Flea is best known as bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but also played Needles in The Simpsons, Donnie in The Big Lebowski, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Space Jam. He has a prolific film and TV acting career.
Films
- Obi-Wan KenobiVect Nokru2022
- The Peanut Butter FalconRat Man2019
- Baby DriverEddie (as Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary)2017
- The Road WithinJack2014
- The Big LebowskiDonnie (as Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary)1998
- Space JamKareem Abdul-Jabbar (Looney Tunes character)1996
- My Own Private IdahoBud1991
- Back to the Future Part IIDouglas J. Needles (as Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary)1989
- Back to the Future Part IIIDouglas J. Needles (as Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary)1990
- The ChaseDale1994
TV shows
- The SimpsonsVarious voices (as Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary), including Needles2002–2021
- Breaking BadSkinny Pete’s friend (uncredited cameo)2009
- Drunk HistoryThomas Crapper2013
- Robot ChickenVarious voices2005
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About Flea (musician)
Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea, is an Australian-American musician and actor, primarily recognised as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Born in Melbourne but raised in Los Angeles, he began acting in the 1980s, often taking comedic and eccentric roles. His filmography includes notable supporting parts in independent and mainstream films, as…
FAQs
Is Flea in the Harry Potter films?
No, despite persistent rumours, Flea does not appear in any Harry Potter film. He was considered for the role of the wizard in the Leaky Cauldron but did not appear.
What was Flea’s role in Back to the Future Part II and III?
He played Douglas J. Needles, a rival of Marty McFly who appears in an alternate 1985 timeline and later in 1885, where he is one of Buford ‘Mad Dog’ Tannen’s gang.
Has Flea won any acting awards?
Flea has not won major individual acting awards, but his ensemble work in The Peanut Butter Falcon earned praise. His primary recognition remains with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Does Flea voice any characters in The Simpsons?
Yes, he has voiced several minor characters including an occasional bully named Needles, and also appeared as himself in a couch gag.
What is Flea’s real name?
His legal name is Michael Peter Balzary. He adopted the nickname ‘Flea’ as a teenager.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026