Trey Parker's Biography

Trey Parker, born Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III on October 19, 1969, in Conifer, Colorado, is an American animator, writer, producer, director, actor, composer, and songwriter. He is best known as the co-creator of the long-running animated comedy series South Park (1997–present) alongside Matt Stone, as well as the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Book of Mormon (2011). As of January 2026, at age 56, Parker continues to helm South Park's ongoing seasons while developing new projects, including a high-profile live-action musical comedy film collaboration. Growing up in a small-town Colorado environment, Parker was the son of geologist Randolph "Randy" Parker II and insurance saleswoman Sharon Parker—names and professions that directly inspired South Park characters Randy and Sharon Marsh. As a child, he was shy but excelled in honors classes and developed a passion for comedy, music, and animation, heavily influenced by Monty Python and Terry Gilliam's cut-out style. In sixth grade, he performed a bloody dentist sketch in a school talent show that caused a stir among younger students. During high school, he starred in plays, became prom king, and released a comedic music album with a friend titled Immature: A Collection of Love Ballads for the ’80s Man. Parker briefly attended Berklee College of Music before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied music and film. There, in the early 1990s, he met Matt Stone, sparking a lifelong creative partnership. Their first major collaboration was the low-budget musical film Cannibal! The Musical (1993), followed by the short animated video The Spirit of Christmas (1992 and 1995 versions), featuring foul-mouthed kids in a crude style that went viral and caught Comedy Central's attention. This led to the launch of South Park in August 1997 on Comedy Central. Parker and Stone serve as co-creators, executive producers, primary writers (with Parker often handling scripts), directors, and voice actors for most male characters, including Stan Marsh, Eric Cartman, Randy Marsh, Mr. Garrison, and others. The series, known for its rapid production cycle allowing timely satire on current events, has run for over 28 seasons by 2026, earning Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and massive cultural impact. Milestones include the 1999 feature film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song), video games, merchandise, and streaming deals. In 2011, Parker and Stone premiered The Book of Mormon on Broadway with Robert Lopez, a satirical musical about Mormon missionaries that won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and became one of the most successful modern stage productions. Parker has pursued solo and collaborative projects, including directing and starring in Orgazmo (1997, credited as Juan Schwartz), and contributing music across his work. He has been married twice—first to Melissa Parker (2006–2008) and then to Boogie Tillmon (2014–2019)—and has one child. By the mid-2020s, Parker and Stone secured blockbuster deals, including a $900 million Paramount agreement in 2021 for new South Park content and specials, followed by a $1.5 billion streaming deal in 2025 that expanded global rights to Paramount+ and solidified their status as billionaires. As of 2026, Forbes estimates Trey Parker's net worth at approximately $1.2 billion, tied to South Park's syndication, streaming rights, Broadway royalties, and other ventures. In 2026, Parker remains deeply involved in South Park, with Season 28 concluding episodes featuring sharp political and cultural commentary (including Trump-era satire). He is also advancing Whitney Springs, an upcoming live-action musical comedy film co-directed and co-written with Matt Stone, produced in collaboration with Kendrick Lamar (who also stars and produces via pgLang). Originally eyed for 2025 releases before delays to March 2026 and then indefinitely postponed due to reshoots, production demands, touring schedules, and creative refinements, the project follows a young protagonist in a satirical story involving historical reenactment and family secrets. Parker is set to appear as the town's mayor. Despite setbacks, the team confirms ongoing work to complete the film, blending Parker's signature irreverent humor with musical elements. Throughout his career, Trey Parker has shaped modern satire, animation, and musical theater, emphasizing quick-witted commentary on society, religion, politics, and pop culture. His partnership with Matt Stone continues to drive innovative content across TV, film, and stage, maintaining relevance in entertainment as South Park enters its third decade.