ES-2513C Jason Michael Lee (born April 25, 1970) is an American actor, photographer and former professional skateboarder who played Earl Hickey in the television comedy series My Name Is Earl , for which he was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy TV series in 2005 and 2006 by The Golden Globes , and Dwight Hendricks in Memphis Beat (2010–2011). He is also known for his roles in Kevin Smith films such as Mallrats , Chasing Amy , Dogma , Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back , Jersey Girl , Clerks II , and Cop Out . Lee won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in Chasing Amy . He also portrayed David Seville in the live-action/CGI Alvin and the Chipmunks film series. His other notable film roles include starring in Enemy of the State , Almost Famous , Vanilla Sky , Stealing Harvard , A Guy Thing and The Ballad of Jack and Rose . His voice acting credits include Syndrome in The Incredibles , Bones in Monster House and the title character in Underdog . A former professional skateboarder, Lee is the co-founder and co-owner of Stereo Skateboards, founding the company in 1992 with fellow skateboarder Chris "Dune" Pastras . Since 1992, Stereo manufactures and distributes skateboard decks , equipment and apparel, as well as producing skate videos . Lee was born in Santa Ana, California , on April 25, 1970. His father, Greg, was a car dealership manager and his mother, Carol, a homemaker. Lee was raised in Huntington Beach and attended Ocean View High School .