Kevin Smith

Born on August 2, he is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, public speaker, comic book writer, author, and podcaster who came to prominence with the low-budget comedy film Clerks, which he wrote, directed, co-produced, and acted in as the character Silent Bob of stoner duo Jay and Silent Bob. The duo also appeared in several of his other films, including Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks II, and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, which are set primarily in his home state of New Jersey. These films are connected through crossover plot elements, character references, and a shared canon known as the "View Askewniverse", named after his production company View Askew Productions, which he co-founded with Scott Mosier.