Killer Mike
Biography
Michael Santiago Render, better known by his stage name Killer Mike, is an American rapper, actor, and activist born on April 20, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to his musical career, he has built a substantial acting résumé, with sixty‑two credited performances listed on The Movie Database. He is the founder of Grind Time Official Records, a label he launched through SMC and Fontana Distribution. Render is identified as male and is also credited under alternative names including Mike “Killer Mike” Render, Michael Render, and Run. His work spans both music and screen, reflecting a multifaceted presence in entertainment and public advocacy.
Career overview
Michael Santiago Render, who performs under the stage name Killer Mike, was born on April 20 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. He is an American rapper, actor, and activist who has also built a presence in the music‑industry business side. In addition to his recording career, he founded Grind Time Official Records, a label launched through the SMC and Fontana Distribution networks. The artist is also credited under variations of his name, including Mike “Killer Mike” Render, Michael Render, and Run.
As an actor, Killer Mike has accumulated a substantial body of work, with sixty‑two credited appearances listed in the Motion Picture Database. His acting portfolio spans both film and television projects, reflecting a diversification of his creative pursuits beyond music. The database categorizes him primarily under the “Acting” profession, indicating that his on‑screen contributions are a notable aspect of his public career. Throughout his career, he has maintained a dual identity as a performer and a public figure engaged in activism, while continuing to develop his record label and musical output.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
65 titles- Idiots (2026) as Pastor William Armstrong
- Jane Elliott Against the World (2026) as Self
- The Lowdown (2025) as Cyrus
- The Lowdown (2025) as Cyrus Arnold
- Everybody Wants to Be Gen X (2025) as Self
- Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told (2024) as Self - Rapper/Activist
- As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (2024) as Self
- Celebrity Prank Wars (2023) as Self
- Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World (2023) as Self
- Big Bruh (2023) as Money Montez Sheffield / Montez Sr. (voice)
- Rap Trap: Hip-Hop on Trial (2023) as Self
- The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sports (2023) as Self
- Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (2022) as Boxy Brown (voice)
- The Game Plan with Shaquille O'Neal (2022) as Self
- Byron Bowers: Spiritual N***a (2022) as Self (uncredited)
- Adult Swim Festival Presents: Run the Jewels (2022) as Self
- America: The Motion Picture (2021) as Blacksmith (voice)
- Chillin Island (2021) as Self
- Love & Respect with Killer Mike (2021) as Self - Host
- Love & Respect with Killer Mike (2021) Executive Producer
- 2021 and Done with Snoop Dogg & Kevin Hart (2021) as Self
- Black Renaissance: The Art and Soul of Our Stories (2021) as Self
- DAVE (2020) as Killer Mike
- The Good Lord Bird (2020) as Clarence
- Holy Calamavote – A Special Performance by Run The Jewels (2020) as Self
- We Are George Floyd (2020) as Self
- The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019) as Self
- Desus & Mero (2019) as Self - Illustrious Guest
- Momma Named Me Sheriff (2019) as Dr. Um Actually (voice)
- Trigger Warning with Killer Mike (2019) as Self
- Grass Is Greener (2019) as Self
- Naked Hustle (2018)
- Ozark (2017) as Killer Mike
- Baby Driver (2017) as Restaurant Patron #2
- Black, White & Blue (2017) as Self
- Logic's Everybody Documentary (2017) as Self
- Word is Bond (2017) as Self
- Billions (2016) as Killer Mike
- Party Legends (2016)
- Paterson (2016) Thanks
- Hidden Colors 4: The Religion of White Supremacy (2016) as Himself
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self - Musical Guest
- Rubble Kings (2015) Songs
- Run the Jewels: [2015] Reading Festival (2015)
- Run the Jewels - Rock en Seine 2015 (2015) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self - Musical Guest
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self - Guest
- Elementary Genocide (2014) as Himself
- Criminal Behavior (2013) as Anthony
- The Eric Andre Show (2012) as Self
- Question Bridge: Black Males (2012) as Himself
- Portlandia (2011) as Killer Mike
- WWE NXT (2010) as Self
- Frisky Dingo (2006) as Taqu'il (voice)
- ATL (2006) as Killer Mike
- Real Time with Bill Maher (2003) as Self
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Guest
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Musical Guest
- BET Awards (2001) as Self
- Jackboyz (2001)
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000) as Boost Mobile Phone (voice)
- The View (1997) as Self
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self - Guest
- Grind
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Killer Mike best known for?
Killer Mike is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Idiots (2026), The Lowdown (2025), The Lowdown (2025), DAVE (2020).
When and where was Killer Mike born?
Killer Mike was born on April 20, 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
How many credits does Killer Mike have?
Killer Mike has accumulated over 65 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1996 to 2026.
What is Killer Mike's background in cinema and television?
Michael Santiago Render, better known by his stage name Killer Mike, is an American rapper, actor, and activist born on April 20, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to his musical career, he has built a substantial acting résumé, with sixty‑two credited performances listed on The Movie Database. He is the founder o...