Born in Pasadena, California, White attended Polytechnic School and Wesleyan University. White's father is the Reverend Dr. Mel White, a former speechwriter for Religious Right figures such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. White is openly bisexual. Advocate, The: White out: writer-producer Mike White comes out and discusses the gay subtext in his new comedy, Orange County - film - Brief Article - Critical Essay - Interview His father, meanwhile, came out as gay in 1994.

White was a writer and producer on Dawson's Creek and Freaks and Geeks and wrote and acted in the films Chuck & Buck, The Good Girl, Orange County, School of Rock and Nacho Libre. He also had a role in the 2004 remake of The Stepford Wives, and the 2008 film Smother.

He frequently collaborates with actor—writer Jack Black on films. Together they formed the production company Black and White, which closed in 2006. Jack Black to Produce In College Football, Big Paydays for Humiliation White is not a fan of classic rock, but he wrote The School of Rock (2003) specifically so Black could perform his own favorite rock music. NPR: Mike White Goes to the 'Dog'

White made his directorial debut with the self-penned Year of the Dog at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. White is a vegan animal rights supporter PETA Media Center > Recent News Releases : Year of the Dog Voted Best Animal-Friendly Movie in Second Annual peta2 Libby Awards and received an award from animal rights group PETA for Year of the Dog.

He was a member of the US Dramatic Jury at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

He appeared on the fourteenth season of The Amazing Race along with his father Mel.They lasted for seven legs before being eliminated in sixth place in Phuket, Thailand.