Martin Starr
A character actor with a masterful deadpan who turned niche roles on cult shows like 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'Silicon Valley' into enduring comedic landmarks.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American actor·Birthday: July 30·Millennials
Biography
Martin Starr didn't become a star by playing the hero; he did it by perfecting the art of the brilliant, sardonic side character. His breakout came as the tragically uncool, trench coat-clad Bill Haverchuck on the short-lived but beloved 'Freaks and Geeks', a performance that instantly cemented his place in the alt-comedy canon. Starr possesses a unique ability to deliver hilariously bleak lines with stone-faced precision, a skill he later honed as the pretentious cater-waiter Roman on 'Party Down' and, most famously, as the nihilistic sysadmin Gilfoyle on 'Silicon Valley'. Beyond these defining TV roles, he has built a substantial filmography that includes Judd Apatow comedies and a recurring role in the Marvel Spider-Man films. Starr's career is a testament to the power of specificity, proving that playing the smartest, driest guy in the room can make you unforgettable.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Martin was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Martin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Martin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed the iconic role of Bill Haverchuck on the influential cult television series 'Freaks and Geeks'.
- Played Bertram Gilfoyle, the sardonic systems administrator, on the critically acclaimed HBO series 'Silicon Valley'.
- Appeared in successful film comedies like 'Knocked Up' and 'Adventureland' as part of the Judd Apatow circle.
- Has a recurring role as teacher Roger Harrington in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man film series.
Did You Know?
His full birth name is Martin James Pflieger Schienle.
He was homeschooled for much of his childhood.
He and his 'Freaks and Geeks' co-star Samm Levine performed as a comedy duo called 'We Got That' in their teens.
He is an avid chess player.
“I'm not a hero; I'm the guy in the chair who knows the hero is making a terrible mistake.”
