Tony Hale is an Emmy-winning actor and comedian, celebrated for his roles as Buster Bluth in Arrested Development and Gary Walsh in Veep, and for his vibrant voice work across animations.
Early Life & Education
Tony Hale was born on September 30, 1970, in West Point, New York. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, where he participated in theatrical productions through the Young Actors Theatre.
He graduated from Leon High School (1988), earned a journalism degree from Samford University in 1992, and completed graduate studies at Regent University’s School of Communication and the Arts in 1995.
During his time in New York City, he co-founded The Haven, a Christian arts community, and trained in acting at The Barrow Group and the William Esper Studio.
Tony Hale’s Career
Tony Hale’s career spans television, film, animation, and creative production with remarkable versatility: Hale’s breakout came as the neurotic and lovable Buster Bluth on Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019), a cult favorite known for its razor-sharp comedy.
He followed up with a pivotal role as Gary Walsh in HBO’s Veep (2012–2019), portraying the vice president’s devoted aide. This earned him Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2013 and 2015.
In film, he’s featured in Because I Said So (2007), The Informant! (2009), The Heat (2013), Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015), Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021), Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), and Quiz Lady (2023).
As a voice actor, Hale is Forky in Toy Story 4 (2019), plus the spinoff Forky Asks a Question; he voices Fear in Inside Out 2 (2024); and he created and voiced the title character in Archibald’s Next Big Thing (2019–2021) for Netflix and Peacock.
Additional voice credits include roles in The Tale of Despereaux (2008), The Angry Birds Movie (2016) and its sequel (2019), Lego Star Wars, and Disney series such as Sanjay and Craig, Rugrats (2021 reboot), Amphibia, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and more. In live-action, he plays twin roles in Disney+’s The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021) and voiced Reverend and Mayor Traske in Hocus Pocus 2.
As of 2024, Hale produced Inside Out 2 and was confirmed to reprise Forky in the upcoming Toy Story 5. His career continues to balance sharp comedic roles with heartwarming animation and creative production endeavors.
Personal Life
Tony Hale has been married since May 24, 2003, to Emmy-winning makeup artist Martel Thompson. They have one daughter, born in February 2006. The family resides in Los Angeles. Hale is also known for his Christian faith and contributions to The Haven, an artist community he helped establish in New York.
Net Worth
Tony Hale’s net worth is estimated at $9 million, reflecting his prolific work in acclaimed television series (Arrested Development, Veep), animated blockbusters (Toy Story 4, Inside Out 2), voice acting, and content creation.
