John Michael Higgins, born February 12, 1963, is an accomplished American actor, comedian, and game show host known for his versatility across television, film, and voice acting. He gained early recognition portraying David Letterman in HBO’s The Late Shift and is widely recognized for his roles in Christopher Guest’s ensemble mockumentary films. Higgins starred in the American adaptation of Kath & Kim and played Peter Lovett in the sitcom Happily Divorced. In animated television, he lent his voice to memorable characters such as Varrick in The Legend of Korra and Mini-Max in Big Hero 6: The Series.
On television, Higgins made a significant impression with his role as Chuck Pierce in the NBC sitcom Great News, where his comedic timing and charismatic delivery stood out. Beyond scripted entertainment, he became a familiar face to daytime audiences as the host of the game show America Says from 2018 to 2022, earning a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host in 2019. His hosting duties continued in 2023 when he took on the revival of the classic game show Split Second on Game Show Network, further cementing his status as a multifaceted performer.
Higgins is a graduate of Amherst College, class of 1985, where he was part of the renowned a cappella group the Zumbyes. His background in musical performance has complemented his acting career, especially in roles requiring vocal talent, such as his appearances in the Pitch Perfect film series. With a career spanning comedy, drama, animation, and hosting, John Michael Higgins has established himself as a dependable and dynamic presence in American entertainment.
