Will Arnett

Will Arnett is a Canadian-American actor and comedian known for his deep baritone voice and impeccable comedic timing. He first gained widespread recognition as the hilariously inept magician Gob Bluth on the Fox/Netflix sitcom Arrested Development, a role that earned him multiple Emmy nominations across the show's original run and revivals. Arnett later voiced the titular depressed horse in Netflix's animated series BoJack Horseman, a performance that won him a Primetime Emmy Award. Over his career, he has appeared in over 40 films and more than 100 television episodes.

Arnett's television work extends beyond Arrested Development. He played the scheming Devon Banks on 30 Rock, a recurring role that earned him another Emmy nod. On the big screen, he has starred in comedies like Hot Rod, Blades of Glory, and Semi-Pro, as well as the action-packed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. His distinctive voice has brought to life characters in animated hits including Ratatouille, Despicable Me, and the Lego Movie franchise, where he voiced Batman.

From 2020 to 2025, Arnett hosted the Fox reality competition Lego Masters, showcasing his passion for building. He also co-hosts the popular comedy podcast SmartLess with Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman, which launched in 2020 and features surprise celebrity guests. Arnett continues to voice the character Sweet Tooth in the video game adaptation series Twisted Metal, which premiered in 2023. His ability to balance live-action and voice roles, along with his work as a host and podcaster, makes him one of the most versatile entertainers working today.[edit]

William Emerson Arnett was born on May 4, 1970, in Toronto, Ontario, to Edith Alexandra, a registered nurse, and Emerson James Arnett, a lawyer who later became a vice president at Molson Breweries. He grew up in Toronto with two older brothers. Arnett attended the all-boys private school Upper Canada College, where he first discovered his love for acting. He was also a competitive swimmer during his school years.

After graduating, he briefly studied at the University of Toronto but dropped out to pursue acting full-time. He moved to New York City to train at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. His early career included small roles in Canadian television and film, such as a guest spot on The Cosby Show in 1992 and a role in the 1996 film The Waiting Game. A pivotal moment came when he moved to Los Angeles and began landing guest roles on shows like Felicity and Sex and the City. These appearances helped him gain traction in the industry, leading to his breakout role.[edit]

Arnett's breakthrough came in 2003 when he was cast as Gob Bluth on the Fox sitcom Arrested Development. The role earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. He followed this with a series of film roles, including Hot Rod (2007), Blades of Glory (2007), and Semi-Pro (2008). In 2014, he voiced Batman in The Lego Movie, a role he reprised in several sequels and spin-offs, including The Lego Batman Movie (2017). Also in 2014, he began voicing the title character in the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman, which ran for six seasons and was critically acclaimed. The role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance in 2016.

From 2020 to 2025, Arnett hosted the Fox reality competition Lego Masters, showcasing his passion for building. In 2020, he co-founded the podcast SmartLess with Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman, which has become a major success, reportedly generating $10 million annually from ads and live shows. He voiced Sweet Tooth in the video game adaptation series Twisted Metal (2023–present). His other notable roles include Devon Banks on 30 Rock and appearances in Ratatouille (2007), Despicable Me (2010), The Nut Job (2014), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). In 2025, he launched a production company, Arnett Productions, focusing on comedy content.[edit]

Arnett is known for his deep, resonant baritone voice and often plays arrogant, clueless, or sarcastic characters. He is seen as a versatile comedic actor with a knack for voice work, often described as underrated or a comedic genius. His fandom, unofficially called the Arnett Army, frequently quotes his Arrested Development lines, like I've made a huge mistake, and BoJack Horseman monologues. On social media, he maintains a witty, self-deprecating, and engaging presence.[edit]

Will Arnett's audience is a unique blend of cult classic devotees and animation enthusiasts, united less by a formal moniker than by a shared reverence for his specific brand of deadpan absurdity. While the broader 'Arrested Development' community often rallies around his role as Gob Bluth, and LEGO fans champion his turn as the caped crusader in The LEGO Batman Movie, there is no single official name like the 'Arnett Army' that serves as an exclusive identifier for his followers. Instead, fan interaction remains digital and conversational, characterized by casual banter on social media and support for charitable causes like the Michael Garron Hospital rather than large-scale organized campaigns. The cultural mythology surrounding him relies heavily on verified anecdotes, such as the candid exchange with Jason Bateman on SmartLess in June 2026 where he famously shut down questions about Amy Poehler with a dry, brotherly retort that has since become a staple of fan lore.

