Quick Facts
Also Known As: Michael John Douglas
Age: 73 Years, 73 Year Old Males
Family:
Spouse/Ex-: Caroline McWilliams (m. 1982–1990)
father: George A. Douglas
mother: Leona Elizabeth Loftus
siblings: Diane M. Douglas, George A. Douglas Jr., Joyce A. Douglas, Pamela M. Douglas, Paul J. Douglas, Robert J. Douglas
children: Sean Douglas
Partner: Courteney Cox (1989–1995)
Born Country: United States
ActorsAmerican Men
Height: 5'9" (175 cm), 5'9" Males
U.S. State: Pennsylvania
Ancestry: Irish American, British American, German American
More Facts
education: Kent State University
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You wanted to know
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See AlsoLoved Oprah’s 108th Book Club Pick? Here’s What You Should Read Next5 facts about child care costs in the U.S.11 Child Musicians Who Grew Up In The Spotlight And Unfortunately Paid A Price For ItWhen did Michael Keaton start his acting career?
Michael Keaton started his acting career in the early 1970s.
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Has Michael Keaton ever reprised his role as Batman in any other movies?
Yes, Michael Keaton reprised his role as Batman in the movie "The Flash," which was released in 2022.
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What is one of the most iconic roles played by Michael Keaton in a superhero movie?
One of the most iconic roles played by Michael Keaton in a superhero movie is that of Batman in the 1989 film "Batman."
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Did Michael Keaton win any awards for his performance in the movie Birdman?
Yes, Michael Keaton won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his performance in the movie "Birdman."
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Childhood & Early Life
Michael Keaton was born Michael John Douglas on September 5, 1951, in Kennedy Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, USA. His father George A. Douglas worked as a civil engineer and surveyor, and his mother Leona Elizabeth was a homemaker. He was the youngest of seven children.
He attended ‘Montour High School’ in Pennsylvania. He then studied speech for two years at ‘Kent State University,’ before dropping out and moving to Pittsburgh. While at school, he used to perform humorous skits to entertain his classmates.
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Career
He tried to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian, but was not successful. In order to make ends meet, he took up job as a television cameraman at the public television station, WQED (TV). It was during this time that he realized that he wanted to work in front of the cameras.
He began auditioning for television roles and made appearances in Pittsburgh public television programs, including ‘Where the Heart Is’ and ‘Mister Rogers' Neighborhood’ (1975). In the latter, he was seen as one of the ‘Flying Zookeeni Brothers.’
Determined to make his mark as an actor, he moved to Los Angeles, looking for more opportunities. Naturally talented and charismatic, he proved to be skilled at playing comedic roles. It did not take him long to land parts in television shows like ‘Maude’ and ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Hour.’
Once he became a popular television actor, he changed his surname to ‘Keaton’ in order to avoid confusion with well-known actor Michael Douglas and daytime host Mike Douglas.
Michael Keaton ventured into films following his television stint and made his film debut with a small non-speaking role in Joan Rivers’ film ‘Rabbit Test.’ During this period, he also worked with James Belushi in the short-lived comedy series ‘Working Stiffs.’ He also appeared in comedy hits, such as ‘Mr. Mom,’ ‘Johnny Dangerously,’ and ‘Gung Ho.’
He got his first big break in 1988 when he was offered the title role in Tim Burton’s horror-comedy ‘Beetlejuice.’ The film, which also had prominent actors like Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara, and Winona Ryder, was a hit and catapulted Keaton to worldwide fame.
Tim Burton played an important role in boosting Keaton’s career when he cast him as the iconic comic book superhero in the film ‘Batman’ in 1989. Keaton, who had primarily played comic roles until then, was initially believed to be the wrong choice to play Batman. However, he silenced his critics with an amazing performance in the movie which went on to become a big hit. Keaton later reprised the role for the sequel ‘Batman Returns’ (1992).
His career thrived throughout the 1990s, and he appeared in several films like ‘Pacific Heights’ (1990), ‘One Good Cop’ (1991), ‘My Life’ (1993), ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (1993), ‘The Paper’ (1994), ‘Out of Sight’ (1998), and ‘Jack Frost’ (1998).
Having started out as a comedian, he gained significant acclaim for his portrayal of dramatic roles. He also proved himself to be skilled at performing action sequences. He remained active throughout the 2000s and worked in films like ‘A Shot at Glory’ (2000), ‘First Daughter’ (2004), ‘Herbie: Fully Loaded’ (2005), and ‘The Merry Gentleman’ (2008).
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He was offered the role of his life in 2014 when he was asked to play ‘Riggan Thomson/Birdman’ in the satirical black comedy-drama film ‘Birdman.’ The film, which focuses on the fading career of a Hollywood actor, went on to become a huge critical as well as commercial hit.
In 2015, he appeared in the Tom McCarthy-directed ‘Academy’ award-winning biographical drama film ‘Spotlight’ where he played the investigative reporter ‘Walter V. Robinson.’ The following year, he played businessman Ray Kroc in the biographical film ‘The Founder.’
2017 saw Keaton appearing as the super villain ‘Vulture’ in Marvel’s super hero film ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming.’ The movie was a critical and commercial blockbuster. That year, he also appeared in the movie ‘American Assassin.’
After playing the antagonist in the fantasy adventure film ‘Dumbo’ in 2019, he went on to play ‘Kenneth Feinberg’ in the 2020 biographical film ‘Worth.’
Major Work
Michael Keaton is best known for his role as ‘Riggan Thomson,’ a Hollywood actor once famous for playing the role of a superhero named ‘Birdman.’ The film follows the actor’s life as he desperately tries to resurrect his career. Keaton received critical praise for this role which earned him several accolades and an ‘Academy Award’ nomination.
Awards & Achievements
He won a ‘Golden Globe Award’ for ‘Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy’ and the ‘Critics' Choice Award’ for ‘Best Actor’ for his performance in ‘Birdman’ (2014). He was nominated for ‘Screen Actors Guild Award,’ ‘British Academy Film Award,’ and ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Actor’ for the same role.
Personal Life & Legacy
Michael Keaton married actress Caroline McWilliams in 1982. In 1983, they were blessed with a son whom they named Sean Douglas. Sean went on to become a songwriter and record producer. Keaton and McWilliams divorced in 1990.
Facts About Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton's birth name is actually Michael John Douglas, but he changed it to avoid confusion with the famous actor Michael Douglas.
Keaton originally wanted to be a stand-up comedian before pursuing acting, and his comedic roots can be seen in many of his roles.
He is known for his love of nature and has a passion for birdwatching, often spending time outdoors to relax and unwind.
Keaton is an avid collector of vintage cars and has a personal collection that includes classic and rare automobiles.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Keaton is known for being down-to-earth and approachable, often taking the time to interact with fans and show appreciation for their support.