Mitch Rouse is a multifaceted creative individual who has made a name for himself as a writer, director, and actor. Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Rouse's early life took an unconventional turn when he dropped out of college and moved to Chicago to study improvisation under the guidance of the legendary Del Close.
This formative experience led to his membership on the prestigious stage of Chicago's Second City Theatre, where he honed his skills alongside notable alumni such as John Belushi, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, and Tina Fey. Rouse's time at Second City saw him write and perform in numerous shows, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Rouse's next move was to New York, where he appeared in the David Sedaris play "Stitches" at La Mama Theatre. It was during this period that he collaborated with fellow Second City alum Stephen Colbert to create and star in Exit 57, Comedy Central's inaugural half-hour sketch comedy series. The show ran for two seasons and garnered five Cable Ace Award nominations, including nods for Best Actor and Best Writing for a comedy series.
Rouse's subsequent work includes the creation and starring role in Comedy Central's cult-hit "Strangers With Candy," the network's first half-hour scripted series, which later adapted into a feature film produced by David Letterman's World Wide Pants.
Throughout his career, Rouse has appeared in a wide range of television shows, including "Reno 911!," "Spin City," "The Secret Lives of Men," and "Lost at Home." His film credits include notable roles in "Rudy," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," "Friends with Money," "Spy School," and "The Heartbreak Kid."
In addition to his television and film work, Rouse has also ventured into writing and directing. He created, wrote, and directed Spike TV's first foray into comedy, the critically acclaimed Factory, which starred longtime friend and fellow Second City member David Pasquesi. Rouse and Pasquesi are also responsible for the film festival favorite "Merkin Penal," a dark prison comedy.
Rouse's writing and directing credits also include the darkly comedic "Employee of the Month," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and has since become a cult classic. He also wrote Paramount Pictures' summer comedy "Without a Paddle," starring Seth Green, Dax Shepard, and Burt Reynolds.
In recent years, Rouse has continued to work in television and film, starring alongside Jennifer Hudson, Brittany Snow, and Melissa Leo in Lifetime's "Call Me Crazy: A Five Film." In his personal life, Rouse is married to actress Andrea Bendewald and they have two children, Tennessee and Strummer.