Michael Charles Chiklis(/ˈtʃɪklɪs/;born August 30, 1963) is an American actor. He is best known for his role asLos Angeles Police Department(LAPD) DetectiveVic Mackeyon theFXpolice dramaThe Shield(2002–2008), for which he won thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Seriesin 2002, and was nominated in 2003.
Michael Chiklis | |
|---|---|
 Chiklis in 2014 | |
| Born | Michael Charles Chiklis August 30, 1963 |
| Education | Boston University(BFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Spouse |
Michelle Chiklis (m.1992) |
| Children | 2, includingAutumn Chiklis |
| Website | michaelchiklis |
Other starring television roles of his include Commissioner Tony Scali on theABCpolice dramaThe Commish(1991–1996), Chris Woods inDaddio(2000), Jim Powell on the ABC science-fiction comedy-dramaNo Ordinary Family(2010–2011), Vincent Savino in theCBScrime dramaVegas(2012), Dell Toledo inAmerican Horror Story: Freak Show(2014), and Nathaniel Barnes inGotham(2015–2017). In film, he is best known for his roles asThe Thingin twoFantastic Fourfilms(2005–2007), George Callister inEagle Eye(2008), Terry Eidson inWhen the Game Stands Tall(2014), and Father Dave inHubie Halloween(2020).
Early life
editChiklis was born on August 30, 1963, inLowell, Massachusetts.His mother, Katherine (née Vousboukis), is a hospital administrative aide, and his father, Charlie Chiklis, runs a hair and beauty salon.[1][2]Chiklis has been described as having inherited his acting ability from his mother.[3]His father is a second-generationGreek American(his paternal ancestors came fromLesbos), and his mother is ofGreekandIrishdescent.[4]Chiklis grew up inAndover, Massachusetts[5]and began entertaining his family with celebrity imitations when he was 5 years old. As a child, Chiklis appeared in regional theater productions and became a member of theActors' Equity Associationat age 13. In the ninth grade, he portrayedHawkeye PierceinAndover High School's production ofM*A*S*H.[5]He graduated fromBoston University College of Fine Arts[6]with aBachelor of Fine Arts.[7]
Career
edit
After graduating from college, Chiklis moved toBrooklyn,New York, and was cast in the role ofJohn Belushiin the controversial biopicWired(1989).[8]The film was panned in general and flopped at the box office, though Chiklis's performance as Belushi (one of his idols) was highly praised.[9]He also guest starred in several popular television series such asMiami Vice,B.L. Stryker,Wiseguy,L.A. Law,Murphy Brown,andSeinfeld,as well as in bit parts in such films asNixon.
Chiklis' first successful role was inThe Commish,a police comedy/drama that ran from 1991 to 1996 onABC.Chiklis played Anthony "Tony" J. Scali, apolice commissionerin a small city inupstate New York.AfterThe Commish,Chiklis starred in the short-livedNBCsitcomDaddio.
In 1997, Chiklis replaced Rob Becker in theBroadwayone-man showDefending the Caveman,taking on the role from January 1997[10]to the show's closing in June 1997.[11]
After playingCurly Howardin the TV filmThe Three Stooges(2000), Chiklis decided to reinvent his image. With his wife's help, he spent six months on an extensive workout regimen and shaved his head. He turned up to audition forThe Shieldlooking nothing like the pudgy, friendly character ofThe Commish.[12]Chiklis won over creatorShawn Ryanand nabbed the leading role of the show'santi-hero,LAPDDetectiveVic Mackey.He won the 2002Emmy Awardfor Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series for the role. Chiklis received aGolden Globe Awardthat same year for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Drama as well. Between 2004 and 2005, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series but did not win. Chiklis later parodied his role as Vic Mackey in theRobot Chickenepisode, "Monstourage"; the skit involved Mackey accidentally switching places withBen Grimm.
Since 2000, Chiklis has taken up a number of voice roles, voicing Chihiro's father, Akio, in the English dub ofHayao Miyazaki'sSpirited Awayand Roman/King Webster in thedirect-to-videofeatureThe Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina.He has also performed in several episodes ofFamily Guyand had a voice role inHeavy Gear: The Animated Series.
In 2005, he starred inFantastic Four(2005) asThingand reprised the role in its sequel,Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer(2007). A fan of the comic book series, he had dreamed of playing the character if ever a Fantastic Four film were produced. Chiklis was often praised for his performance in a film that otherwise earned mixed reviews.
In the filmEagle Eye(2008), Chiklis portrays theUnited States Secretary of Defense.
