Michael Colton
Known For:Writing
Biography
Michael Colton, born in 1975, is a multi-talented American screenwriter, producer, comedian, and former journalist. His journey into the entertainment industry began during his high school years in Newton, Massachusetts, where he co-wrote the popular SAT guide "Up Your Score." This early success foreshadowed his future accomplishments in the world of comedy and writing.
After graduating from Harvard University in 1997, where he honed his skills as an editor at both the Harvard Lampoon and the Harvard Crimson, Colton ventured into the bustling city of Los Angeles. Alongside his creative partner, John Aboud, he co-founded the acclaimed online magazine and comedy collective, Modern Humorist, which garnered critical acclaim and published best-selling books.
Throughout the 2000s, Colton and Aboud made their mark on television screens as regular panelists on VH1 shows like Best Week Ever and I Love the 70s/80s/90s/00s. Their witty commentary and comedic timing solidified their presence in the entertainment industry, leading to appearances on various news networks and talk shows.
During the Writers Guild of America strike of 2007-8, Colton and Aboud showcased their satirical prowess by creating AMPTP.com, a parody website that humorously tackled industry issues. This bold move highlighted their ability to infuse humor into even the most serious of situations, showcasing their versatility as writers.
As half of the dynamic duo Colton & Aboud, Michael has worked on a diverse range of projects, from executive producing HBO Max's Close Enough to writing for Comedy Central's The Fake News with Ted Nelms, which earned them a Writers Guild Award. Their impressive resume includes credits on DreamWorks Animation's Penguins of Madagascar, TNT's Leverage, and Fox's animated shows Allen Gregory and Sit Down Shut Up.
One of Colton and Aboud's notable achievements is the biopic A Futile and Stupid Gesture, which delves into the life of comedy legend Doug Kenney and the inception of National Lampoon. Their creative vision extends to an animated Zoolander series on Paramount+ and the film The Comebacks, showcasing their ability to navigate various genres with finesse.
In addition to their television and film projects, Colton and Aboud have lent their writing talents to publications such as Esquire, Cosmopolitan, and Fortune, further solidifying their reputation as versatile wordsmiths. Their latest endeavor as creators and showrunners of ABC's Home Economics marks yet another milestone in their successful career, demonstrating their enduring influence in the entertainment landscape.