Hal Harry Magee Sparks III Wiki Biography
Template:Multiple issuesHal Harry Magee Sparks III (born September 25, 1969), known as Hal Sparks, is an American actor, comedian, musician and television personality. He is known for his contributions to VH1, hosting E!’s Talk Soup, and the role of Michael Novotny on the American television series Queer as Folk and as Donald Davenport in Lab Rats.
| Full Name | Hal Sparks |
| Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Date Of Birth | September 25, 1969 |
| Place Of Birth | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Height | 5′ 8″ (1.73 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Producer |
| Education | New Trier High School |
| Nationality | American |
| Children | Camden Harrison Sparks |
| http://www.facebook.com/HalSparksFangPage | |
| http://www.twitter.com/halsparks | |
| http://www.instagram.com/halsparks | |
| IMDB | http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005452 |
| Music Groups | Zero 1 |
| Movies | Slip Away, Hal Sparks: Charmageddon, Dead Space: Downfall, Spider-Man 2, Lightning Bug, Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, Bleacher Bums, Dude, Where’s My Car? |
| TV Shows | Queer as Folk, Lab Rats, Talk Soup, Celebrity Duets, Tak and the Power of Juju, Treasure Mall, Celebracadabra, I Love the ’80s, I Love the ’70s, I Love the ’80s Strikes Back, I Love the New Millennium, I Love the ’70s: Volume 2, Video Game Vixens, The Search for the Funniest Mom in America, Survival… |
| Trademark | |
|---|---|
| 1 | socio-political comedy “The Baseball bit” |
| Quote | |
|---|---|
| 1 | You don’t have a choice of whether to learn your lessons in this life. You have a choice whether to learn through joy or through fear. |
| 2 | Whatever people may think, I’m not making an enormous amount of money. It’s still three times more money than I’ve ever made, maximum, and five times more than my average. So, I’m definitely stylin’. I can afford more than three pairs of jeans now. -E! Online, July 1999 |
| 3 | It’s better to waste money, than it is to waste time. You can always get more money |
| Fact | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hal Sparks is a frequent guest on Twin Cities Live. |
| 2 | Currently filming the 4th season of Queer as Folk (2000), premiering in March 2004. [October 2003] |
| 3 | Talks about pop culture in the 70s on VH1s mini-series I Love the ’70s (2003). [August 2003] |
| 4 | Shooting episode of CSI Touring as a Stand-up Finishing Reality Show for the WB [November 2005] |
| 5 | Weekly guest on The Stephanie Miller Radio show “Humpdays with Hal”. [January 2010] |
| 6 | Charmageddon – Debut Stand up Special airing on Showtime June 4th with DVD to be released June 29th [May 2010] |
| 7 | “Duets” on Fox [August 2006] |
| 8 | Hosts his own weekly talk show on Chicago Progressive Talk Radio. [June 2010] |
| 9 | Voicing “Tak” in _”Tak & the Power of JuJu” (2007)_ for Nickelodeon. [August 2006] |
| 10 | In 2012 the Pittsburgh Pirates began using the iconic “Zoltan” hand gesture from “Dude, Where’s My Car” as a good luck symbol to turn around a 19-season losing streak. After a Twitter campaign to encourage the “real” Zoltan to appear at a game, Sparks flew to Pittsburgh on July 25, 2012 to throw out the honorary first pitch, and was on hand to see the Pirates win 3-2 over his hometown team, the Chicago Cubs. Also on hand was his girlfriend, Summer Soltis, whose family hails from the area and are big Pirates fans. |
| 11 | Previously in a long-term relationship with Suicide Girls “James,” Samantha Humphreys, between 2006 and 2009. He serenaded her on “Celebrity Duets” and appeared with her on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the best-selling book “The Secret.”. |
| 12 | Can play 6 different musical instruments – guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, banjo, and saxophone. |
| 13 | In May of 2011 Hal became a first-time dad with the arrival of his son, Camden Harrison Sparks. |
| 14 | As host of the syndicated game show “Treasure Mall” in 1988, Hal became the youngest show host in history. |
| 15 | Originally named “The Hal Sparks Band”, Hal’s metal band included his cousin Miles Loretta on drums as well as his producer/director/friend Robert Hall. Robert’s company Almost Human has done special effects for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”. |
| 16 | Has a five foot bronze statue of the Chinese God of martial arts, Kwan Gun, in his living room. |
| 17 | Studied with the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago as a teenager. |
| 18 | Had a sketch comedy group called “Here Comes the Neighborhood.”. |
| 19 | Streams his weekly radio appearances with The Stephanie Miller Show and his own Chicago Progressive Talk radio show on the Ustream website. |
| 20 | Is a contributing political blogger on the Huffington Post. |
| 21 | A long time fan and friend of the rock band King’s X, dUg Pinnick was involved in production on Hal’s debut CD. |
| 22 | Hal has performed live regularly in Los Angeles with his good friends Steel Panther, an 80s metal tribute band. |
| 23 | Created the hand gesture for his iconic character Zoltan in Dude, Where’s My Car. |