In the wake of theBernie Madoffscandal, Chiklis was developing[needs update]a series atFXabout a similar investment scheme. The project, calledHouse of Cards,concerns a group committing an elaborate scam similar to the Madoff fraud. Chiklis had been developing the project since February 2008 after he and his wife became victims of aPonzi schemethemselves. Chiklis planned toexecutive producebut not star.[13]
Chiklis later starred in the ABC television seriesNo Ordinary Family,which premiered on September 28, 2010,[14]as part of the2010–11 television season[15]and ended in April 2011.[16]He also co-starred in theCBScrime dramaVegas.
In March 2014, it was announced that Chiklis had been cast inAmerican Horror Story: Freak Show,season 4 of theFXanthology series.[17]
In 2014, Chiklis played a small part towards the end of the FX seriesSons of Anarchy.He appears first in the episode "Rose Red", as a trucker who first encounters Gemma, who is on her way to her father, at a truck stop. He also plays a truck driver in the series finale.
In 2015, he appeared inGothamas Captain Nathaniel Barnes.[18]In a nod to Chiklis' time on the Strike Team onThe Shield,his character established a similarly named "Strike Force".
In September 2016, Chiklis released his first solo album,INFLUENCE.He wrote and produced the album at his own Extravaganza Music Studio.[19]
Personal life
edit
Chiklis married Michelle Moran on June 21, 1992, and they have two daughters:Autumn,born on October 9, 1993, and Odessa, born on March 26, 1999.[20]Autumn played Vic Mackey's daughterCassidyonThe Shield.[21]
A lifelong comic book fan he especially enjoyedFantastic Fourprior to his role asBen Grimm,it was reported in 2010 that Chiklis rarely turns down an autograph request from children.[22]
Chiklis is a fan of both theBoston Red Sox,[23]and theBoston Bruins,[24]was interviewed for theHBOdocumentaryThe Curse of the Bambinoabout the Red Sox's long struggle to win theWorld Series,[25]and narrated the video introduction of theNew England PatriotsinSuper Bowl XXXIX.[26]
Chiklis is also an accomplished musician, specializing in drums and vocals, but also playing guitar and bass.[3]He is a member of several performing bands in the Boston area such as The Surgeon General, Best Kept Secret, and Double Talk.[3]He has starred in and produced films through his own production company, Extravaganza.[3][27]
In 2011, Chiklis and his band MCB released their first single "Til I Come Home", a tribute song to the soldiers overseas.[28]The song was used in his TV seriesNo Ordinary Familyin 2011.[29]MCB's prior music includes another single, "Make Me High", written for the independent filmHigh School(2010), starring Chiklis,Adrien Brody,Colin Hanks,andMatt Bush;the single was released in spring 2011.[30]
Following his stint onAmerican Horror Story: Freak Show,Chiklis toldLarry Kingthat he did not enjoy working on the show: "That was one of the darkest years of my career. It was, I think, it's one thing to do a horror film in the context of like two months or something like that, but to live in that for six months it just became, I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm an empathetic person, and I just sometimes start to take things on. But it was so dark, and it was so nasty."[31]
Philanthropy
editChiklis has participated in celebrityTexas hold 'emtournaments to benefit comedianBrad Garrett's charity foundation, Maximum Hope. Chiklis has worked closely with many different charities over the years including The Children's Lifesaving Foundation,[32]Alzheimer's Association,[33]Autism Speaks[34]and theRevlon Run Walk.[35]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Wired | John Belushi | |
| 1990 | The Rain Killer | Reese | |
| 1990 | Maverick Square | Nicky "Fat Nicky" | Television film |
| 1995 | Nixon | TV Director | |
| 1998 | Body and Soul | 'Tiny' O'Toole | |
| Taxman | Andre Rubakov | ||
| Soldier | Jimmy Pig | ||
| 1999 | Carlo's Wake | Marco | |
| St. Michael's Crossing | Benjamin Arensen | ||
| Last Request | Victim | Short film | |
| Do Not Disturb | Hartman | ||
| 2000 | The Three Stooges | Curly | Television film |
| 2001 | Spirited Away | Chihiro's Father | Voice, English dub |
