Matt Stone

Trey Parker Matt Stone 2007

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Trey Parker and Matt Stone by Gage Skidmore

Matt Stone is an American animator, producer, and actor, best known for co-creating the critically acclaimed animated television series South Park alongside Trey Parker. Born on May 26, 1971, in Houston, Texas, Stone grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he met Parker. The duo's shared interest in film and animation led to the creation of South Park, which premiered on Comedy Central in 1997. The show quickly became famous for its unique animation style, dark humor, and satirical approach to social and political issues.

Early Life

Matt Stone was born to Sheila Lois (Belasco), a homemaker, and Gerald Whitney Stone, Jr., an economics professor. He was raised in a Jewish family. During his time at the University of Colorado Boulder, Stone pursued a double major in mathematics and film. It was here that he met Trey Parker, and the two embarked on various creative projects, including a precursor to South Park called The Spirit of Christmas.

Career

Stone and Parker's collaboration on The Spirit of Christmas led to the development of South Park. The animated series features four boys—Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick—and their adventures in the titular town. The show is known for its ability to tackle a wide range of topics, from the mundane to the controversial, all while maintaining a distinctive sense of humor.

Beyond South Park, Stone and Parker have worked on several other projects together. They co-created the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which has received numerous awards, including nine Tony Awards. They also worked on films such as South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and Team America: World Police.

Personal Life

Matt Stone prefers to keep his personal life private. However, it is known that he is married and has two children. Stone has expressed a variety of political views over the years but often emphasizes a libertarian perspective.

Legacy and Impact

Matt Stone, alongside Trey Parker, has had a significant impact on modern animation and comedy. South Park's approach to satire has influenced numerous other shows and creators. Stone's work has been recognized with various awards, including several Emmy Awards for South Park.

Filmography

Stone's career spans various roles, including voice acting, writing, producing, and directing. Some of his notable works include:

• South Park (1997–present) – Co-creator, writer, producer, voice actor
• South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) – Co-writer, producer, voice actor
• Team America: World Police (2004) – Co-writer, producer, voice actor
• The Book of Mormon (2011) – Co-writer, producer

Awards and Nominations

Matt Stone has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, particularly for South Park and The Book of Mormon. These include multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program and several Tony Awards for The Book of Mormon.