Michael Cera
An actor whose signature portrayal of awkward, sincere adolescence defined a generation of comedy and became a cultural touchstone.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Canadian actor·Birthday: June 7·Millennials
Biography
Michael Cera didn't just play the awkward teen; he perfected a specific, endearing brand of nervous sincerity that captured the early 21st century. His breakout role as George Michael Bluth on the cult sitcom 'Arrested Development' showcased his genius for delivering painfully funny, deadpan lines. This persona crystallized in films like 'Superbad' and 'Juno,' where his characters' genuine sweetness provided a moral center amidst chaos. Cera, however, has consistently subverted that same image. He ventured into indie dramas, voiced a violent robot in 'The Lego Batman Movie,' and even released a folk-rock album. His career is a quiet negotiation with the iconic type he helped create, choosing projects that either deepen or deliberately dismantle expectations, all while maintaining an aura of unassuming, offbeat charm.
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.
Michael was born in 1988, 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 Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for 'Arrested Development'.
- Starred as Evan in the hit film 'Superbad,' which grossed over $170 million worldwide and became a defining comedy of its era.
- Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his Broadway debut in 'Lobby Hero' in 2018.
Did You Know?
He is an accomplished bassist and released a solo album of folk music titled 'True That' in 2014.
He taught himself how to play the guitar for his role in the film 'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist'.
He is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
“I think awkwardness is a very natural state for a person to be in. It's not something you grow out of; you just get better at hiding it.”