| 24 | In August 2010, Hal sprung into action with the help of a fellow traveler named Katrina Onyett to perform CPR on an elderly man who collapsed at the Los Angeles International Airport. |
| 25 | Though often mistaken for Vegan with his outspoken views on meat and dairy, Hal is actually a Pescatarian. |
| 26 | Has a metal band called Zero 1, with a self titled debut album. |
| 27 | Had a brief cameo in Spider-Man 2 (2004) as the man in the elevator who says “cool Spidey outfit”. |
| 28 | He’s traveled to China, Japan, France, England, Mexico, Monaco, Thailand, and Canada. |
| 29 | He has a sister. |
| 30 | Born in Ohio but grew up in Peak’s Mill, Kentucky. |
| 31 | Speaks Mandarin Chinese |
| 32 | Has several black-belts in martial arts and presently studies kung-fu |
| 33 | Does not and has never drunk alcoholic beverages. |
| 34 | Won the “Funniest Teenager in Chicago” contest in 1987 |
| 35 | Raised in Peaks Mill, KY. At age 14 moved to Chicago and attended New Trier High School. 16 days after graduating he drove to California. He lives in North Hollywood. |
Actor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Paranormal Project | 2006 | TV Series | |
| Las Vegas | 2006 | TV Series | Doctor Paul |
| CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | 2005 | TV Series | Digger James |
| Queer as Folk | 2000-2005 | TV Series | Michael Novotny |
| Spider-Man 2 | 2004 | Elevator Passenger | |
| Lightning Bug | 2004 | Deputy Dale | |
| Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star | 2003 | Publisher | |
| Frasier | 2003 | TV Series | Receptionist |
| One on One | 2002 | TV Series | Danny Davis Jr. |
| Rendez-View | 2001-2002 | TV Series | Guest Host |
| Bleacher Bums | 2001 | TV Movie | Richie |
| Dr. Dolittle 2 | 2001 | School Fish #1 (voice) | |
| Dude, Where’s My Car? | 2000 | Zoltan – Cult Leader | |
| Martial Law | 2000 | TV Series | Ellroy Nelson |
| Lost & Found | 1999/I | DJ | |
| Cheap Theatrix | 1998 | TV Series | |
| Lifeform | 1996 | Fort Irwin Defense Command (voice) | |
| Night Stand | 1995-1996 | TV Series | Father Chip |
| Signs and Wonders | 1995 | TV Series | Rocker 2 |
| Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman | 1995 | TV Series | Gentle Horse |
| Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | 1994 | TV Series | Skateboarder |
| Chopper Chicks in Zombietown | 1989 | Lance | |
| Frog | 1987 | TV Movie | Jim |
| Lab Rats: Elite Force | 2016 | TV Series | Donald Davenport |
| Lab Rats | 2012-2016 | TV Series | Donald Davenport |
| Gen Zed | 2015 | TV Series | Kevin (2015) (voice) |
| The A-List | 2015 | Brad Schultz | |
| Breaking Fat | 2014 | TV Series short | Llyod |
| Slip Away | 2011 | Short | Seth |
| Extract | 2009 | Guitar Salesman #1 | |
| The House That Jack Built | 2009/I | Tommy | |
| 20Q | 2009 | TV Series | Mr. Q |
| Tak & the Power of Juju | 2007-2008 | TV Series | Tak / Takeeta / Hrumpyfrump / … |
| Tak and the Guardians of Gross | 2008 | Video Game | Tak (voice) |
| SpongeBob SquarePants featuring Nicktoons: Globs of Doom | 2008 | Video Game | Tak (voice) |
| Dead Space: Downfall | 2008 | Video | Ramirez (voice) |
| Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots | 2007 | Video Game | Tak (voice) |
Director
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Rats: Elite Force | 2016 | TV Series 1 episode | |
| Lab Rats | 2014-2015 | TV Series 4 episodes |
Writer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMI Hollywood | 2012 | TV Series writer – 1 episode | |
| Hal Sparks: Charmageddon | 2010 | TV Movie written by | |
| The Ha!ifax Comedy Fest | 2010 | TV Series writer – 1 episode |
Producer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hal Sparks: Charmageddon | 2010 | TV Movie executive producer | |
| The House That Jack Built | 2009/I | producer | |
| Denial | 2006 | Short executive producer |
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queer as Folk | 2002 | TV Series performer – 1 episode |
Thanks
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar | 2009 | TV Movie documentary special thanks | |
| And the Winner Is… | 2009/I | thanks | |
| Zen and Now: A Dinner with David Carradine & Friends | 2004 | Video documentary short special thanks |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nowhere, U.S.A. | 2017 | Documentary filming | Himself |
| The Playboy Morning Show | 2015 | TV Series | Himself |
| I Love the 2000s | 2014 | TV Mini-Series | Himself |
| Radio Disney Music Awards | 2014 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Q N’ A with Mikki and Shay | 2014 | TV Series | Himself |
| ChinaNOW | 2014 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Deconstructing the House That Jack Built | 2013 | Video documentary short | Himself |
| Hub Network’s First Annual Halloween Bash | 2013 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Big Morning Buzz Live | 2013 | TV Series | Himself – Panelist |
| CNN Newsroom | 2013 | TV Series | Himself – Panelist |
| 81st Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade | 2012 | TV Movie | Himself |
| TMI Hollywood | 2012 | TV Series | Himself – Sketch Actor |
| Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin | 2010-2012 | TV Series | Himself – Panelist / Himself – Actor / Comedian |
| TRYathlon | 2012 | TV Series | Himself – Host (2012) |
