Bill Corbett

Bill Corbett is an American writer, actor, comedian, and puppeteer, best known for his work on the cult television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) and its successor project, Rifftrax. He gained prominence for voicing and performing the robot Crow T. Robot during the show's final three seasons on the Sci-Fi Channel, following the departure of original performer Trace Beaulieu. Corbett's career extends into writing for animated series, performing in live comedy, and contributing to various satirical media projects, establishing him as a significant figure in alternative comedy.

Early life and education

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Corbett developed an early interest in theater and writing. He attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School before pursuing higher education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he studied communications. During his time at university, he became involved with the campus television station and began honing his skills in comedy writing and performance. After graduating, he returned to the Twin Cities area, where he became a part of the vibrant local comedy and theater scene, performing with groups like Theatre de la Jeune Lune and writing for various publications.

Career

Corbett's major break came when he was hired as a writer for the seventh season of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1996. Following the departure of Trace Beaulieu, he was cast as the new performer for the robot Crow T. Robot, also taking on the role of the villainous Nano in the feature film. He continued with the series until its cancellation in 1999, contributing as both a writer and a cast member. After MST3K, Corbett, along with fellow alumni Michael J. Nelson and Kevin Murphy, co-founded the film riffing platform Rifftrax in 2006, providing comedic commentary for modern blockbusters, classic films, and B-movies. He has also written for and voiced characters in several animated series, including The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and Team Galaxy. His stage work includes performances with the comedy troupe The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Hour Live and his own live shows.

Filmography

Corbett's on-screen and voice acting credits are primarily linked to his work in comedy riffing and animation. His notable film appearances include MST3K: The Movie (1996) and the Rifftrax Live series of theatrical events, such as Rifftrax Live: The Room and Rifftrax Live: Miami Connection. On television, he voiced characters on The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and appeared in the G4 series Attack of the Show!. He also performed in the Shout! Factory revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000 for its 2017 Netflix season. His extensive riffing work encompasses hundreds of titles for the Rifftrax catalog, covering films like Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Twilight, and The Room.

Writing credits

Corbett has built a substantial career as a comedy writer. His primary writing output is for Mystery Science Theater 3000 (seasons 7–10) and the ongoing Rifftrax project, where he co-writes the humorous commentaries. He served as a writer and story editor for the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and wrote for the Cartoon Network show Team Galaxy. He authored the book The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Amazing Colossal Episode Guide with Michael J. Nelson and Kevin Murphy. His written work also includes material for live performances, contributions to the National Lampoon website, and scripts for various corporate and comedic video projects.

Personal life

Corbett married Katherine M. O'Connell in 1995, and the couple has two children. He maintains a relatively private life, residing in Minnesota. An avid fan of baseball, he has incorporated references to the Minnesota Twins and the Milwaukee Brewers into his comedy work. He occasionally participates in fan conventions like Dragon Con and CONvergence and engages with his audience through the official Rifftrax website and social media platforms.

Category:American male writers Category:American male actors Category:American comedians Category:1960 births Category:Living people