David Lawrence McCary, born July 2, 1985, is an American creative professional involved in comedy, writing, producing, and directing. He spent five years, from 2013 to 2018, as a segment director and writer for the influential sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. McCary's career began earlier, forming the sketch group Good Neighbor in 2007 with Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett, and Nick Rutherford. He also directed installments of the popular web series Epic Rap Battles of History between 2010 and 2013. His association with SNL continued after his departure, returning in 2024 to direct a specific sketch. Beyond television, McCary directed the 2017 comedy-drama film Brigsby Bear, which premiered at Sundance. In 2020, he established the production company Fruit Tree with actress Emma Stone, to whom he is married. The couple announced their engagement in 2019 and married the following year, welcoming a daughter in 2021.

David McCary's journey into comedy began in his hometown of San Diego, California. After graduating from Monroe High School in Wisconsin in 2003, he briefly attended the Brooks Institute of Photography before deciding to pursue other creative avenues. His early collaborative efforts were significant, notably forming the sketch comedy group Good Neighbor in 2007 alongside Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett, and Nick Rutherford. This group became a platform for their creative output, leading to a Comedy Central pilot titled The Good Neighbor Show in 2013, which was produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's Gary Sanchez Productions. McCary also honed his directing skills by helming episodes of the widely viewed web series Epic Rap Battles of History from 2010 to 2013, showcasing his early talent in managing comedic content and production.

McCary's career took a major turn in 2013 when he joined the iconic Saturday Night Live as a segment director for its 39th season. This role saw him working behind the scenes, shaping comedic segments for the live show. He remained with SNL for five seasons, departing at the conclusion of season 43 in 2018. His expertise in directing was further demonstrated in 2017 with the comedy-drama film Brigsby Bear. Produced by The Lonely Island, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently released by Sony Pictures Classics. McCary's connection to SNL proved enduring, as he returned in 2024 to direct a pre-taped sketch titled 'Papyrus 2'.

In August 2020, David McCary expanded his professional endeavors by co-founding the production company Fruit Tree. This venture was established with a significant two-year first-look television deal with A24, indicating a focus on developing new television projects. McCary is married to actress Emma Stone. Their relationship began in October 2017, leading to an engagement announcement in December 2019 and their marriage the following year. The couple welcomed a daughter in March 2021, marking a significant personal milestone.