Dinner
Role(s)
Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards
Role(s)
2022
Notes
Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie
Role(s)
Won
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie
Role(s)
Won
2022
Best Episodic Drama
Role(s)
The White Lotus (season two)
Notes
Won
Writers Guild of America Awards
Role(s)
2021
Notes
Long Form – Original
Limited Series
Role(s)
The White Lotus (season two)
Notes
Won
2023
The White Lotus (episode: "Arrivederci")
Role(s)
Nominated
Independent Spirit Awards
Role(s)
2000
Notes
John Cassavetes Award
Best Screenplay
Role(s)
Nominated
Best Debut Performance
Role(s)
Nominated
Outstanding Drama Series
Role(s)
The White Lotus (season two)
Notes
Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Role(s)
Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Role(s)
Nominated
2025
Outstanding Drama Series
Role(s)
The White Lotus (season three)
Notes
Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Role(s)
Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Role(s)
Nominated
Producers Guild of America Awards
Role(s)
2021
Notes
Best Limited Series – Television
Organizations
Year
Category
Work
Result
Ref.
BAFTA TV Awards
2023
Best International Programme
The White Lotus
Nominated
Critics' Choice Awards
2003
Best Song
School of Rock (song: "School of Rock")
Nominated
Directors Guild of America Awards
2022
Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series
The White Lotus (episode: "Mysterious Monkeys")
Nominated
2023
The White Lotus (episode: "Arrivederci")
Nominated
Independent Spirit Awards
2000
John Cassavetes Award
Chuck & Buck
Won
Best Screenplay
Nominated
Best Debut Performance
Nominated
2002
Best Screenplay
The Good Girl
Won
2007
Year of the Dog
Nominated
2017
Beatriz at Dinner
Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards
2022
Outstanding Limited Series
The White Lotus (season one)
Won
Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series or Movie
Won
Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series or Movie
Won
2023
Outstanding Drama Series
The White Lotus (season two)
Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Nominated
2025
Outstanding Drama Series
The White Lotus (season three)
Nominated
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Nominated
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Nominated
Producers Guild of America Awards
2021
Best Limited Series – Television
The White Lotus (season one)
Nominated
2022
Best Episodic Drama
The White Lotus (season two)
Won
Writers Guild of America Awards
2021
Long Form – Original
The White Lotus (season one)
Nominated
2022
Limited Series
The White Lotus (season two)
Won
· External links
Preceded byDomenick Abbate
Runner-Up of Survivor Survivor: David vs. Goliath
Succeeded byGavin Whitson

References

  1. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/arts/design/the-12-lives-of-mike-white-hollywood-screenwriter.html
  2. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/magazine/stuff-mike-white-likes.html
  3. "HBO's 'Enlightened' Take On Modern Meditation", Fresh Air interview with Dern and White on NPR, October 10, 2011. Retri
    https://www.npr.org/2011/10/10/140950031/hbos-enlightened-take-on-modern-meditation
  4. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/2013/01/showrunner-mike-white-on-enlightened.html
