John Malkovich
John Malkovich | |
|---|---|
 Malkovich in 2023 | |
| Born | John Gavin Malkovich December 9, 1953 Christopher, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma mater | William Esper Studio |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Spouse |
Glenne Headly
(m. 1982; div. 1988) |
| Partner | Nicoletta Peyran (1989–present) |
| Children | 2 |
Biography
John Malkovich is an American actor, producer, and director known for his intense screen presence, distinctive voice, and wide-ranging roles across film, theater, and television. Born on December 9, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois, he was raised in a culturally engaged family—his mother was a magazine editor and his father a conservationist. He studied theater at Illinois State University and later joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, which he co-founded in 1976.
Malkovich first gained national attention with his role in the 1984 film Places in the Heart, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He solidified his reputation as a cerebral and commanding performer with roles in Dangerous Liaisons (1988), Of Mice and Men (1992), and In the Line of Fire (1993), where he played a chilling assassin, earning another Oscar nomination.
One of Malkovich’s most iconic roles came in the 1999 surreal comedy Being John Malkovich, in which he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. The film’s bizarre premise and his self-aware performance introduced him to a new generation and became a cult classic.
In addition to acting, Malkovich has directed and produced numerous films and theater productions. He has also explored fashion design and music collaborations, showcasing his diverse artistic interests. Known for his intellectual approach to performance, he often chooses unconventional roles and independent projects.
Malkovich has lived in Europe for much of his adult life and is fluent in French. He has two children with his longtime partner, Nicoletta Peyran.
Respected for his originality and fearlessness as a performer, John Malkovich remains a singular presence in the entertainment world, continuously defying typecasting and redefining what it means to be a character actor in contemporary cinema.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2007)
- When the Leaves Come Falling Down - Van Morrison
- Rainy Day in Georgia - Brook Benton
- Once Upon A Time - Frank Sinatra
- Kentucky Avenue - Tom Waits
- Accordian Theme from Dancer Upstairs - Alberto Iglesias
- Still D.R.E. (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Dr. Dre
- Highway 29 - Bruce Springsteen
- Who Knows Where The Time Goes? - Nina Simone [1]
Literature (likes)
Miscellaneous
- The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner [1]
Food (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Cappuccino [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "John Malkovich". Desert Island Discs. 1 December 2002. BBC.