Trey Parker

Trey Parker
Born	Randolph Severn Parker III (1969-10-19) October 19, 1969 Conifer, Colorado, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Actor, animator, writer, producer, director, musician
Years active	1992–present
Known for	Co-creator of South Park and The Book of Mormon

Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III (born October 19, 1969) is a multifaceted American talent encompassing acting, animation, writing, producing, directing, and musicianship. He gained widespread recognition as the co-creator of the long-running animated TV show South Park (debuting in 1997) and the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon (2011), both developed alongside his creative collaborator Matt Stone. Parker's passion for film and music emerged early in life, leading him to enroll at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he met Stone. Together, they produced short films and appeared in Parker’s feature-length musical film Cannibal! The Musical (1993).

Following their move to Los Angeles, Parker directed his second feature, Orgazmo (1997). Before this film’s release, South Park premiered on Comedy Central in August 1997. Parker and Stone have retained full creative authority over the series and expanded its reach into music albums and video games. The movie adaptation, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999), achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Additionally, Parker wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the satirical motion picture Team America: World Police (2004). After extensive development, The Book of Mormon opened on Broadway, receiving highly positive reviews.

Throughout his career, Parker has been honored with five Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on South Park, four Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for The Book of Mormon, and an Academy Award nomination for the song "Blame Canada" from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, co-written with Marc Shaiman.

Early life

Born Randolph Severn Parker III in Conifer, Colorado, he is the son of Sharon, an insurance sales professional, and geologist Randolph "Randy" Parker II. As a reserved child with solid academic performance, he admired Monty Python, which later influenced his animation style. In sixth grade, he wrote and performed a skit called The Dentist, notable for its use of fake blood that caused distress to his parents.

Parker characterized himself as "a typical big-dream kid," aspiring to enter the film and music industries. At age 14, he began making short films with friends using a video camera gifted by his father. By 17, he concentrated on comedic music projects, recording a full-length album titled Immature: A Collection of Love Ballads For The '80's Man, in collaboration with David Goodman. His interest in musical theatre grew as he joined the Evergreen Players community theater group and took part in various productions. During high school, he held leadership roles in choir and was elected prom king. He also worked part-time at Pizza Hut.

After graduating from Evergreen High School in 1988, Parker briefly attended Berklee College of Music before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he majored in film and Japanese studies. It was there that he met Matt Stone through a joint film class; their shared appreciation for edgy humor and Monty Python cemented their partnership. One of Parker’s early student films, Giant Beavers of Southern Sri Lanka (1989), was a parody of monster movies that initially faced skepticism.

Together, Parker and Stone produced several short films such as First Date, Man on Mars, and Job Application. Parker’s first experiment with construction paper animation came with American History (1992), a college project that won a Student Academy Award despite its modest production style. He completed his studies with a double major Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993.

Cannibal! The Musical (1992–1994)

In 1992, Parker, Stone, McHugh, and Ian Hardin established the production company Avenging Conscience, a name inspired by a film they disliked. For their initial project, Jesus vs. Frosty (1992), an animated short, Parker employed the cutout paper animation method.

They produced a brief three-minute trailer for a fictional movie called Alferd Packer: The Musical, inspired by Parker's interest in Alferd Packer, a 19th-century prospector accused of cannibalism. During this timeframe, Parker ended his engagement to Liane Adamo and directed his emotional energy into the project. The trailer gained significant popularity among students, leading Virgil Grillo, the chair of the university’s film department, to encourage them to develop it into a full-length feature. Parker crafted the screenplay as a musical in the style of Oklahoma!, incorporating ten original songs. They raised $125,000 from relatives and friends and began filming on Loveland Pass amid severe winter weather. Under the pseudonym Juan Schwartz, Parker took on the roles of lead actor, director, and co-producer.

The premiere of Alferd Packer: The Musical took place in Boulder in October 1993 and attracted considerable local attention. After receiving no response from the Sundance Film Festival, the team rented a hotel conference room to independently screen the film. MTV featured it in a news segment, which helped establish industry contacts. Their goal was to sell video rights for $1 million to finance another project; however, they ultimately sold it to Troma Entertainment in 1996, where it was renamed Cannibal! The Musical. Following Parker and Stone’s later fame, it became their top-selling work and achieved cult status. This film has since been adapted into stage performances by community theaters and high schools across the country.