| 2002 | The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina | King Webster | Voice |
| 2005 | Fantastic Four | Ben Grimm / The Thing | |
| 2007 | Rise: Blood Hunter | Clyde Rawlins | |
| Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer | Ben Grimm / The Thing | ||
| 2008 | Eagle Eye | Secretary of Defense George Callister | |
| The Legend of Secret Pass | Calabar | Voice | |
| 2010 | High School | Dr. Leslie Gordon | |
| 2013 | Parker | Melander | |
| Pawn | Derrick | ||
| 2014 | When the Game Stands Tall | Terry Eidson | |
| 2016 | The Do-Over | Carmine | |
| Rupture | Bald Man | ||
| 2017 | Fallen | Narrator | Documentary |
| 2018 | 1985 | Dale Lester | |
| MFKZ | Crocodile | Voice | |
| 2019 | 10 Minutes Gone | Frank | |
| 2020 | Hubie Halloween[36] | Father Dave | |
| 2021 | Don't Look Up | Dan Pawketty | |
| 2023 | The Senior | Mike Flynt |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Miami Vice | Jeffrey Whitehead | Episode: "The Lost Madonna" |
| B.L. Stryker | Unknown | Episode: "Blues for Buder" | |
| Wiseguy | Carlo Spoletta | 4 episodes | |
| 1990 | Murphy Brown | Tony Rocket | Episode: "Brown and Blue" |
| 1990–1991 | L.A. Law | Jimmy Hoffs | 2 episodes |
| 1991 | Seinfeld | Steve | Episode: "The Stranded" |
| 1991–1996 | The Commish | Police Commissioner Tony Scali | 92 episodes |
| 1998 | Touched by an Angel | Matt Colletti | Episode: "Breaking Bread" |
| 2000 | Godzilla: The Series | Colonel Charles Tarrington | Voice, episode: "Where Is Thy Sting?" |
| Daddio | Chris Woods | 15 episodes | |
| 2000–2001 | Family Guy | Various Characters | Voice, 4 episodes |
| 2001 | Heavy Gear: The Animated Series | Lieutenant Jan Agusta | Voice, main role |
| 2002–2008 | The Shield | DetectiveVic Mackey | 88 episodes |
| 2003 | Stuart Little | Scar | Voice, episode: "No Job is Too Little" |
| 2008 | Robot Chicken | Vic Mackey, The Thing, Doc, Detective | Voice, episode: "Monstourage" |
| 2010–2011 | No Ordinary Family | Jim Powell | 20 episodes |
| 2012–2013 | Vegas | Vincent Savino | 21 episodes |
| 2014–2015 | American Horror Story: Freak Show | Dell Toledo | 13 episodes |
| 2014 | Sons of Anarchy | Milo | 2 episodes |
| 2015–2017 | Gotham | Captain Nathaniel Barnes, The Executioner | 41 episodes |
| 2015 | Axe Cop | Voice, episode: "Heads Will Roll" | |
| 2016 | The Simpsons | Boston Americans Quarterback | Voice, episode: "The Town" |
| 2018–2019 | DuckTales | Zeus | Voice, 3 episodes |
| 2020 | Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons | Slade Wilson/Deathstroke | Voice, main role[37] |
| 2021 | Coyote | Ben Clemens | 6 episodes[38] |
| 2022 | Winning Time | Red Auerbach | 5 episodes[39] |
| 2023 | Accused | Scott Harmon | Episode: "Scott's Story" |
| 2024 | Hotel Cocaine | Agent Zulio | 8 episodes |
| Accused | Justin Ward | Episode: "Justin's Story" |
Video games
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Fantastic Four | Ben Grimm / The Thing | Based on the film of the same name |
| 2007 | The Shield | Vic Mackey | Based on the TV series of the same name |
Theater
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Defending the Caveman[10] | – | One-man show |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | The Shield | Won |
| Television Critics Association Awards | Individual Achievement in Drama | Won | ||
| 2003 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Television Series Drama | Won | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| Satellite Awards | Best Actor – Television Series Drama | Nominated | ||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series | Nominated | ||
| 2004 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Television Series Drama | Nominated | |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actor – Television Series Drama | Won | ||
| 2005 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Television Series Drama | Nominated | |
| 2006 | MTV Movie Awards | Best On-Screen Team(shared withJessica Alba,Ioan GruffuddandChris Evans) | Fantastic Four | Nominated |
References
edit- ^"Michael Chiklis Biography (1963–)".Filmreference.RetrievedFebruary 24,2015.
- ^Bickelhaupt, Susan (November 15, 1994)."Mother knows best".Boston Globe.Archived fromthe originalon January 31, 2013.
