Mitch Rouse

Mitch Rouse (born August 6, 1964) is an American film and television actor, director, and screenwriter. He is a well known vet in the world of improvisation. Rouse grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He dropped out of college and moved to Chicago to study improvisation under the late, great Del Close. While there he was asked to join the Second City Theatre, birthplace of his idols John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray. While there Mitch wrote and performed shows with Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Nia Vardalos and Scott Adsit. Mitch made his feature film debut alongside Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau in Rudy. Rouse then moved to New York to star with Amy Sedaris, in the premiere of David Sedaris’ original play Stitches, at La Mama Theatre. In New York, Mitch made a name for himself in TV as a writer/actor on Comedy Central’s EXIT 57, which he created with Stephen Colbert. EXIT was the network's first original sketch comedy series. It received five Cable Ace Award nominations, including Best Actor (Rouse) and Best Writing for a comedy series. Rouse wrote and directed the dark humored independent film Employee of the Month, which starred Matt Dillon, Steve Zahn, and Christina Applegate. The film premiered at The Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation and rave reviews. Mitch created the cult-hit Strangers With Candy, with Stephen Colbert and Amy Sedaris. During it’s run the dark comedy attracted guest stars: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Winona Ryder, Steve Carrell, Matthew Broderick, Paul Rudd, Tim Meadows, Allison Janney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman to name a few. David Letterman and World Wide Pants produced the feature film version of Strangers, taking Rouse back to the Sundance film festival for it’s premiere. While co-starring on ABC’s According to Jim, Mitch created SPIKE TV's first foray into comedy with the critically acclaimed FACTORY. Rouse starred in and produced the series with long time friend and Second City alum, David Pasquesi. Other Film & Television: Transparent - Neighbors - RENO 911! - Austin Powers - Friends With Money - Spy School - Without A Paddle - The Heartbreak Kid - Spin City - Lost AT Home - and The Secret Lives Of Men Mitch lives in Los Angeles with his wife Andrea and their kids, Tennessee & Strummer. He continues writing and directing unique characters with original voices.

Works

Curb Your Enthusiasm

The off-kilter, unscripted comic vision of Larry David, who plays himself in a parallel universe in which he can't seem to do anything right, and, by his standards, neither can anyone else.

Release Date2000-10-15

Charactersd Hotel Manager

Episode Count1

Vote Count856

Home Improvement

The daily trials and tribulations of handyman Tim Taylor, a TV show host raising three boys with help from his loyal co-host, domineering wife, and unseen neighbor.

Release Date1991-09-17

Charactersd Rob

Episode Count1

Vote Count673

Reno 911!

This partially unscripted comedy brings viewers into the squad car as incompetent officers swing into action, answering 911 calls about everything from speeding violations and prostitution to staking out a drug den. Within each episode, viewers catch a "fly on the wall" glimpse of the cops' often politically incorrect opinions, ranging from their personal feelings to professional critiques of their colleagues.

Release Date2003-07-23

Charactersd Fireman 1

Episode Count4

Vote Count171

According to Jim

Jim is the typical all-American guy — a macho "everyman" — with a soft spot for his beautiful wife and children. Jim's boyish bravado and humorous antics keep a certain level of turmoil in their home, but there's never a doubt that this "opposites attract" couple are in their marriage for keeps!

Release Date2001-10-03

Charactersd Ryan Gibson

Episode Count22

Vote Count362

Spin City

Workaholic Mike Flaherty is the Deputy Mayor of New York City, serving as Mayor Randall Winston's key strategist and much-needed handler. Mike runs the city with the help of his oddball staff: an anxious and insecure press secretary; a sexist, boorish chief of staff; an impeccably groomed gay activist running minority affairs; a sharp and efficient, man-crazy accountant; and an idealistic young speechwriter. Like Mike, they are all professionally capable but personally challenged.