The Spirit of Christmas and Orgazmo (1995–1997)

Following their initial achievements, the group—now without Hardin—relocated to Los Angeles and connected with an attorney from William Morris Agency who introduced them to producer Scott Rudin. This connection resulted in legal representation, agency support, and a script deal. Despite early enthusiasm, they faced financial hardships for several years; Stone even resorted to sleeping on soiled laundry for over twelve months. They pitched a children’s show titled Time Warped to Fox Kids, producing two pilots that received executive approval; however, the network eventually shut down its Fox Kids division.

Filmmaker David Zucker commissioned them to create a 15-minute short film for Seagram’s Universal Studios acquisition celebration. Created through improvisation shortly before shooting, Your Studio and You parodied 1950s instructional videos and featured stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Demi Moore, and Steven Spielberg. Parker described directing major celebrities as a daunting challenge for newcomers.

During this time, Parker wrote Orgazmo, partially funded by Japanese adult entertainment company Kuki aiming to promote its performers in Western markets. After screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, independent distributor October Films purchased the film for $1 million. However, an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Association of America hindered its theatrical performance. Attempts by Parker and Stone to negotiate with the MPAA failed to yield specific feedback; they suspected that the rating was influenced by the film’s independent nature.

They also created a short titled The Spirit of Christmas (initially called Jesus vs. Frosty). Fox executive Brian Graden financed a video greeting card version that he circulated among Hollywood insiders. This short became one of the earliest viral videos after being digitized and shared online. As interest grew around Jesus vs. Santa, Parker and Stone expanded it into what would become the television series South Park. After Fox declined due to content concerns—particularly regarding the character Mr. Hankey—they negotiated with MTV and Comedy Central. Choosing Comedy Central to avoid being categorized as a children’s program, they secured a deal when executive Doug Herzog approved development after viewing the short.

Launch and Early Achievements (1997–1998)

The inaugural episode of South Park was created with a budget of $300,000 and required more than three months to finish. It utilized traditional cut-paper stop-motion animation at Celluloid Studios located in Denver, Colorado. The show's backdrop drew inspiration from the actual South Park basin in Colorado, an area noted for legends involving UFO sightings and Bigfoot.

At the time of its debut, Comedy Central had a subscriber base of 21 million but promoted South Park aggressively as "the reason for the V-chip." This marketing approach sparked considerable attention, resulting in approximately $30 million in T-shirt revenue even before the premiere aired. The series debuted in August 1997 and swiftly became one of cable television's most-watched programs, attracting between 3.5 and 5.5 million viewers per episode and rapidly elevating Comedy Central's status as a leading cable network. After the first six episodes performed strongly, Comedy Central commissioned seven additional episodes, concluding the initial season by February 1998.

Previously part of MTV Network, Comedy Central formed its own sales division partly due to South Park's success. By the close of 1998, merchandise sales—including apparel and figurines—surpassed $150 million. The show's popularity contributed to a rise of 3 million subscribers for Comedy Central in early 1998 and facilitated international distribution agreements.

Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone rose to celebrity prominence thanks to the show's success. Their willingness to accept all offers led them into ventures beyond television, such as acting roles in films like BASEketball (1998), which received poor commercial and critical reception, as well as acquiring development rights for a Dumb and Dumber prequel that ultimately was not produced.

Bigger, Longer & Uncut and Sustained Acclaim

In April 1998, Parker and Stone secured a contract with Comedy Central to produce episodes through 1999, which included a share of merchandise profits and a seven-figure bonus to develop a feature film. While producing seasons two and three—later describing season two as "disastrous"—they anticipated the show's decline and decided to commit fully to creating a musical film. They contended with the MPAA to retain an R rating, finally obtaining approval just two weeks prior to release after negotiations with Paramount Pictures. Parker described the production process as demanding, especially amid media speculation about the show's potential conclusion. Released in June 1999, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut received critical praise and grossed $83 million globally.

