Jason Bateman, born in 1969, is a native of New York. His father, Kent Bateman, a film and television writer, director and producer moved the family, which included mom Victoria and older sister Justine Bateman to California.
Jason Bateman began acting in 1979 at age 10 and in 1981 landed the recurring role of James Cooper Ingalls in the popular drama series "Little House on the Prairie." Throughout the 1980s, Jason Bateman appeared in many television shows including "Knight Rider," "Silver Spoons" and "It's Your Move." In 1986, Jason Bateman was a bona fide teen idol when he landed the role of David Hogan on a family-oriented sitcom called "Valerie," which aired on American television from 1986-1991; the show's title was renamed "The Hogan Family" after the first season. In 1987, Bateman became the Directors Guild of America's youngest-ever director when he directed three episodes of "The Hogan Family" at the age of 18.
During "The Hogan Family" series run, Jason Bateman starred in many movies, most notably "Teen Wolf Too," the sequel to Michael J. Fox's hit "Teen Wolf."After "The Hogan Family" series ended its run in 1991, his career slowed down for nearly a decade. During this time he continued working, appearing in episodes of various sitcoms, short-lived sitcoms and movies, but no starring roles. During this time Bateman managed to stay out of the tabloids and celebrity magazines like People, OK! magazine and Us Weekly magazine.
In the August 2009 issue of the men's magazine, Details magazine, Jason Bateman told the magazine that after the end of "The Hogan Family" he abused alcohol and drugs for a decade. It was only in 2001, after his wife, actress Amanda Anka, gave him an ultimatum, did he seek help through the alcohol and drug treatment program, Alcoholics Anonymous.
In 2002, things began to turn around for Jason Bateman's career. First he landed a role in the movie "The Sweetest Thing," opposite Cameron Diaz. Second he was cast as Michael Bluth in the offbeat Fox comedy produced by Ron Howard, "Arrested Development."
"Arrested Development," which first aired in 2003, proved to be the breakthrough role Jason Bateman needed. Although critically acclaimed, the series never achieved high ratings. After only three seasons, "Arrested Development" ended, much to the chagrin of its fans. In 2005, Bateman was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on "Arrested Development," and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy.
While starring in "Arrested Development," Jason Bateman also landed supporting roles in several successful movies including 2004's slapstick comedies Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Starsky & Hutch. In 2006 he appeared in a supporting role in the box off hit The Break-Up with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. Also in 2006, Jason Bateman and his wife Amanda Anka welcomed daughter Francesca Nora Bateman. In 2007, Bateman and his daughter appeared in a Gap holiday ad campaign, which appeared in many fashion magazines.
Despite great critical acclaim, Arrested Development was cancelled and the 2006 season was its last. At this time there was a great uproar among fans and though the television garnered a lot of attention from entertainment magazines and other media, it was not enough to boost ratings. Jason Bateman noted in the aforementioned Details magazine article that there is in fact an Arrested Development movie in the works.
In 2007, he appeared in supporting roles in modestly successful movies The Kingdom and Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. That same year he appeared in a supporting role in one of the most successful movies of the year, the Oscar-nominated Juno. In 2008, he starred with Will Smith and Charlize Theron in the action-comedy superhero flick, Hancock.
In fall 2009 Jason Bateman is back on top with several movies set to release. This time around he appears in starring roles. He will be seen next in Extract, a Mike Judge comedy an later in Couples Retreat, with Vince Vaughn; The Invention of Lying, with Jonah Hill and Jennifer Garner; and Up in the Air, with George Clooney.
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