Michael Cera
Actor
About Michael Cera
Michael Cera is a Canadian actor and musician who began his career as a child actor in the late 1990s. He first gained widespread recognition for his role as George Michael Bluth in the acclaimed television series Arrested Development (2003-2006, 2013, 2018-2019). His breakthrough in film came with leading roles in successful coming-of-age comedies including Superbad (2007), Juno (2007), and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008). Cera developed a signature persona playing awkward, soft-spoken, and endearing characters that resonated with audiences. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, he has continued to work in both independent films and mainstream productions, while also pursuing music as a member of the band The Long Goodbye. His voice acting work includes roles in animated films and series, demonstrating his versatility across different media formats.
The Craft
On Screen
Cera is known for his naturalistic, understated acting style characterized by deadpan delivery, awkward mannerisms, and a shy, endearing screen presence. His performances often feature subtle facial expressions and a distinctive halting speech pattern that became his trademark in early career roles.
Milestones
- Breakout role in Arrested Development (2003)
- Starred in Superbad (2007)
- Acclaimed performance in Juno (2007)
- Lead role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
- Broadway debut in This Is Our Youth (2014)
- Published album True That (2014)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Canadian Comedy Award for Best Performance by a Male in Film (Superbad, 2008)
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 2011)
- Hollywood Film Award for Ensemble of the Year (Juno, 2007)
Nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (Arrested Development, 2006, 2008)
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy (Superbad, 2008)
- Young Artist Award for Best Young Ensemble Performance (Arrested Development, 2005)
Special Recognition
- Named one of Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' actors (2008)
- Featured in Forbes' '30 Under 30' in Hollywood & Entertainment (2012)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Michael Cera became an icon of 2000s awkward youth culture, defining a generation of coming-of-age comedy protagonists. His distinctive acting style influenced numerous young actors and helped establish the 'mumblecore' aesthetic in independent cinema. The characters he portrayed resonated deeply with millennial audiences, making him a cultural touchstone for that generation's experience of adolescence and young adulthood.
Lasting Legacy
Cera's legacy lies in his ability to transform the awkward, sensitive male protagonist from a supporting character type to a leading man archetype. He successfully transitioned from child actor to adult star while maintaining artistic credibility, and his work helped legitimize comedy performances during awards season. His career demonstrates the evolving nature of stardom in the 21st century, where personality-driven acting could lead to both critical and commercial success.
Who They Inspired
Cera's naturalistic, understated approach to comedy influenced a wave of actors who embraced authenticity over broad performance styles. His success in both independent and mainstream films showed that quirky, character-driven stories could find wide audiences. Many contemporary actors cite his ability to balance humor with genuine emotion as inspirational, particularly in the realm of coming-of-age storytelling.
Off Screen
Michael Cera has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his celebrity status. He has been involved in music from a young age, playing guitar and piano, and has released solo music projects. He dated actress Aubrey Plaza for several years after meeting on the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Cera is known for his humble demeanor and has often expressed discomfort with fame, preferring to focus on his craft rather than celebrity culture.
Education
Attended Heart Lake Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario; took correspondence courses while working on Arrested Development
Family
- Nadine (married 2023-present)
Did You Know?
- Began acting at age 9 after seeing a classmate in a commercial
- Was originally cast as Jimmy Olsen in Superman Returns but the role was cut
- Is a skilled musician and has released solo music
- Performed in a production of Kenneth Lonergan's This Is Our Youth on Broadway
- Is a distant cousin of Canadian hockey player Sidney Crosby
- Was considered for the role of Spider-Man before Andrew Garfield was cast
- Has appeared in music videos for artists including The Strokes and Best Coast
- Is fluent in Spanish and has performed in Spanish-language projects
- Was a member of a children's comedy troupe called The Thirteen Hundred
- Once worked as a busboy at a restaurant before his acting career took off
In Their Own Words
I'm not really a funny guy. I'm not really a comedian.
I don't really have any aspirations to be famous. I just like doing good work.
I think comedy is really hard, and I have a lot of respect for people who can do it well.
I've always been more comfortable in smaller things.
I don't really think about my persona. I just try to do good work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Michael Cera?
Michael Cera is a Canadian actor known for his roles in coming-of-age comedies like Superbad, Juno, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. He first gained fame as George Michael Bluth in Arrested Development and became known for playing awkward, endearing characters.
What films is Michael Cera best known for?
Cera is best known for Superbad (2007), Juno (2007), Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), and the TV series Arrested Development (2003-2019).
When was Michael Cera born and when did he die?
Michael Cera was born on June 7, 1988, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. He is still alive and actively working in the entertainment industry.
What awards did Michael Cera win?
Cera has won several awards including Canadian Comedy Awards, a Saturn Award for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and a Hollywood Film Award for his work in Juno. He has also received multiple SAG Award nominations for Arrested Development.
What was Michael Cera's acting style?
Cera is known for his naturalistic, deadpan delivery and portrayal of awkward, sensitive characters. His style features understated humor, subtle facial expressions, and a distinctive halting speech pattern that became his trademark in early career roles.
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Films
1 film