Parker and Stone continue to write, direct, and voice most characters on South Park, utilizing a distinctive production method that completes episodes within one week. They attribute this rapid turnaround to enhancing the show's spontaneity and comedic timing. Despite early criticism regarding its coarse humor, the series has earned five Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, maintaining its position as one of Comedy Central's top-rated programs. In 2012, production was adjusted from 14 episodes annually to 10 concentrated in a fall schedule to allow focus on other projects.

The South Park brand has expanded into a multi-hundred-million-dollar enterprise including music releases and video games. Comedy Central issued albums such as Chef Aid: The South Park Album and Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics during the late 1990s. The single "Chocolate Salty Balls" reached number one on UK charts in 1998. Initially uninvolved with early video game adaptations, Parker and Stone assumed full creative oversight for the critically acclaimed 2014 game South Park: The Stick of Truth, which garnered industry awards for its writing and voice performances. Broadcast syndication rights were sold in 2003, with all episodes legally available for free streaming on the official South Park Studios website. In 2007, they negotiated a $75 million joint venture with Comedy Central covering all non-broadcast revenue streams—including digital rights, films, soundtracks, and merchandise—divided equally.

In August 2021, Parker and Stone secured a $900 million agreement with ViacomCBS extending South Park for six additional seasons plus 14 projects for Paramount+.

Television and Film Ventures

That's My Bush! (2000–2001)

In 2000, Parker and Stone developed a sitcom focused on the winner of the 2000 U.S. presidential election initially titled Everybody Loves Al, anticipating Al Gore’s victory. Their objective was to lampoon sitcom tropes rather than political content. Production was delayed due to election uncertainties; filming took place at Sony Pictures Studios—marking Parker and Stone’s first experience working on a studio lot.

Airing from April through May 2001, That's My Bush! attracted critical notice but incurred high production expenses—around $1 million per episode. Comedy Central canceled the show in August 2001 as part of cost-cutting efforts; Stone acknowledged that such financial demands were unsustainable for a smaller cable network. Despite cancellation, reruns continued due to its creative merit. Both creators later agreed that its political satire would have faced difficulties after the September 11 attacks. Concurrently, they signed with Shockwave.com for 39 animated shorts maintaining full creative control; however, only two episodes of Princess were produced before being rejected.

Team America (2002–2004)

Beginning in 2002, Parker and Stone developed Team America: World Police, satirizing clichés common in big-budget action films alongside global U.S. politics. Drawing inspiration from the British marionette series Thunderbirds, the film employed puppets operated by approximately 200 crew members; some marionettes required up to four puppeteers.

Despite assembling three dozen skilled puppeteers, even simple scenes like drinking took nearly half a day to film. The intense workload strained the creators; Stone described it as "the worst time of [my] life," relying heavily on coffee and sleeping aids to cope. The film was completed just in time for its October 2004 release.

Receiving positive critical response and modest box office returns, Team America reinforced Parker and Stone’s reputation for inventive satire despite production hardships.

Broadway Endeavors and Film Studio

The Book of Mormon

During production of Team America, Parker and Stone collaborated with writer-composer Robert Lopez on a musical centered on Mormonism. Lopez—creator of Avenue Q and an avid fan of South Park—joined after becoming acquainted with their work. The project titled The Book of Mormon: The Musical of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints developed over several years while balancing their commitments between New York City and Los Angeles; songwriting commenced in 2006 with workshops beginning in 2008 across six sessions spanning four years. Producer Scott Rudin opted for a Broadway premiere rather than off-Broadway, believing Parker and Stone excel under high-pressure environments.

After extensive revisions and rehearsals, The Book of Mormon opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on March 24, 2011. It garnered widespread critical acclaim for its narrative, score, performances, direction, and choreography. The original Broadway cast recording became the highest-charting Broadway album in over four decades. The musical won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, along with a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. It subsequently expanded into two national tours along with productions in Chicago and the United Kingdom; by 2014 Parker and Stone confirmed plans for a film adaptation were underway.

Upcoming Initiatives

Leveraging earnings from South Park and The Book of Mormon, Parker and Stone launched Important Studios in January 2013 to oversee projects spanning film, television, and theatre.

