Hal Sparks (born Hal Harry Magee Sparks III, September 25, 1969 in Peaks Mill, Kentucky) is an actor, comedian one-time game show host, best known for his witty additions to VH1 and the role of Michael Novotny, on the American television series Queer as Folk. His previous claim to fame was hosting E!'s Talk Soup.
In addition to acting, Hal is also the lead singer and guitarist for a rock band, Zero 1 (previously called The Hal Sparks Band). Members include Hal Sparks(himself), Robert Hall (Sparks's friend) on bass and Miles Loretta (Sparks's cousin) on drums. Their first album was produced by King's X's frontman Doug Pinnick. His musical experience paid off as a contestant in the first season of Celebrity Duets. He often joins the Los Angeles cover band "Metal Skool" to sing "Skid Row" songs.
Hal Sparks is also a regular on VH1's I Love… series: VH1's I Love the 70s, I Love the 80s, I Love the 80s Strikes Back, I Love the 80s 3-D, I Love the 90s, I Love the 90s: Part Deux, I Love the Holidays, I Love Toys, and I Love the '70s Volume II.
Sparks was the captain of the Chicago Hitmen team on GSN's Extreme Dodgeball. He has had small roles in a few films, including Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star and Spider Man 2, where he was an elevator passenger with a handful of lines. Hal's first significant role was in the movie Dude, Where's My Car?, as Zoltan, the head of a clan of nerds obsessed with outer space. Sparks' earliest career began when he became the first youngest game show emcee (next to J.D. Roth) to host the short-lived game show, Treasure Mall, in syndication.
Hal was one of five celebrities to appear in the first episode of VH1's Celebrity Paranormal Project.
Raised in Peaks Mill, KY. At age 14 moved to Chicago and attended New Trier High School. 16 days after graduating he drove to California. He lives in North Hollywood.
Won the "Funniest Teenager in Chicago" contest in 1987
Does not and has never drunk alcoholic beverages.
Has several black-belts in martial arts and presently studies kung-fu
Speaks Mandarin Chinese
Born in Ohio but grew up in Peak's Mill, Kentucky.
He has a sister.
He's traveled to China, Japan, France, England, Mexico, Monaco, Thailand, and Canada.
Had a brief cameo in Spider-Man 2 as the man in the elevator who says "cool Spidey outfit".
