SmartLess Creators & Guests

Will Arnett is a Canadian actor, comedian, and producer. Born in Toronto, Arnett achieved fame with his role as the charismatic yet clueless Gob Bluth in the acclaimed TV series "Arrested Development" (2003-2019), earning widespread recognition and an Emmy nomination. He is well-known for voicing Batman in the "Lego Movie" franchise and starring in the animated series "BoJack Horseman" (2014-2020), where his portrayal of the titular character received critical acclaim. Arnett's film credits include "Blades of Glory" (2007), "Hot Rod" (2007), and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (2014). Additionally, he co-created and hosts the popular Netflix series "Murderville" (2022). Arnett hosts Wondery’s hit podcast SmartLess alongside Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.

Jason Bateman is an actor, director, and producer. Born in Rye, New York, Bateman began his career as a teen actor in the 1980s with notable roles on "Little House on the Prairie" and "Silver Spoons." He achieved widespread acclaim as Michael Bluth in the iconic TV series "Arrested Development" (2003-2019), earning a Golden Globe for his performance. Bateman's filmography includes films such as "Juno" (2007), "Horrible Bosses" (2011), and "Game Night" (2018). His directorial skills were showcased in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "Ozark" (2017-2022), where he also starred as Marty Byrde. Bateman earned multiple Emmy nominations for acting and directing in the series, and won an Emmy in 2019 for directing the Ozark episode "Reparations.” Bateman hosts Wondery’s hit podcast SmartLess alongside Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.

Sean Hayes is an actor, comedian, singer, and producer. He is known for his role on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award, four SAG Awards, and one American Comedy Award. He has also received nominations for six Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. Hayes's success on "Will & Grace" led to roles in films such as "The Bucket List" and voice work in animated features like "Monsters University." Beyond acting, Hayes is a producer, co-founding the production company Hazy Mills Productions, which has produced several hit shows, including "Grimm" and "Hot in Cleveland." Hayes hosts Wondery's hit podcast SmartLess alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

Bennett Barbakow is an American filmmaker, director, and producer. Barbakow is the director, composer, and producer of SmartLess Podcast.

Bill Simmons is a well-known sports analyst, author, and podcaster, recognized for his influential work in sports media. He founded the popular website Grantland and the sports and pop culture website The Ringer, both of which have been highly regarded for their insightful and engaging content. Simmons has also authored several best-selling books on sports and pop culture and hosted the successful podcast "The Bill Simmons Podcast." His tenure as an analyst on ESPN and his innovative approach to sports journalism have earned him a dedicated following and significant influence in the field of sports media.

Matthew Rhys is an acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances in both television and film. Born in Cardiff, Wales, Rhys gained widespread recognition for his role as Philip Jennings in the critically acclaimed series "The Americans" (2013-2018), earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. His film work includes notable roles in "The Post" (2017), "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (2019), and "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" (2018). Rhys is also known for his work on the HBO series "Perry Mason" (2020-2023). He continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, earning praise for his talent and dedication to his craft.

Jerry Seinfeld is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director.

Wayne Gretzky, born January 26, 1961, is a former professional ice hockey player known as "The Great One." He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history, holding records for the most goals and points. Gretzky won four Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers and earned numerous individual accolades during his career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and executive roles within the sport.

Sam Rockwell is an Academy Award-winning film actor who became known for his critically acclaimed roles in films like "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" (2002), "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" (2017), and "Vice" (2018). Rockwell was born in Daly City, California, and grew up primarily in San Francisco with his father, while spending the summers in New York with his mother. After graduating high school he moved to New York to pursue his career as an actor where he worked odd jobs while landing small roles in films. In 1994, Rockwell appeared in a nationwide beer commercial and was financially secure enough to pursue acting full time.

Jimmy Kimmel, born November 13, 1967, is a prominent television host, comedian, and producer, best known for hosting the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" since 2003. Kimmel's career in entertainment began with co-hosting Comedy Central's "The Man Show" and "Win Ben Stein's Money," where he showcased his comedic talent. Over the years, he has become a significant figure in late-night television, known for his humor, engaging interviews, and memorable segments. Kimmel has hosted several major awards shows, including the Oscars and the Emmys, further cementing his status as a key player in the industry.

