5 Surprising Facts About Mike O'Malley's Career And The Fate Of 'Heels' Season 3

Mike O'Malley, the prolific actor, writer, and showrunner, continues to redefine his career in Hollywood, moving seamlessly between dramatic roles, comedy, and behind-the-scenes leadership. As of December 15, 2025, the biggest news surrounding O'Malley is the uncertain but hopeful future of his critically acclaimed wrestling drama, Heels, and the exciting development of a brand-new comedy series he is creating for NBC. This multi-talented artist, best known to many as the beloved Burt Hummel from Glee or the goofy Jimmy Hughes from Yes, Dear, is now leveraging his decades of experience to shape the television landscape as a powerful executive producer and writer.

The conversation around O'Malley has shifted dramatically from his iconic acting credits to his influential role as a creator, particularly following the unexpected cancellation of Heels by Starz. Fans and industry insiders are now closely watching his efforts to find a new home for the wrestling drama, while simultaneously anticipating the launch of his new, currently untitled NBC sitcom. His ability to balance on-screen performances with complex showrunning duties solidifies his status as one of the industry's most versatile and enduring figures, a true multi-hyphenate talent.

Mike O'Malley: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Michael Edward O'Malley, known professionally as Mike O'Malley, has built an expansive career that spans nearly every facet of television and film. His journey from a game show host to a Golden Globe-nominated actor and celebrated showrunner is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft of storytelling. Below is a detailed look at his life and career milestones.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

• Full Name: Michael Edward O'Malley
• Date of Birth: October 31, 1966
• Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Hometown & Upbringing: Raised in Nashua, New Hampshire
• Education: Graduated from Nashua High School and later attended the University of New Hampshire and Boston University.
• Profession: Actor, Writer, Producer, Showrunner, Director, Playwright.
• Spouse: Lisa Stanger (married 2000)
• Children: 3
• Breakout Role (Acting): Host of the popular Nickelodeon game shows Nickelodeon GUTS (1992–1995) and Get the Picture.
• Iconic TV Roles:
  • Jimmy Hughes in Yes, Dear (2000–2006)
  • Burt Hummel in Glee (2009–2015) - Role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
  • George Limmer in My Name Is Earl (2008–2009)
  • Sam Miller in The Good Place (2018–2020)
  • Charlie Gully in Heels (2021–2023)
• Notable Film Roles: Sully (2016), 28 Days (2000), Deep Impact (1998), Meet Dave (2008).
• Showrunner/Writing Credits: Heels (Starz), Survivor's Remorse (Starz), Shameless (Executive Producer/Writer).
• Playwriting: Wrote the play Three Years from Thirty and the independent feature film Certainty, which he also produced.

The Ongoing Battle to Save 'Heels' Season 3 and Netflix Rumors

One of the most compelling and current stories in Mike O'Malley's professional life centers on the fate of Heels, the Starz wrestling drama he serves as the showrunner, executive producer, and a recurring actor (Charlie Gully). Despite critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase, Starz made the shocking decision to cancel the series in September 2023 after its second season. This cancellation left the narrative arc, centered around the conflict between brothers Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig), unresolved.

The Active Campaign to Find a New Home. Following the cancellation, O'Malley and the cast, including lead actor Stephen Amell, have been vocal and "actively" seeking a new network or streaming platform to pick up the series for a third season. This is a crucial piece of current information for fans: the show is not dead, but in limbo.

The Netflix Factor. A major development fueling hope for Heels Season 3 involves Netflix. The first two seasons of the show have been licensed and made available on the global streaming giant. This move has introduced the series to a massive new audience, and showrunner O'Malley has openly discussed the potential of Netflix stepping in to renew the series. The hope is that a surge in viewership on the platform could demonstrate the necessary audience demand to justify a revival.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

O'Malley has previously stated that the vision for Season 3 would involve a slight jump forward in time, a creative choice that could offer a fresh starting point for a new network. His dedication to continuing the story of the Duffy Wrestling League (DWL) and its complex characters underscores his commitment not just as a hired hand, but as the creative architect of the show.

From Burt Hummel to Showrunner: O'Malley’s Multi-Hyphenate Evolution

Mike O'Malley's career trajectory is an excellent case study in how a successful actor can transition into a powerful creative force behind the camera. His evolution from a comedic actor to a respected showrunner represents a significant shift in his professional focus, allowing him to explore more complex, dramatic storytelling.

The Writer's Room Pivot. While many know him from his on-screen roles, O'Malley's true creative pivot began with his work as a writer and producer. He gained significant experience in the writers' room on critically acclaimed and long-running series like Showtime's Shameless, where he served as an executive producer and writer. This experience honed his skills in managing a large-scale production and crafting long-form, character-driven narratives.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The Starz Success with Survivor's Remorse. Before Heels, O'Malley was the showrunner for the Starz basketball comedy-drama Survivor's Remorse. His leadership on this series, which ran for four seasons, solidified his reputation as a capable and insightful showrunner, successfully blending humor with serious topical issues. This project showcased his ability to move beyond network sitcoms and into the edgier world of premium cable.

The New NBC Comedy Series. Looking ahead, O'Malley is not resting on his laurels while fighting for Heels. He is currently developing a new, untitled comedy sitcom for NBC. This new series marks a return to the network comedy format, but with the added depth and nuance gained from his years of dramatic writing. The project, which has been picked up for the next broadcast season, is a major vote of confidence from a major network in O'Malley’s creative vision and ability to deliver a hit show.

The Legacy of Burt Hummel and Typecasting Challenges

For a generation of fans, Mike O'Malley will forever be known as Burt Hummel, the blue-collar, emotionally supportive father of Kurt Hummel on the FOX musical comedy-drama Glee. This role was a turning point in his career, earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination and allowing him to shed the "average schlubs" typecasting he had previously faced.

An Unexpected Dramatic Turn. Burt Hummel was a character of immense heart and dramatic weight, tackling issues of acceptance, homophobia, and parental love. O'Malley's sensitive and powerful performance in Glee proved his range, demonstrating his capability as an outstanding dramatic actor, a contrast to his earlier comedic roles like Jimmy Hughes in Yes, Dear. This success led to more varied roles, including a recurring dramatic role on FX's Justified.

The Nickelodeon GUTS Phenomenon. Before his prime-time success, O'Malley was a cultural icon for 90s kids as the energetic host of Nickelodeon GUTS, famous for the "Aggro Crag" competition. His work on this show, and Get the Picture, established his on-screen presence and charisma, ultimately leading him to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.

Future Projects and The New Hampshire Dream

Beyond the immediate focus on Heels and the NBC sitcom, O'Malley has expressed a deep-seated creative ambition for a passion project. He has spoken about his long-term dream of creating a series set in a community similar to his New Hampshire upbringing. This project would likely draw on his personal experiences and his proven ability to craft compelling narratives rooted in specific, relatable local settings, offering a potential future look into his storytelling interests.

Whether he is fighting to save a beloved wrestling drama, launching a new network comedy, or developing a personal story about his roots, Mike O'Malley remains one of the most dynamic and relevant figures in modern television. His current projects ensure that his influence will continue to be felt both in front of and behind the camera for years to come.