  5. Steve Inskeep. "Religion, Politics a Potent Mix for Jerry Falwell", NPR, June 30, 2006.
    https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5522064
  6. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/2017/09/everyone-in-hollywood-is-envious-mike-white-talks-about-it.html
  7. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/2011/11/enlighteneds-mike-white-on-his-reluctant-return-to-tv.html
  8. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/video/2010/02/17/magazine/1247467035861/the-best-performances-of-the-decade.html
  9. Movieweb.com
    https://web.archive.org/web/20070813000407/http://www.movieweb.com/news/07/15007.php
  10. Fresh Air from WHYY
    https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9473074
  11. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/29/movies/29next.html
  12. Variety
    https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/year-of-the-dog-1200511020/
  13. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/2013/02/mike-white-on-enlightened-tough-road-to-season-three.html
  14. "2009 Sundance Film Festival Announce Jury Members"
    https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/26895851/2009-sundance-film-festival-announces-jury-members
  15. The New Republic
    http://www.tnr.com/article/books-and-arts/111959/can-mike-white-change-television-tk#
  16. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/2017/09/everyone-in-hollywood-is-envious-mike-white-talks-about-it.html
  17. Variety
    https://variety.com/2018/film/news/razzie-awards-worst-movie-emoji-movie-1202716607/
  18. The New Yorker
    https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/mike-white-on-money-status-and-appearing-on-survivor
  19. Deadline Hollywood
    https://deadline.com/2020/10/hbo-the-white-lotus-enlighteneds-mike-white-connie-britton-alexandra-daddario-natasha-rothwell-sydney-sweeney-1234599772/
  20. WarnerMedia
    https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/hbo-0/new-hbo-limited-series-white-lotus-mike-white-debuts-july-11
  21. The New Yorker
    https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/02/17/mike-white-profile-white-lotus
  22. Migration
    https://deadline.com/2022/02/despicable-me-4-migration-get-release-dates-from-illumination-universal-1234956816/
  23. Variety
    https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/white-lotus-season-3-it-prequel-series-premiere-date-2025-1235777609/
  24. Deadline
    https://deadline.com/2025/03/the-white-lotus-audience-record-season-3-episode-6-1236348266/
  25. "Mel and Mike: Amazing Race"
    http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/season/14/cast/
  26. "The Amazing Race 18: All Stars! (Spoilers)"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20101206083157/http://www.yakkityyaks.com/the-amazing-race-18-all-stars-spoilers/4571/
  27. People
    https://people.com/the-white-lotus-thailand-hotels-filming-locations-season-3-koh-samui-phuket-four-seasons-anantara-rosewood-11681038
  28. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/survivor-david-goliath-mike-white-john-hennigan-cast-season-37-1114211
  29. Entertainment Weekly
    https://ew.com/tv/2018/09/13/survivor-mike-white-jeff-probst-redemption-island/
  30. Indiewire
    https://www.indiewire.com/2018/09/mike-white-survivor-contestant-amazing-race-school-of-rock-1202007423/
  31. Harper's Bazaar Australia
    https://harpersbazaar.com.au/the-white-lotus-survivor-easter-eggs/
  32. Variety
    https://variety.com/gallery/survivor-50-cast-photos/
  33. Vulture
    https://www.vulture.com/article/the-white-lotus-finale-mike-white-interview-departures-ending.html
  34. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/oct/29/im-a-bloated-overpraised-hollywood-guy-the-white-lotus-creator-mike-white-on-sex-god-and-disliking-success
  35. The New Yorker
    https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/mike-white-on-money-status-and-appearing-on-survivor
  36. The Advocate
    https://web.archive.org/web/20041108212818/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2002_Feb_5/ai_82322838
  37. Variety
    https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-white-lotus-gay-sex-mike-white-tom-hollander-leo-woodall-nude-1235439490/
  38. The New Yorker
    https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/02/17/mike-white-profile-white-lotus
  39. The Guardian
    https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/may/14/bafta-tv-awards-2023-the-full-list-of-winners
  40. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dga-awards-2022-tv-commercial-documentary-nominations-nominees-list-1235081364/
  41. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/dga-awards-2023-winners-list-1235328825/
  42. Internet Movie Database
    https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000349/2001/1/?ref_=nmawd_9
  43. Internet Movie Database
    https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000349/2003/1/?ref_=nmawd_9
  44. Internet Movie Database
    https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000349/2008/1/?ref_=nmawd_9
  45. Internet Movie Database
    https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000349/2018/1/?ref_=nmawd_9
  46. Television Academy
    https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2022
  47. Television Academy
    https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2023
  48. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/emmys-nominations-2025-nominees-list-1236314909/
  49. Deadline Hollywood
    https://deadline.com/2022/01/pga-awards-nominations-2022-producers-guild-1234920746/
  50. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/producers-guild-awards-2023-movie-tv-nominations-list-nominees-1235297935/
  51. The Hollywood Reporter
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/writers-guild-awards-2022-winners-list-1235115399/
  52. Deadline Hollywood
    https://deadline.com/2023/01/wga-awards-tv-nominations-2023-list-1235218393/
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