Hayes MacArthur is an American actor and comedian who has built a steady two-decade career playing memorable supporting roles in television comedies and studio films. Born on April 16, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois, he is widely recognized for his work in the TBS procedural parody Angie Tribeca, Netflix's Merry Happy Whatever, and comedies like Super Troopers 2. Unlike overnight sensations, MacArthur carved out his place in the entertainment industry through rigorous training, recurring television guest spots, and sharp comedic timing.
This profile examines MacArthur's upbringing, his transition from collegiate athletics to professional performance, his breakthrough television and film roles, and his family life.
Early Life and Education
MacArthur grew up in Chicago as the son of Bruce and Shelley MacArthur. His stepfather is businessman William F. Farley, and his younger brother, Scott MacArthur, is also an actor and writer.
For his secondary education, MacArthur attended Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. He then went to Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government. During his college years, he didn't immediately pursue acting; instead, he made a name for himself on the football field as the team's starting quarterback, setting several athletic records.
After graduating, MacArthur shifted focus toward performance. He moved to Los Angeles and trained extensively with prominent improv and theatrical institutions, including The Groundlings Theater Company and the Atlantic Theater Company. These training grounds helped him transition from athletic fields to sketch comedy and commercial auditions.
Early Television Guest Roles and Breakthroughs
MacArthur's professional acting career began in the early 2000s. Like many working actors in Los Angeles, he started by landing single-episode guest spots on major network sitcoms and procedural dramas.
Between 2005 and 2008, he appeared on popular television series such as The King of Queens, Medium, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Entourage. He also secured two separate guest appearances on CBS's How I Met Your Mother as Curt "The Ironman" Irons.
His first taste of extended television work came with recurring roles in short-lived or mid-season replacement comedies. He played Chad in the Fox sitcom Worst Week (2008–2009) and starred as Rex in the NBC sitcom Perfect Couples (2010–2011). Though these series didn't run for multiple seasons, they established MacArthur as a reliable comedic presence capable of playing arrogant yet charming characters.
Major Television Projects: Angie Tribeca and Beyond
MacArthur's most prominent television role came in 2016 when he was cast as a series regular in the TBS absurdist comedy series Angie Tribeca, created by Steve and Nancy Carell. Starring opposite Rashida Jones, MacArthur played Detective Jay Geils, Jones's straight-faced partner in a fictional Los Angeles Police Department unit. The show leaned heavily into rapid-fire visual gags, deadpan delivery, and slapstick humor. MacArthur appeared in 30 episodes across the show's run, cementing his status as a recognizable face in television comedy.
Following Angie Tribeca, MacArthur continued to land notable television work across various streaming and broadcast platforms:
- Merry Happy Whatever (2019): Starred as Sean Quinn alongside Dennis Quaid and Bridgit Mendler in this Netflix holiday comedy series.
- Mr. Mom (2019): Played Greg Anderson in the revival series based on the 1983 film.
- The Morning Show (2019): Made a guest appearance as Marlon Tate in Apple TV+'s flagship drama.
- The Runarounds (2025): Joined the cast as a series regular in this Amazon Prime series created by the minds behind Outer Banks.
Film Career and Studio Comedies
In addition to his television work, MacArthur has appeared in numerous studio comedies and indie features. He made his feature film footprint with supporting roles in sports-themed comedies and family films, such as Disney's The Game Plan (2007) starring Dwayne Johnson, and the romantic comedy She's Out of My League (2010) alongside Jay Baruchel.
He later joined the cast of Super Troopers 2 (2018) as Mountie Podien, working with the Broken Lizard comedy troupe. His film credits also include Life as We Know It (2010), A Haunted House 2 (2014), and Bobby Farrelly's holiday comedy Dear Santa (2024), where he starred opposite Jack Black.
Personal Life
MacArthur met actress Ali Larter on the set of the film National Lampoon's Homo Erectus. The couple married on August 1, 2009, in Kennebunk, Maine. They have two children together: a son, Theodore (born in 2010), and a daughter, Vivienne (born in 2015).
Beyond his acting work, MacArthur has been involved with philanthropic organizations in Los Angeles, including The Art of Elysium, a charity that provides creative arts workshops for hospitalized children, earning recognition for his consistent volunteer efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hayes MacArthur married to?
MacArthur has been married to actress Ali Larter since August 2009. They met while working together on the film National Lampoon's Homo Erectus.
What is Hayes MacArthur's most famous role?
He is best known for playing Detective Jay Geils in the TBS comedy series Angie Tribeca and Sean Quinn in Netflix's Merry Happy Whatever.
Did Hayes MacArthur play professional sports?
No. While he was a standout quarterback at Bowdoin College and set multiple football records, he did not play professionally, choosing instead to pursue an acting career after graduation.
Does Hayes MacArthur have any famous relatives?
Yes, his younger brother is actor and writer Scott MacArthur, known for his role in the Fox comedy The Mick.
