Tony Hale was first known for commercial works before fully venturing into acting. In a commercial for Citibank, he portrayed a frugal husband who tried to minimize the baby costs for his pregnant wife. He also lip-synched along with Styx’s “Mr. Roboto” for Volkswagen.
Hale later became famous for his role as Buster Bluth in the tv series “Arrested Development,” and subsequently starred in other big hit shows. However, an incident from his days of making commercials nearly cost him the opportunity to make the transition that eventually brought him into the limelight.
Here’s what Tony Hale had to say about the incident.
Tony Hale Got Compared With “Friends” star David Schwimmer
While promoting “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” Hale spoke with Looper and revealed a tidbit no one would ever have guessed. He said that a comparison with David Schwimmer, who starred in the tv series “Friends,” nearly held him back from breaking into the acting industry.
“I would do commercials for many, many years in New York, and I was just kind of labeled a commercial actor,” Hale admitted. “And my type was the quirky guy, not all there. Somebody described me as a not-so-good-looking David Schwimmer. And I said, ‘What if somebody doesn’t think David Schwimmer’s good looking? Then I’m screwed.’
Hale continued, “I was seen as a commercial actor, and I always wanted to do comedy and sitcom. So I would say ‘Arrested Development’ was kind of that breaking through that I was super grateful for.”
Tony Hale’s Parent Disliked ‘Arrested Development’
Although “Arrested Development” became a hit show and lasted for three seasons, some tv lovers did not fancy watching the show. Astonishingly, Hale’s dad was among the few people who had other opinions about the critically acclaimed series.
“My parents think ‘Arrested’ is dumb. To this day, they think it’s a stupid show,” Hale said in an interview. “I’m not kidding. The only episode they thought was funny was when Martin Short was on. [My dad] was like, ‘Well he’s funny, that guy’s funny.'”
Coincidentally, his father did not like his more popular feature “Veep” and kept mostly mean notes about the series. No matter how bad this might seem, it only implied that Hale’s father loved him and was keen on following his works.
Hale Starred In Other Roles After ‘Arrested Development’
Over the years, Hale built a reputation for himself as a legend in the entertainment industry. His body of works garnered him the admiration of many newbie comedy actors.
He starred in films including “The Informant,” “In My Sleep,” The Heat,” and “Alvin and the “Chipmunks: The Road Chip,” “The Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell,” and “My Blind Brother.”
Additionally, Hale acted behind the scenes, lending his voice to several animations works. He voiced the character dubbed Forky in “Toy Story 4,” the newest addition to the franchise, and similarly delivered for “The Tale of Despereaux,” “The Angry Birds Movie,” “The Angry Birds Movie 2,” “Batman Ninja.”
Tony Hale’s Awards And Personal Life
Altogether, Hale has accrued over 60 acting credits and counting. His first major award came after starring in the second season of HBO comedy “Veep” as Gary Walsh, the personal assistant to the Vice President. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series amid many other nominations.
In 2014, he earned his second nomination for the same award but lost to Ty Burrell, co-star on the hit series “Modern Family.” Subsequently, Hale won his second Primetime Emmy Award in 2015, in the same ceremony where “Veep” swept home multiple accolades.
The comedy actor married renowned makeup artist Martel Thompson in 2003. They share one daughter, Loy Ann.
