Skip to content
Motif
Steve Little

Steve Little

Actor, also writer · Born July 1, 1972 (54) · Los Angeles, California, U.S

Primetime Emmy winner

Steve Little is an American actor, comedian and writer, best known for his roles on the shows Camp Lazlo, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Eastbound & Down, Adventure Time, The Grinder, and Haters Back Off. He also used to co-star on the Adult Swim series Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter. Little was a member of The Groundlings, an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe based in Los Angeles. Veteran animator Joe Murray encountered Little and asked him if he was interested in being a voice actor and decided that Little matched the "Dung Beetle" characters Chip and Skip on Camp Lazlo. Following a period working as both writer and actor, he starred in the 2011 Todd Rohal film The Catechism Cataclysm. Little also wrote and starred in a Nickelodeon pilot called Cosmic Signals. He has also voiced characters such as Dr. Barber, and Lolly Poopdeck on The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, as well as The Duke of Nuts, Turtle Princess, Abracadaniel and Peppermint Butler on the Cartoon Network series Adventure Time. Little plays the recurring character Stevie Janowski, a middle-school band teacher who idolizes and serves as the personal assistant of the main character, Kenny Powers, on the HBO series Eastbound & Down. He hadn't met Danny McBride or the showrunners before auditioning for the role, but the family atmosphere was "very welcoming." After being cast, Little based some of Stevie's mannerisms and emotions on people he went to high school with. Subsequent to his exposure on Eastbound & Down, he went on to make appearances in series such as 30 Rock and The Office, and Romantic Encounters. Little co-starred in two of Quentin Dupieux's surreal films, Wrong and Wrong Cops. In 2014, he starred in short film Rat Pack Rat, which won jury award at 2014 Sundance Film Festival.[6] In 2015, he starred as Cleve Menu in the Adult Swim show Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter. From 2016 to 2017 he acted in the Netflix series Haters Back Off as Miranda Sings' uncle Jim alongside Colleen Ballinger and Angela Kinsey. During that same year he portrayed the character of George in the comedy horror film Another Evil.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
July 1, 1972 (54)
From
Los Angeles, California, U.S
Works as
Actor, also writer
Titles
53 on Motif · 73 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Official site (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 157 days to Oct 28

What are Steve Little's films like?

Across their 13 Motif titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Bonds.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
54%
Bonds
23%
Society
10%
Survival
4%
Ideas
4%
Power
3%
Morality
2%
Identity10 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship4 titles, browse their movies with this themeAmbition4 titles, browse their movies with this themeComing of age2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeIsolation2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 5 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Wry: How sincerely it treats its story and characters, from ironic to earnest. Browse their wry movies.
Tone · Sincerity
ironicearnest

A split, not a type: Ironic 4 · Wry 0 · Earnest 1

Light: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their light movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

Light 4 · Serious 1 · Dark 0

Heightened: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their heightened movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 0 · Stylized 1 · Heightened 4

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 2 · Charged 3 · Intense 0

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

A split, not a type: Steady 1 · Shifting 1 · Whiplash 3

Funny: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their funny movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 0 · Some laughs 0 · Funny 5

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 3 · Even-paced 2 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 1 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 0

Ambiguous: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their ambiguous movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 1 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 3

Roles they play

4 analyzed roles
Ally
1 of 4
Hero
1 of 4
Threshold guardian
1 of 4
Shadow
1 of 4

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
13
Tense
5
Melancholic
5
Joyful
4
Contemplative
3
Other
5

How their films linger

Fun10 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 4 with a twist

  • Bittersweet5
  • Ambiguous7
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Steve Little's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 47 of their 53 Motif titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Hulu (16).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Steve Little's titles on Motif; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Motif score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

73 credits, 53 with a Motif page.