- ^abcdKarlin, Susan; McMahon, Vincent (November 1999)."Michael Chiklis: Hollywood Survivor".Cigar Aficionado.Archived fromthe originalon October 4, 2013.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"Twitter / MichaelChiklis: I know everyone thinks of me".Twitter.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^abLucas, Drake (June 28, 2008)."Michael Chiklis gets his day in Andover".The Eagle-Tribune.Archived fromthe originalon January 22, 2013.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"BU alums Michael Chiklis and Gary Fleder on the set of CBS's new series" Vegas "".bu.edu.August 23, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon August 27, 2012.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"School of Theatre Distinguished Awards".bu.edu.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Stone, Stone (May 17, 1995)."Michael Chiklis: The show that could".The Spokesman-Review.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"'Wired,' film adaptation of Belushi's life, has two good mimics, one bad plot ".Minneapolis Star-Tribune.August 28, 1989.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^abHaun, Harry (January 29, 1997)."'Commish' Becomes 'The Caveman' on B'Way ".Playbill.RetrievedJune 1,2020.
- ^"'Caveman' is closing ".The New York Times.June 13, 1997.
- ^Weinraub, Bernard (April 3, 2002)."Police Show Has Humans, Not Heroes; In FX's Hit 'The Shield,' Means Justify Ends".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on July 20, 2018.RetrievedJuly 19,2018.
- ^Hibberd, James."It's in the 'Cards' for Michael Chiklis".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived fromthe originalon December 20, 2008.
- ^Ram, Archana (September 28, 2010)."'No Ordinary Family' premieres tonight: Will you be watching? ".ew. Archived fromthe originalon December 4, 2011.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Rice, Lynette (May 12, 2010)."Breaking: ABC picks up 'No Ordinary Family' starring Michael Chikilis".Entertainment Weekly.Archived fromthe originalon May 13, 2010.RetrievedMay 12,2010.
- ^Gorman, Bill (May 13, 2011)."Updated: 'V' Cancelled; 'Brothers & Sisters,' 'Mr. Sunshine,' 'Detroit 187,' 'Off The Map,' 'No Ordinary Family' Cancelled Too".tvbythenumbers.zap2it. Archived fromthe originalon May 16, 2011.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"Michael Chiklis joins the cast ofAmerican Horror Story: Freak Show".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedMarch 28,2014.
- ^Highfill, Samantha (October 12, 2015)."Michael Chiklis is ready to get his hands dirty on Gotham".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedOctober 13,2015.
- ^"Influence".
- ^"Michael Chiklis".IMDb.
- ^"CHIKLIS BANS DAUGHTER FROM WATCHING HER OWN SHOW".contactmusic.March 24, 2004.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Calhoun, Bob (April 6, 2010)."The secret life of Michael Chiklis, comic book god".Salon.RetrievedFebruary 23,2022.
- ^"'Shield' star moves on to bigger Thing ".TimesDaily.July 1, 2005.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Bobbin, Jay (June 9, 2011)."Boston Bruins fan Michael Chiklis watching Stanley Cup Finals 'like a hawk'".zap2it. Archived fromthe originalon September 9, 2011.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Jurkowitz, Mark (September 16, 2003)."HBO takes a powerful swing at explaining Sox' sad history".The Boston Globe.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Wilson, Dave."Michael Chiklis: No ordinary Boston sports fan".ESPN.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Fernandez, Jay A. (December 1, 2011)."Nikki Reed, Sean Faris Join Michael Chiklis' 'Pawn'".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"Michael Chiklis to Release Debut Single".The Hollywood Reporter.February 7, 2011.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Rice, Lynette (February 22, 2011)."'No Ordinary Family' scoop: Michael Chiklis sings! ".Entertainment Weekly.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Fee, Gayle; Raposa, Laura; Johnson, Megan (May 29, 2012)."Michael Chiklis' 'high' school buzz".
- ^"Why Michael Chiklis won't return to 'AHS'".Ora TV.
- ^Tate, Laura (June 4, 2008)."Children's Lifesaving Foundation celebrates 15 years".The Malibu Times.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^Gans, Andrew (February 16, 2006)."Alexander, Kazan, Devine, Garber, Gets, Luft, Mullally and More Set for Funny Girl Benefit".playbill. Archived fromthe originalon February 21, 2014.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"National Philoptochos Children's Medical Fund Luncheon".greeknewsonline. November 26, 2007.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^"The Entertainment Industry Foundation Revlon Run/Walk For Women Celebrates 14 Years in Los Angeles on May 12".prnewswire. April 10, 2007.RetrievedOctober 30,2012.
- ^N'Duka, Amanda (July 22, 2019)."Adam Sandler Sets Next Netflix Comedy With All-Star Cast Including Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Maya Rudolph & Many More".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedJuly 22,2019.
- ^"Newsarama | GamesRadar+".July 18, 2023.
- ^"Paramount Network greenlights production on Coyote".
- ^Michael Chiklis To Play Red Auerbach In HBO’s 1980s L.A. Lakers Series
External links
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