This enduring relevance is reflected in his current standing across global metrics. Will Arnett is currently the 96th most famous person in Canada, marking a slight dip from his previous position. He also holds the spot of the 82nd most famous person from Canada, reflecting his consistent impact on the nation's entertainment landscape. These placements are part of the iFANN Global Fame Rankings.[edit]

Will Arnett holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States and was a competitive swimmer during his high school years. A devoted enthusiast, he owns a massive collection of over 10,000 Lego sets, a passion that later influenced his professional life. He once declined a role in the U.S. version of The Office to remain committed to Arrested Development. Known for his fear of flying, Arnett frequently drives cross-country to reach filming locations. His close friendship with Jason Bateman has led to numerous collaborations, including their work together on multiple projects.

A defining moment in recent fan folklore occurred during a June 2026 episode of the SmartLess podcast. When Bateman jokingly pressed Arnett about his ex-wife, Amy Poehler, Arnett snapped back with the line, "None of your f***ing business," before clarifying it was a joke. This candid exchange quickly became a quintessential example of his dry wit and brotherly rapport with Bateman. Additionally, his portrayal of a narcissistic Batman in The LEGO Batman Movie sparked a viral sensation, leading to a surge in merchandise and memes that kept his image prominent in pop culture for years.[edit]

Arnett was born to Edith Alexandra, a registered nurse, and Emerson James Arnett, a lawyer who became a vice president at Molson Breweries. He has two older brothers. He was married to actress Penelope Ann Miller from 1994 to 1995. He later married actress and comedian Amy Poehler in 2003; they have two sons, Archie (born 2008) and Abel (born 2010). The couple separated in 2012 and divorced in 2016. As of 2026, Arnett is single and focuses on his children and career. He owns homes in Los Angeles and New York.[edit]

Arnett frequently collaborates with Jason Bateman (co-star in Arrested Development and The Gift, co-host of SmartLess), Sean Hayes (co-host of SmartLess), and Amy Poehler (ex-wife, comedy collaborator). He has worked with Michael Cera in Arrested Development and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Tina Fey on 30 Rock, and Chris Pratt in The Lego Movie.[edit]

Arnett married actress Penelope Ann Miller in 1994; the marriage ended in divorce in 1995. They met while working together and the split was amicable. In 2003, he married actress and comedian Amy Poehler, whom he met through the comedy scene. They had two sons, Archie (2008) and Abel (2010), before separating in 2012 and divorcing in 2016. The split was attributed to growing apart. After his separation, Arnett dated Canadian model and actress Erin David from 2012 to 2014. He then dated model Alessandra Brawn from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, he dated journalist and former Entertainment Tonight producer Christina McLarty, but the relationship was brief. He was briefly linked to actress Natalie Zea in 2018, but neither confirmed a serious relationship. As of 2026, Arnett is reportedly single and focuses on his children and career.[edit]

As of 2026, Will Arnett's net worth is estimated at $40 million, a figure derived from iFANN's editorial analysis of his diverse career earnings. His wealth accumulates through acting salaries that range from an estimated $100,000 to $200,000 per episode for Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman. Film fees, particularly from The Lego Movie franchise, have earned him $5 to $10 million total. The SmartLess podcast reportedly generates $10 million annually from ads and live shows. Hosting Lego Masters brought in an estimated $500,000 per season. He also maintains endorsement deals with brands like Lego and Geico. Real estate holdings include homes in Los Angeles and New York, valued at $4 million and $2 million respectively. Arnett further bolsters his financial portfolio with investments in production companies and tech startups.[edit]

Arnett has won several major awards. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for BoJack Horseman in 2016. He also won a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Voice-Over Performance and an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting, both for BoJack Horseman in 2016. His work on Arrested Development earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble in 2004 and an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance (shared with the cast) in 2004. He won a People's Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie Voice for The Lego Movie in 2015 and a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance in an Animated Program or Series for BoJack Horseman in 2017.[edit]