  • Never Change!(2026)

    as Marvin

    Motif score: 13th percentile of all films

  • Regular Show: The Lost Tapes(2026)

    Show 1 episode · as Plapinger / Teacher / Cop 1 (voice)

    Motif score: 99th percentile of all shows

  • Busboys(2026)

    as Whitey

    Motif score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Fuck My Son! (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2025)

    as Fabian

  • Kiff Lore of the Ring Light (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2025)

    as Glarbin (voice)

  • St. Denis Medical(2024)

    Show 5 episodes · as Sanderson

    Motif score: 63rd percentile of all shows

  • It's Florida, Man(2024)

    Show 1 episode · as Bassnectar

    Motif score: 25th percentile of all shows

  • Wine Club (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2023)

    as Charlie Marvin

  • Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake(2023)

    Show 2 episodes · as Additional Voices (voice) · as Peptank (voice) · as Peptank / Sam (voice) · as Sam / Enchiridion (voice)

    Motif score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Kiff(2023)

    Show 113 episodes · as Glarbin Gloobin (voice)

    Motif score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • It's A Wonderful Binge(2022)

    as Craig

    Motif score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window(2022)

    Show 1 episode · as Prisoner

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • Mark, Mary & Some Other People(2021)

    as Officiant

    Motif score: 27th percentile of all films

  • The Mighty Ones(2020)

    Show 10 episodes · as Dr. Clod (voice) · as Turtle (voice)

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all shows

  • Adventure Time: Distant Lands(2020)

    Show 1 episode · as Peppermint Butler / Abracadaniel (voice) · as Turtle Princess / Peppermint Butler / Gate Guardian / Additional Voices (voice)

    Motif score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Bad Manners (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2020)

    as Father Drucker

  • The Midnight Gospel(2020)

    Show as Captain Bryce

    Motif score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • The Righteous Gemstones(2019)

    Show 3 episodes · as Jacob Jones

    Motif score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling(2019)

    as Nineman / Construction Worker / Cowboy / Ox / Worm B (voice)

    Motif score: 75th percentile of all films

  • Blush(2019)

    as Matthew

    Motif score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Banana Split(2018)

    as Lyft Driver Steve

    Motif score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • Cook Off!(2007)

    as Muffin Man

    Motif score: 16th percentile of all films

  • Room 104(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Randy

    Motif score: 14th percentile of all shows

  • Black Holes (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2017)

    as The Melon (voice)

  • Haters Back Off!(2016)

    Show 16 episodes · as Uncle Jim

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all shows

  • Uncle Kent 2(2015)

    as Doctor

    Motif score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Vice Principals(2016)

    Show 1 episode · as Vice Principal Miggs

    Motif score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Another Evil(2016)

    as George

    Motif score: 31st percentile of all films

  • The Second Sound Barrier (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2016)

    as Professor

  • Jammers (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2016)

    as Danny

  • Being Flat (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2015)

    Actor

  • The Grinder(2015)

    Show 22 episodes · as Todd

    Motif score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Another Period(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Colonel Beauregard Trimbald

    Motif score: 67th percentile of all shows

  • Fresh Off the Boat(2015)

    Show 2 episodes · as Finnegan

    Motif score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Star vs. the Forces of Evil(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as Spider (voice) · as Spider with a Top Hat (voice)

    Motif score: 85th percentile of all shows

  • Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter(2015)

    Show as Cleve Menu

    Motif score: 54th percentile of all shows

  • Marry Me(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Gut Boy

    Motif score: 22nd percentile of all shows

  • Wrong Cops, The Series (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2014)

    Show 7 episodes · as Sunshine

  • Garfunkel and Oates(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Dennis

    Motif score: 70th percentile of all shows

  • Tammy(2014)

    as Jet Ski Rental Guy

    Motif score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Rat Pack Rat (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2014)

    Actor

  • Wrong Cops(2013)

    as Officer Sunshine

    Motif score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Uncle Grandpa(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Additional Voices (voice)

    Motif score: 4th percentile of all shows

  • Coffee Town (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2013)

    as Chad

  • Drunk History(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Mark Twain

    Motif score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Identity Thief(2013)

    as Party Guy's Buddy

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Wrong(2012)

    as Detective Ronnie

    Motif score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Nature Calls(2012)

    as Regional President Charles Swatzer

    Motif score: 4th percentile of all films

  • The Catechism Cataclysm(2011)

    as Father William

    Motif score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Suburgatory(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Danny G

    Motif score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Secret Mountain Fort Awesome (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2011)

    Show 18 episodes · as Slog (voice)

  • The Looney Tunes Show(2011)

    Show 1 episode · Writer

    Motif score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • Regular Show(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Spacey McSpaceTree (voice)

    Motif score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Adventure Time(2010)

    Show 2 episodes · Writer · as Abracadaniel (voice) · as Zombie Candy Heart / Peppermint Butler / Gumball Guardian #2 (voice)

    Motif score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Jeffie Was Here (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2010)

    as Running Waters

  • The League(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Casket Salesman William · as William