| The 26th Annual Genesis Awards | 2012 | TV Special | Himself – Presenter |
| The Gossip Queens | 2010-2011 | TV Series | Himself |
| Showcase Minnesota | 2010 | TV Series | Himself |
| Marijuana: A Chronic History | 2010 | TV Movie | Himself |
| The View | 2010 | TV Series | Himself – Guest Co-Host |
| Hal Sparks: Charmageddon | 2010 | TV Movie | Himself |
| Undateable | 2010 | TV Mini-Series documentary | |
| The Tester | 2010 | TV Series | Himself – Judge |
| 8: The Mormon Proposition | 2010 | Documentary | Himself (uncredited) |
| The Ha!ifax Comedy Fest | 2010 | TV Series | Himself |
| Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar | 2009 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| 2009 Game Show Awards | 2009 | TV Special | Mr. Q (voice) |
| 23rd Annual Genesis Awards | 2009 | TV Special | Himself |
| Black to the Future | 2009 | TV Series | Himself |
| 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs | 2008 | TV Movie | Himself |
| I Love the New Millennium | 2008 | TV Mini-Series | Himself |
| Celebracadabra | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| Red Eye w/Tom Shillue | 2008 | TV Series | Himself – Panelist |
| I Should Be F***ing Brad Garrett | 2008 | Video short | Himself |
| The 22nd Annual Genesis Awards | 2008 | TV Special | Himself |
| History of the Joke | 2008 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Spread TV | 2007 | TV Series | Himself |
| Anime: Drawing a Revolution | 2007 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Queer as Folk: Reunion | 2007 | Video documentary | Himself |
| The Greg Behrendt Show | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| VH1 Big in 06 Awards | 2006 | TV Special | Himself |
| Celebrity Paranormal Project | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| Celebrity Duets | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| I Love the ’70s: Volume 2 | 2006 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Science of Superman | 2006 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Robot Chicken | 2006 | TV Series | Himself / Ben Stiller |
| Survival of the Richest | 2006 | TV Series | Himself – Host / Himself |
| Late Night Buffet with Augie and Del | 2006 | TV Movie | Himself |
| I Love the 80’s 3-D | 2005 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| The Tyra Banks Show | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| Weekends at the DL | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards | 2005 | TV Special | Himself |
| The Tony Danza Show | 2005 | TV Series | Himself |
| Ultimate Super Heroes, Vixens & Villains | 2005 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| I Love the ’90s: Part Deux | 2005 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Video Game Vixens | 2005 | TV Series | Himself – Host |
| Zen and Now: A Dinner with David Carradine & Friends | 2004 | Video documentary short | Himself |
| VH1 Big in 04 | 2004 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Dr. Vegas | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| Celebrity Blackjack | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| I Love the ’90s | 2004 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| On-Air with Ryan Seacrest | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| Extreme Dodgeball | 2004 | TV Series | Player Chicago Hitmen |
| The Wayne Brady Show | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Sharon Osbourne Show | 2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| Hollywood Squares | 2000-2004 | TV Series | Himself |
| Hot Summer Days | 2004 | Video short | Himself |
| Love Hollywood Style | 2004 | TV Movie documentary | Actor |
| VH1 Big in 03 | 2003 | TV Special | Himself |
| I Love the ’80s Strikes Back | 2003 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Classmates | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| I Love the ’70s | 2003 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| G-Phoria | 2003 | TV Movie documentary | Link |
| Banzai | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| 100 Most Irresistible Women | 2003 | TV Movie documentary | Himself |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 2003 | TV Series | Himself |
| Jeopardy! | 2003 | TV Series | Himself – Celebrity Contestant |
| I Love the ’80s | 2002 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
| Pyramid | 2002 | TV Series | Himself |
| Larry King Live | 2002 | TV Series | Himself – Guest |
| Player$ | 2002 | TV Series | Himself |
| The Test | 2001 | TV Series | Himself – Panelist |
| The 15th Annual American Comedy Awards | 2001 | Himself | |
| The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | 2001 | TV Series | Himself |
| Pajama Party | 2000 | TV Series | Himself |
| Talk Soup | 1999-2000 | TV Series | Himself – Host |
| Treasure Mall | 1988 | TV Series | Himself – Host |
Archive Footage
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mighty Med | 2015 | TV Series | Donald Davenport |
| In Search of Steve Ditko | 2007 | TV Movie documentary | Elevator Passenger (uncredited) |
| The Best of Talk Soup | 2006 | TV Movie | Himself |
Nominated Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | OFTA Television Award | Online Film & Television Association | Best Actor in a New Drama Series | Queer as Folk (2000) |