Will Forte, born Orville Willis Forte IV on June 17, 1970, in Alameda County, California, is a celebrated American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2002 to 2010 and is renowned for creating and starring in the hit sitcom The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018). Over his versatile career, Forte has seamlessly transitioned between sketch comedy, film acting, and voice roles in animated projects such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) and The Lego Movie (2014).
Quick Facts of Will Forte
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Orville Willis Forte IV |
| Date of Birth | June 17, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Alameda County, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | UCLA, BA in History |
| Career Beginnings | Writer and producer for 3rd Rock from the Sun and That ’70s Show |
| Notable Works | SNL, The Last Man on Earth, Nebraska, MacGruber |
| Spouse | Olivia Modling (m. 2020) |
| Children | Zoe Forte |
| Net Worth | Estimated $14 million |
| Awards & Nominations | Multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for The Last Man on Earth |
Early Life and Family Background
Will Forte was born to Patricia C. Forte, an artist, and Orville Willis Forte III, a financial broker. He grew up in Lafayette, California, alongside his older sister, Michelle. Forte excelled in academics and athletics, particularly football and swimming, during his time at Acalanes High School, where he was voted Best Personality.
Forte attended UCLA, earning a BA in History. Initially working as a financial broker like his father, he discovered a passion for comedy and honed his skills with the improvisational group The Groundlings, setting the stage for a prolific career in entertainment.
Career Beginnings and Milestones
Forte started his career as a writer and producer on popular television series including 3rd Rock from the Sun and That ’70s Show. His breakout came with Saturday Night Live (SNL), where his unique characters and sketches earned critical acclaim.
One of his most iconic creations during this time was MacGruber, which later became a feature film in 2010 and a streaming series in 2021. Forte also gained acclaim for creating and starring in The Last Man on Earth, earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations—two for acting and one for writing.
Notable Works and Achievements
- SNL (2002–2010): Developed memorable characters that showcased his comedic versatility.
- The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018): Critically acclaimed series earning multiple Emmy nominations.
- Nebraska (2013): Dramatic performance highlighting Forte’s range as an actor.
- MacGruber (2010 & 2021): From sketch character to film and series adaptation.
- Voice Roles: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie, and Clone High.
Forte’s ability to seamlessly navigate between live-action and animated roles underscores his adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Relationships
Will Forte married Olivia Modling in July 2020, and the couple has a daughter, Zoe Forte. Prior to this marriage, Forte was in a relationship with actress January Jones in 2015. He keeps his personal life relatively private, balancing family with a demanding career.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Will Forte’s estimated net worth is $14 million, primarily earned from acting, writing, producing, and voice work. He leads a modest lifestyle, reflective of his focus on family and creative endeavors, while maintaining a prominent presence in Hollywood.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at UCLA.
- Appeared in Mumford & Sons’ music video “Hopeless Wanderer” (2013).
- Known for his distinctive voice, leading to multiple voice acting roles.
- Passionate about comedy, music, and improvisation.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Forte supports causes such as Wampler’s Kids, a camp for children with disabilities, and SciEyes, focusing on stem cell research for eye diseases. While keeping his philanthropic work low-profile, he demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community.
His legacy in comedy and entertainment is marked by creativity and versatility. From SNL sketches to award-nominated television, Forte has significantly influenced modern comedy and inspired future writers and performers.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Will Forte continues to explore new roles across television, film, and animation, displaying his versatility in comedy and drama. His impact on sketch comedy and television remains significant, with works like SNL and The Last Man on Earth cementing his place in entertainment history.
Forte’s career reflects a blend of humor, creativity, and thoughtful storytelling, ensuring his influence on pop culture will endure for years to come.