On April 13, 2016, Universal Pictures announced Parker would voice antagonist Balthazar Bratt in Despicable Me 3, released June 2017—his first voice acting role not scripted by himself or Stone.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parker, Stone, and Peter Serafinowicz created the web series Sassy Justice, employing deepfake technology for satire targeting celebrities and politicians; its first episode premiered on YouTube on October 26, 2020. Originally conceived as a film halted by pandemic constraints, it evolved into an episodic format with potential expansion into other media.

In August 2021, Parker and Stone finalized a $900 million deal with Paramount Global securing six more seasons of South Park plus fourteen films exclusive to streaming platforms. Following expiration of HBO Max rights in June 2025, they arranged a five-year exclusive streaming deal with Paramount+, commencing July 21, 2025—with plans for producing ten episodes annually—elevating both creators to billionaire status.

In September 2021 they acquired Casa Bonita for $3.1 million after resolving opposition from community advocates known as "Save Casa Bonita." They invested $40 million into renovations while hiring Chef Dana Rodriguez to revamp culinary offerings. The restaurant held a soft opening on May 26, 2023; began accepting reservations in June; introduced a $30 hourly wage eliminating tipping practices.

In January 2022 Stone announced production on an untitled film co-produced with Parker under their renamed company Park County alongside Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free's PGLang media company—marking their inaugural theatrical collaboration together. Parker and Stone developed deepfake visuals for Lamar’s promotional single "The Heart Part 5" (2022) via their AI startup Deep Voodoo. In March 2023 it was reported that Parker would direct this live-action comedy addressing racial themes; written by Vernon Chatman, distributed by Paramount Pictures, with production slated to begin fall 2024.

Personal Life

Parker married Emma Sugiyama in 2006; their ceremony was officiated by sitcom producer Norman Lear. They divorced in 2008. Subsequently he entered a relationship with Boogie Tillmon whom he married in 2014; they share a daughter born in 2013 along with his stepson from Tillmon’s previous relationship. Although filing for divorce in 2019 citing irreconcilable differences, they reconciled later agreeing to co-parent their child amicably.

Parker currently resides in Los Angeles while owning properties across Steamboat Springs (Colorado), Kauai (Hawaii), Seattle (Washington), as well as Midtown Manhattan (New York City).

In a 2006 ABC News Nightline interview he expressed belief in "a God" while acknowledging humanity’s limited understanding; he described religions as "silly" due to poorly crafted narratives but maintained an open yet skeptical viewpoint.

A profile published by the Los Angeles Times in 2001 characterized Parker as "not overly political" identifying him as a registered Libertarian at that time. In 2004 he summarized his political stance rejecting extremes on both left and right wings describing himself as centrist critical toward polarized ideologies.

Discography

Albums

Soundtrack albums

Selected soundtrack albums chart performance

Title	Details	US	Canada
Chef Aid: The South Park Album	Released: November 24, 1998 Label: Columbia Records	16	14
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut	Released: June 15, 1999 Label: Atlantic Records	28	20
Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics	Released: November 23, 1999 Label: Sony Music Entertainment	—	—
Team America: World Police	Released: October 19, 2004 Label: Sony Music Entertainment	—	—

Cast recording

Cast recording album chart position

Title	Details	US
The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording	Released: May 17, 2011 Label: Ghostlight Records	3

Songwriting Contributions & Other Appearances

Year	Song	Artist	Album	Role/Contribution
1998	"Chocolate Salty Balls"	Isaac Hayes	Chef Aid: The South Park Album	Writer
1999	"Blame Canada"	Mary Kay Bergman	South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut	Co-writer & Composer
2000	"Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld"	Trey Parker & Matt Stone	Non-album single	Co-writer & Composer
2017	"Hug Me"	Pharrell Williams & Trey Parker	Despicable Me 3: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack	Co-writer & Composer

Filmography & Awards

Main article: List of roles and awards of Trey Parker

• Cannibal! The Musical (1993)
• Orgazmo (1997)
• BASEketball (1998)
• South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
• Terror Firmer (1999)
• Run Ronnie Run! (2002)
• Team America: World Police (2004)
• The Aristocrats (2005)
• Despicable Me 3 (2017)
• Untitled Trey Parker film (2026)

External links

• Trey Parker and Matt Stone featured on the Official South Park Website