Release Date1996-09-17

Charactersd Steve and Mr. Bungle

Episode Count1

Vote Count314

Liv and Maddie

The exploits of identical twins Liv, a former television star back home in Wisconsin and in the process of adding movie star to her credits, as well as beginning to focus on her music career, and Maddie, an outstanding student and basketball phenomenon recovering from an injured knee. The series centers on the unbreakable bond the twins share though they have wildly different personalities. To complicate their teenage lives, both parents work at their high school and their younger brothers are always stirring up trouble.

Release Date2013-07-19

Charactersd Mickey

Episode Count1

Vote Count396

The Secret Life of the American Teenager

Amy and her friends at Grant High learn to define themselves while they navigate the perilous waters of contemporary adolescence. Between their love triangles, secrets, drama, accusations, gossip, confusion, and scandalous rumors, there's never a dull moment.

Release Date2008-07-01

Charactersd Jimmy's Father

Episode Count4

Vote Count131

Still Standing

After 18 years of marriage, high school sweethearts Bill and Judy Miller still make each other laugh and try to keep their marriage intact, even when their family pulls them in different directions. Since Bill has a far more immature approach to marriage and raising their three children than Judy does, they work at striking a balance and remembering why they love each other, quirks and all.

Release Date2002-09-30

Charactersd Eric

Episode Count1

Vote Count60

Harry's Law

Harriet, Matthew and Malcolm couldn't be any more different, but when they cross paths, they realize they're all looking for a fresh start. The most unlikely of people are starting a law practice in the most unlikely of places -- a rundown shoe store.

Release Date2011-01-17

Charactersd Congressman Michael Barnes

Episode Count1

Vote Count42

Transparent

An LA family with serious boundary issues have their past and future unravel when a dramatic admission causes everyone's secrets to spill out.

Release Date2014-09-26

Charactersd Richard

Episode Count1

Vote Count165

Killing Chuck

Two grown men that need to grow up become hired killers.

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Charactersd Gary

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

When diabolical genius Dr. Evil travels back in time to steal superspy Austin Powers's ‘mojo,’ Austin must return to the swingin' '60s himself - with the help of American agent, Felicity Shagwell - to stop the dastardly plan. Once there, Austin faces off against Dr. Evil's army of minions to try to save the world in his own unbelievably groovy way.

Release Date1999-06-08

Charactersd Mitch Rouse (uncredited)

Vote Count3529

The Heartbreak Kid

Eddie, the 40-year-old confirmed bachelor finally says "I do" to the beautiful and sexy Lila. But during their honeymoon in Mexico, the woman of his dreams turns out to be a total nightmare, and the guy who could never pull the trigger realizes he’s jumped the gun.

Release Date2007-10-05

Charactersd Bicycle Mugger

Vote Count1690

Rudy

Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of 5 people and has set his sights upon joining the team.

Release Date1993-09-17

Charactersd Jim

Vote Count720

The Truth About Cats & Dogs

A successful veterinarian and radio show host with low self-esteem asks her model friend to impersonate her when a handsome man wants to see her.

Release Date1996-04-26

Charactersd Bee Man

Vote Count332

Strangers with Candy

Jerri Blank is a former prostitute and junkie whore who returns to high school as a 46-year-old freshman at Flatpoint High. Jerri ran away from home and became 'a boozer, a user, and a loser' after dropping out as a teenager, supporting her drug habits through prostitution, stripping, and larceny. She has been to prison several times, the last time because she 'stole the TV'. At home, Jerri's father Guy is comatose, although he seems perfectly capable of amazing feats. Her stepmother Sara is vain and bitter, and stepbrother Derrick is a bullying jock. Jerri tries to do things the right way but always ends up learning the wrong lesson. Her hijinks often involve, either directly or indirectly, neurotic history teacher Chuck Noblet and his secret lover, sensitive art teacher Geoffrey Jellineck.

Release Date1999-04-07

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Charactersd Officer Savillion

Episode Count3

Vote Count36

Employee of the Month

"Employee of the Month" is about a guy whose day spirals from bad to worse when he gets fired from his dream job at the bank and is dumped by his fiancée Sara. David's best friend Jack tries to convince him it's for the best, but the opposite occurs when bank robberies and millions of dollars become part of his day from hell.

