Mike Barker (producer)
Michael Wayne Barker (born June 7, 1968 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.) is an American writer and producer, best known for his work on the Fox adult animated television series Family Guy and for co-creating American Dad!. He has also done voice work on both series.
Mike Barker | |
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![]() Barker at the 2010 Comic Con in San Diego. | |
Born | Michael Wayne Barker June 7, 1968 Los Angeles, California |
Occupation | Animator, voice actor, television writer, producer |
Years active | 1999–present |
Career
Michael Wayne "Mike" Barker worked with Seth MacFarlane and Matt Weitzman as a writer and producer on early seasons of Family Guy.[1] He has also voiced some of the characters on Family Guy and American Dad, most notably Terry Bates, the gay local co-anchorperson.
In 2003, MacFarlane presented to Barker an idea for a new adult animated series. The idea revolved around a conservative father and his liberal hippy daughter. Barker accepted the offer to develop the series with MacFarlane and Weitzman.[2] Barker also provided voice work for the series. MacFarlane has credited Barker and Weitzman with American Dad!'s success and longevity, stating that the two of them have been in charge of creative direction over the series since its beginnings.
It was announced on November 4, 2013 that Barker had departed American Dad! after 10 seasons with the program, and was replaced by Weitzman as the series' sole showrunner. Barker remains under an overall contract with 20th Century Fox Television.[3][4]
References
- Battaglio, Stephen (2006) "CIA Leak: Talking politics with American Dad's Mike Barker", TV Guide, April 13, 2006, retrieved February 5, 2010
- Adalian, Josef (2005) "'Dad' dudes in Fox family.(Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman sign deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television)", Variety, May 10, 2005, retrieved February 5, 2010
- Andreeva, Nellie (October 30, 2013). "'American Dad' Executive Producer/Co-Showrunner Mike Barker Exits". Deadline.com. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
- 11/05/2013 8:44 am EST (November 1, 2013). "'American Dad' Shakeup: Co-Creator Leaving Before TBS Move". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved November 5, 2013.