The Funniest man in America?

Steve Carell may be known in the UK as the actor who portrays Ricky Gervais’ character David Brent (Michael Scott in the US) in the US’ version of TV hit The Office but Carell is thought to be one the funniest men in America.

Born in Massachusetts in 1962 Carell found fame as a correspondent on spoof program The Daily Show. He has later gained award recognition for his rise to fame in both TV and film. The multi-talented actor, writer and comedian won a Golden Globe and many Emmy nominations for his role in The Office.

On the big-screen Carell got praise for supporting roles in comedy films Bruce Almighty (which led to the spin-off film Evan Almighty, where Carell played the lead role Evan Baxter) and 2006 hit Little Miss Sunshine.

Despite being the most expensive comedy ever made Evan Almighty, released in 2007, was slammed by critics, one critic calling the film "a paper-thin alleged comedy" in a Chicago Sun-Times review.

Despite the criticism of films like Evan Almighty Carell has found success in the lead roles of films such as 40-year-old virgin and Get Smart, where Carell plays secret agent Maxwell Smart in the 2008 movie remake. Carell's role in Get Smart saw the actor star in a high profile action film aswell as combining it with his usual comedy. Carell plays title character Andy Stitzer in The 40 year-old virgin, which one critic called "a charmingly bent comedy".

With numerous awards success and consitent praise from many in the business Carell has found comedy success on the small and big screen. Whether or not he is the funniest man in America, Carell is now a regognised and celebrated comedian.

(Image from MSN TV)