Release Date2004-01-17

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Charactersd Jimmy Riggs

Vote Count155

Friends with Money

As she reaches her mid-thirties and quits her lucrative job, singleton Olivia finds herself unsure about her future and her relationships with her successful and wealthy friends. She begins to envy the security of her richer friends and, although their lives may seem easier, Olivia's friends have their problems too: screenwriters Christine and Patrick are unable to collaborate on their latest project, Jane and Aaron have lost the romance in their relationship, and Franny and Matt have difficulties handling the demands of parenthood.

Release Date2006-04-07

Charactersd Raymond

Vote Count592

Call Me Crazy: A Five Film

A psychotherapist helps a law student cope with schizophrenia in one of five interconnected tales dealing with mental illness.

Release Date2013-04-20

Charactersd Eddie

Vote Count43

Reno 911!

The deputies of the Reno Sheriff's Department are still in the line of duty. And they’re ready to do what it takes to keep this city safe.

Release Date2020-05-04

Charactersd Fireman

Episode Count1

Vote Count9

Spy School

Spy School is the story of a twelve year old boy known for telling tall tales who overhears a plot to kidnap the President's daughter. When he goes public with his story, no one believes him, and he is forced to save her on his own.

Release Date2008-03-01

Charactersd Kip Miller

Vote Count54

Rutherford Falls

A small town in upstate New York is turned upside down when local legend and town namesake, Nathan Rutherford fights the moving of a historical statue.

Release Date2021-04-22

Charactersd Shep Swiftwater

Episode Count1

Vote Count25

Reno 911! Defunded

Budget cuts won't stop these incompetent deputy sheriffs from trying to uphold the law.

Release Date2022-02-25

Charactersd Fireman

Episode Count2

Vote Count9

In the Company of Darkness

An undercover policewoman (Helen Hunt) alarms her colleague lover (Jeff Fahey) as she role-plays to lure out a serial killer (Steven Weber) to secure evidence for the case.

Release Date1993-01-05

Charactersd Bob Clayton

Vote Count8

Nobody Knows Anything!

Sarah thinks making a movie is easy. With the guidance of her screenwriter uncle, she goes on a wild journey into the world of Hollywood where she meets crazy studio execs, insane producers and a gangster who agrees to finance her film – for a price…

Release Date2004-08-24

Charactersd Virus

Vote Count20

Sweethearts

Arliss goes to a coffee house to meet Jasmine on a blind date, but she's not quite what she seems.

Release Date1997-11-01

Charactersd Arliss

Vote Count3

Olive, the Other Reindeer

After mis-hearing a radio broadcast about Santa canceling his Christmas trip due to an injured reindeer, Olive the dog decides to travel to the North Pole and volunteer to be a replacement. Unfortunately, Olive must deal with an evil postman who's tired of handling all the extra Christmas mail. Will Martini the penguin be able to help Olive realize her dream?

Release Date1999-12-17

Charactersd Additional Voices (voice)

Vote Count56

Exit 57

Exit 57 was a 30-minute sketch comedy series that aired on the American television channel Comedy Central from 1995 to 1996; its cast was composed of comedians Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, Stephen Colbert, Jodi Lennon, and Mitch Rouse, all of whom had previously studied improv at The Second City in Chicago. In 1999 Sedaris, Dinello, Colbert and Rouse would also create the Comedy Central show "Strangers with Candy". Humorist David Sedaris also served as an additional writer for the series, sharing a single onscreen credit with his sister as "The Talent Family". The show's producer, Joe Forristal, had also served as executive producer for The Kids in the Hall. All of the sketches in the series are implied to take place in the fictional suburban setting of the Quad Cities. During the show's memorably cryptic opening sequence, the cast members are seen standing next to a broken down car on the highway. Soon they are picked up by a passing driver, who changes the radio station at the mention of a serial killer, and takes Polaroid pictures of his increasingly uncomfortable passengers. Growing suspicious, the cast demands to be let out. The car is then seen pulling off the highway at Exit 57.

