Michael Keaton is a celebrated American actor known for his versatile performances in iconic films like Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, Batman, and Birdman. His unique talent and ability to transform into diverse characters have made him a staple in the entertainment industry.
Who Is Michael Keaton?
Michael Keaton, originally named Michael John Douglas, is an American actor who attended Kent State University before dropping out to pursue acting. His early career saw a series of starts and stops in television, but he eventually gained popularity with the comedy film Mr. Mom. Keaton’s collaborations with renowned directors such as Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, Batman), Kenneth Branagh, and Quentin Tarantino have solidified his place in cinematic history. His performance in Birdman (2014) earned him critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win.
Early Life and Background
Michael Keaton was born on September 5, 1951, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of seven children in a family where his father worked as a civil engineer and his mother took care of the household. Growing up in the Forest Grove area of Robinson township, Keaton showed an early interest in acting, often performing humorous skits.
Pursuing Acting
After spending two years at Kent State University, Keaton decided to leave academia and chase his passion for acting. He took on various odd jobs, including driving a cab and an ice cream truck, while dabbling in stand-up comedy. His television debut came in 1975 on the children’s show Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, filmed in Pittsburgh. To avoid confusion with the famous actor Michael Douglas, he adopted the stage name “Michael Keaton,” a choice he has often said was made without any particular inspiration, despite rumors linking it to actress Diane Keaton.
Breaking into Hollywood
Television Beginnings
In 1977, Keaton joined the cast of the sitcom All’s Fair, playing a presidential aide. Although the show was short-lived, he continued to make guest appearances on various TV shows like Mary, Maude, and Family. Keaton’s first lead role came in the comedy Working Stiffs, where he starred alongside Jim Belushi as janitor brothers. Unfortunately, the series lasted only a month. His next attempt, Report to Murphy, where he played a parole officer, also met a quick end.
First Film Success
While struggling on television, Keaton found his footing in the film industry. He co-starred with Henry Winkler and Shelley Long in the 1982 comedy Night Shift, directed by Ron Howard. Although the film received critical acclaim, it did not fare well at the box office. However, Keaton’s breakthrough came the following year with Mr. Mom, a comedy about a man who becomes a stay-at-home dad. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $64 million domestically.
Rise to Stardom
Diverse Roles and Success
Keaton continued to explore different genres, starring in the gangster comedy Johnny Dangerously (1984) and the workplace comedy Gung Ho (1986). In 1988, he took on two very different roles that showcased his range: the mischievous demon in Beetlejuice and a troubled real estate agent in Clean and Sober. The latter earned him the Best Actor award from the National Society of Film Critics.
Becoming Batman
In 1989, Keaton donned the cape and cowl of Batman in Tim Burton’s Batman. His portrayal of the iconic superhero was darker and more complex than previous versions, adding a new dimension to the character. He reprised the role in Batman Returns (1992), where he faced off against villains like the Joker, played by Jack Nicholson, and the Penguin, played by Danny DeVito. Keaton’s Batman became a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for future portrayals by actors like Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale.
Faltering Career and Resurgence
Varied Filmography
After the success of the Batman films, Keaton’s career hit a rough patch. He starred in the psychological thriller Pacific Heights (1990), which received mixed reviews but showcased his talent for playing complex characters. He explored Shakespearean comedy in Much Ado About Nothing (1993) and tackled serious drama in My Life (1993), where he played a man facing terminal illness. Despite these varied roles, many of his films during this period, including The Paper (1994), Speechless (1994), and Multiplicity (1996), failed to achieve commercial success.
Working with Quentin Tarantino
In 1997, Keaton worked with director Quentin Tarantino in the crime thriller Jackie Brown, based on Elmore Leonard’s novel. Keaton played an ATF agent who gets entangled in a smuggling operation. He reprised his role in a cameo in Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight (1998). Despite these roles, Keaton’s career seemed to be in decline as he took on fewer projects.
Revival and New Directions
Television and Voice Acting
Keaton found renewed success on television with the 2002 movie Live from Baghdad, about CNN reporters during the Gulf War. His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He also voiced characters in popular animated films like Cars (2006) and Toy Story 3 (2010).
Directorial Debut
In 2008, Keaton made his directorial debut with The Merry Gentleman, a small-budget independent drama where he also played a depressed hitman. The film was well-received, showcasing Keaton’s skills behind the camera.
Return to the Spotlight
Birdman and Critical Acclaim
Keaton made a triumphant return to the spotlight with his lead role in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014). Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film follows a washed-up actor known for playing a superhero, struggling to revive his career on Broadway. Keaton’s performance was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. Although he didn’t win the Oscar, Birdman won the Best Picture award in 2015.
Spotlight and Beyond
In the same year, Keaton starred in Spotlight, a film about the Boston Globe’s investigation into the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal. The movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 2016, marking Keaton’s second consecutive year starring in an Academy Award-winning film. He continued to explore diverse roles, including portraying Ray Kroc in the biopic The Founder (2016), which chronicled the rise of McDonald’s.
Personal Life
Keaton was married to actress Caroline McWilliams from 1982 until their divorce in 1990. They have one son, Sean Maxwell, born in 1983. Keaton also had a high-profile relationship with actress Courteney Cox from 1990 to 1995.