    Motif score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • The Ugly Truth(2009)

    as Steve

    Motif score: 50th percentile of all films

  • Eastbound & Down(2009)

    Show 29 episodes · as Stevie Janowski

    Motif score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Young Person's Guide to History (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 1 episode · as Aaron Burr

  • The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack(2008)

    Show 90 episodes · Story · Storyboard Artist · Writer · as Doctor Barber (voice)

    Motif score: 82nd percentile of all shows

  • CN Invaded Part 4: Strange Trout from Outer Space/Cheese Orbs (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2007)

    as Skip / Chip (voice)

  • Reno 911!: Miami(2007)

    as Drug Lord's Second Hostage

    Motif score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Camp Lazlo: Where's Lazlo? (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2007)

    as Chip / Skip / Louis Lemming / Larry Lemming (voice)

  • Because I Said So(2007)

    as Bad Teeth Guy

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all films

  • Camp Lazlo: Shorts (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 14 episodes · Story · as Chip (voice)

  • 30 Rock(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Thad Warmald

    Motif score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Accepted(2006)

    as Desk Clerk

    Motif score: 56th percentile of all films

  • How I Met Your Mother(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Test Taker

    Motif score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Camp Lazlo (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2005)

    Show 114 episodes · Story · as Chip / Skip (voice)

  • The Office(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Conventioneer

    Motif score: 99th percentile of all shows

  • American Dad!(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as (voice)

    Motif score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Reno 911! (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Crazed Man · as Crazed Naked Man · as Creepy Pete · as Future Man

  • DEATH GAME (not in the Motif catalog yet)

    as Ross

Career shape

Star power in the 97th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 71 titles, 70 of them dated from 2003 to 2026; peak year 2013.

Biggest box office

Wrong (2012)

$106K worldwide

Highest rated

Adventure Time (2010)

Motif 97th

Film career

20032026

Peak 2013 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 2 Motif titles. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting70 of 71: 66 only acting, 4 with another role · typical Motif score56thWriting5 of 71: 1 only writing, 4 with another roleOther crew1 of 71: 0 only other crew, 1 with another role

71 titles, 4 with more than one role — acting and writing overlap on 4 of them.

By decade

2000s17 · 17 acting · 3 crew2010s37 · 36 acting · 2 crew2020s16 · acting

Billing

usually 14th · top billed in 0% of 15 roles
0616

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Motif score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on Motif, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

Awards

a Primetime Emmy from 3 major nominations, 2006–2011.

WinNomination
  1. 2011
    • Primetime Emmy, nominated · Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
  2. 2008
    • Primetime Emmy, won · Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Animated Programs
  3. 2006
    • Primetime Emmy, nominated · Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)

Major bodies only: the Oscars, Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild Awards are named; Cannes, Venice, the Berlinale, Sundance, the directors', writers' and producers' guilds, the Grammys, Critics Choice and the Independent Spirit Awards count as other major bodies. Festival and regional prizes are not counted. Source: IMDb.

How do Steve Little's films land?

Their typical Motif film has a Motif score in the 31st percentile, the median of all 20; across their 5 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 42nd percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

42ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Approval · how many liked their films

51stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Reach · how many have seen their films

76thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 5

Motif score across 53 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up18
  • 50th to 74th13
  • 25th to 49th11
  • Below 25th11

Shape of the crowd

18 of their 53 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved12
  • Universally Panned1
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic4
  • Crowd Pleaser15
  • Broadly Agreed2
  • Mixed18

Most divisive · actor

It's A Wonderful Binge (2022)

90th percentile spread · 37% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor, writer

Adventure Time (2010)

Motif 97th · 91% liked

Reviewers score the acting 60/100 in their films, across 4 reviewed titles; fans 73, detractors 41. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on Motif; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Motif score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their Motif titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Steve Little's work okay for kids?

Across up to 8 Motif titles with content scores, frightening / intense runs heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore6 titles21–67 · median 49 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity8 titles14–60 · median 27 · mildnear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 31
Profanity6 titles11–83 · median 36 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 35
Alcohol & Drugs6 titles13–76 · median 35 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense6 titles23–73 · median 51 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Steve Little work with?

People who share at least 2 of Steve Little's Motif titles, grouped by what they did on them; Pendleton Ward shares the most, 3.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Producers

Mixed roles