David Beckham is a former English professional footballer and global sports icon, widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Known for his exceptional crossing ability, free-kick prowess, and accurate long-range passing, Beckham played for several top clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. He won numerous titles throughout his career, including six Premier League titles with Manchester United and two MLS Cups with LA Galaxy. Beckham also earned 115 caps for the England national team, serving as captain for much of his international career. Off the field, Beckham is a successful entrepreneur and fashion icon, co-owning Inter Miami CF, an MLS team.

Carey Mulligan is a British actress known for her nuanced performances and impressive range. Born in London, Mulligan gained widespread recognition for her role in "An Education" (2009), for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She has since starred in a variety of acclaimed films, including "Never Let Me Go" (2010), "Drive" (2011), "The Great Gatsby" (2013), and "Promising Young Woman" (2020), earning another Oscar nomination for the latter. Mulligan's work spans both independent and major studio films, consistently earning praise for her ability to convey deep emotional complexity. She continues to be a prominent and respected figure in contemporary cinema.

Emily Blunt is a distinguished British actress known for her versatility and compelling performances across various genres. She first gained international attention with her role in "The Devil Wears Prada," which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Blunt's career continued to ascend with standout performances in films such as "The Young Victoria," "The Adjustment Bureau," and "Edge of Tomorrow." She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of an alcoholic struggling for redemption in "The Girl on the Train," earning a BAFTA Award nomination. Blunt has also excelled in family-friendly films, playing the titular role in "Mary Poppins Returns" and co-starring with her husband, John Krasinski, in the thriller "A Quiet Place," for which she won the Screen Actors Guild Award. Her dynamic range and commitment to her craft have established her as one of the leading actresses in contemporary cinema.

Dax Shepard is an American actor, comedian, writer, and podcast host recognized for his versatility in film and television. He gained prominence with roles in movies such as "Without a Paddle," "Employee of the Month," and "CHiPs," the latter of which he also wrote and directed. He is also known for his work in television with roles like Crosby Braverman in Parenthood and Luke Matthews in The Ranch. Beyond his film and TV career, Shepard has made a significant impact in the podcasting world with "Armchair Expert." On this popular podcast, he conducts deep and engaging conversations with a wide range of guests, including celebrities, academics, and experts, exploring their personal and professional experiences. His approachable and candid interview style has garnered a large and loyal audience, making "Armchair Expert" a notable presence in the podcasting landscape.

Trevor Noah is a celebrated comedian, television host, and author best known for his role as the host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Noah began his career as a stand-up comedian, gaining international recognition for his sharp wit and incisive humor. He succeeded Jon Stewart as the host of "The Daily Show" in 2015, bringing his unique perspective and global sensibility to the show. Noah has received numerous accolades for his work, including two Emmy wins. In addition to his television career, he is the author of the bestselling memoir "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" (2016), which chronicles his experiences growing up during apartheid.

Anderson Cooper is a distinguished American journalist, television personality, and author renowned for his work as the anchor of CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360°." With a career spanning several decades, Cooper has reported from numerous global hotspots, earning acclaim for his coverage of major events such as Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, and various political crises. He is also a correspondent for CBS's "60 Minutes." Cooper's journalism has garnered multiple awards, including several Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, highlighting his commitment to high-quality, in-depth reporting. Known for his sharp interviewing skills and compassionate storytelling, Cooper is a leading figure in contemporary broadcast journalism.

Jessica Ulrika Meir is an esteemed American marine biologist and NASA astronaut known for her significant contributions to space exploration and scientific research. Meir earned her Ph.D. in marine biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she studied the physiology of animals in extreme environments. Selected by NASA in 2013, she made history as part of the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, alongside fellow astronaut Christina Koch. Meir's work on the International Space Station (ISS) has focused on physiological and biological experiments in microgravity. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting her dedication to advancing our understanding of life sciences and space exploration.

Dave Gahan is an English singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the electronic band Depeche Mode.

John Oliver is a British comedian, writer, producer, and television host. Born in Birmingham, England, Oliver gained prominence as a correspondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (2006-2013). In 2014, he launched his own show, "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," on HBO, which has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for its impactful and humorous deep dives into current events and social issues.