Release Date1995-08-20

DepartmentCreator

JobCreator

Charactersd

Episode Count[ 12 ]

Vote Count3

Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control

Bumbling R&D inventors Bruce and Lloyd get out of the lab and into the field as they search to locate their latest invention - which has somehow gone missing. When you're used to spending your day inventing the most cutting edge spy equipment known to man, adapting the stealth and guile needed to become a true secret agent doesn't come naturally. Unfortunately the invisibility cloak that the pair recently collaborated on has disappeared, and in order to ensure that it doesn't fall into the hands of KAOS they will have to master the skills of a true spy. But how exactly does one find an object that's invisible to begin with? As the search gets underway, these brainy inventors are given an eye-opening crash course in high-level espionage.

Release Date2008-07-01

Charactersd Bob

Vote Count132

Lost at Home

Lost at Home is the name of a short-lived sitcom aired on ABC from April 1 to April 22, 2003. The show starred Mitch Rouse, Connie Britton, Gregory Hines, Stark Sands, Leah Pipes, Gavin Fink and Aaron Hill. The show was cancelled after only four episodes. This was Gregory Hines' last project before his death from liver cancer on August 9, 2003.

Release Date2003-04-01

Charactersd Michael Davis

Episode Count4

The Factory

Factory was a comedy television series. It premiered on Sunday, 29 June 2008 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern/9:00 p.m. Central on Spike. The series, produced by 3 Arts Entertainment, is directed by and stars Mitch Rouse and fellow comedians Michael Coleman, Jay Leggett and David Pasquesi. The pilot episode of the show has been made available free on iTunes. The show starred and was produced by Mitch Rouse, formerly of According To Jim.

Release Date2008-06-29

Charactersd Gary

Episode Count6

The Fighter & The Kid 3D

A sketch comedy series based off the famous podcast, "The Fighter and The Kid"

Release Date2016-05-03

DepartmentCreator

JobCreator

Charactersd Director

Episode Count[ 12 ]

Vote Count1

Merkin Penal

Gary is falsely accused of beating his insane ex-girlfriend Charlotte, and he is sentenced to 30 days in Merkin Penal, a privately run prison. Once behind bars he runs into his old friend Smitty, who's in the 2nd year of his 9 month stay, due to a run in with the TSA. Smitty is "insane Charlotte's" older brother. Smitty and Gary met while Gary and Charlotte were an item. They are forever bonded together by their shared celebration of hatred for Charlotte. After a First Class, welcoming tour of the prison via Smitty, and a run-in with Emmett O'Donald, from upper Prison Management, Gary realizes his original sentence of 30 days was all Bulls@!t. He may never get out.

Release Date2014-01-31

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Charactersd Gary

Strangers with Candy

A prequel to the critically acclaimed series featuring Jerri Blank, a 46 year old ex-junkie, ex-con who returns to high school in a bid to start her life over.

Release Date2006-06-28

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count93

Without a Paddle

Three friends, whose lives have been drifting apart, reunite for the funeral of a fourth childhood friend. When looking through their childhood belongings, they discover a trunk which contained details on a quest their friend was attempting. It revealed that he was hot on the trail of the $200,000 that went missing with airplane hijacker D.B. Cooper in 1971. They decide to continue his journey, but do not understand the dangers they will soon encounter.

Release Date2004-08-20

DepartmentWriting

JobScreenplay

Vote Count682

Mario and the Mob

Mario Dante (Robert Conrad) is a crime boss in the mafia, He inherits a mob of his own, when his nephews and niece have to come and live with him. Along with Alice (Ann Jillian) his girlfriend, they stumble through mishaps and learn to love each other.

Release Date1992-05-16

The Secret Lives of Men

The lives of three divorced men, Michael, Phil and Andy, who have stuck together through most of their lives. They have been thrust back into the lives of bachelors and love to play their sacred game of golf (maybe a little too much). One other thing they have in common... troubles with women.

Release Date1998-09-30

Episode Count13