Michael Madsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Madsen
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Madsen at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con
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| Born | September 25, 1958 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Other names | Maykl Madsen |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 6, including Christian |
| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Virginia Madsen (sister) |
Michael Madsen (born September 25, 1958) is a well-known American actor. He has appeared in many movies and TV shows. You might know him from films like Free Willy, where he played Glen Greenwood, or from his voice roles in popular video games.
Michael Madsen has often worked with famous director Quentin Tarantino. Some of their movies together include Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Volume 2, and The Hateful Eight. He is also known for his roles in The Natural, Thelma & Louise, and Sin City.
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Early Life and Family
Michael Madsen was born in Chicago, Illinois. His birthday is September 25, 1958. His mother, Elaine Madsen, was a filmmaker and writer. His father, Calvin Christian Madsen, was a firefighter and a veteran of World War II.
Michael has two siblings. His sister, Virginia Madsen, is also a well-known actress. Their parents divorced when Michael was young. His mother then focused on her career in the arts.
Acting Career Highlights
Michael Madsen started his acting journey at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. He learned a lot there and even performed in a play called Of Mice and Men.
Early Film Roles
One of his first movie roles was a small part in the science fiction film WarGames. He later appeared in the thriller Kill Me Again. In 1992, he played "Mr. Blonde" in Quentin Tarantino's first movie, Reservoir Dogs.
Michael Madsen was offered a role in Tarantino's film Pulp Fiction but turned it down. He also starred in the crime movie Donnie Brasco. He has said that he chose some roles to support his family.
Famous Collaborations
Madsen played the character Budd in Kill Bill: Volume 2. Budd was the brother of the character Bill. Director Quentin Tarantino once thought about making a movie called Double V Vega. This film would have brought together characters played by Madsen and John Travolta.
In 2014, Michael Madsen appeared in the music video for "Black Widow" by Iggy Azalea and Rita Ora. The video had a Kill Bill theme. He also starred in the western film The Hateful Eight.
Television and Voice Acting
Michael Madsen has also worked on television. He played Jim Ricker in the eighth season of the TV series 24. In 2012, he was a contestant on the British reality show Celebrity Big Brother.
He has lent his voice to several video games. These include Grand Theft Auto III, Narc, and the Dishonored series. His voice acting brings many video game characters to life.
Giving Back
Michael Madsen has been involved in charity work. In 2002, he received an award for his support of the Shriners Hospital for Children. This hospital helps children with medical needs.
He also participated in the "Love Ride" event in 2009. This event aimed to raise money for local charities. He hosted an event in 2016 to benefit Children's Pediatric Cancer.
Awards and Recognition
Michael Madsen has received several awards for his acting and other work.
- He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Red Hen Press in 2006.
- In 2008, the Malibu International Film Festival honored him for his acting achievements.
- He won the Firecracker Alternative Book Award in 1999 for his book of poetry, Burning In Paradise.
- He won Best Actor awards at the Boston Film Festival and New York International Independent Film and Video Festival for his role in Strength and Honour.
- For his role in The Hateful Eight, he won the Ensemble of the Year award at the Hollywood Film Awards.
Filmography
Michael Madsen has appeared in many films and television shows throughout his career. Here are some of his notable works:
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | WarGames | Lieutenant Steve Phelps | |
| 1984 | The Natural | Bartholomew "Bump" Bailey | |
| 1991 | The Doors | Tom Baker | |
| 1991 | Thelma & Louise | Jimmy Lennox | |
| 1992 | Reservoir Dogs | Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde | |
| 1993 | Free Willy | Glen Greenwood | |
| 1995 | Species | Preston "Press" Lennox | |
| 1997 | Donnie Brasco | Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano | |
| 2002 | Die Another Day | NSA Director Damian Falco | |
| 2004 | Kill Bill: Volume 2 | Budd | |
| 2005 | Sin City | Detective Bob | |
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | Oliver | |
| 2015 | The Hateful Eight | "Grouch" Douglass/Joe Gage | |
| 2019 | Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | Sheriff Hackett |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Miami Vice | Sally Alvarado | Episode: "Give a Little, Take a Little" |
| 1998–99 | Vengeance Unlimited | Mr. Chapel | Main Cast |
| 2001–05 | Animal Precinct | Himself/Narrator | Main Narrator: Season 1-4 |
| 2010 | 24 | Jim Ricker | Recurring Cast: Season 8 |
| 2012 | Celebrity Big Brother | Himself | Contestant: Season 9 |
| 2012 | Bob's Burgers | Kevin Costner (voice) | Episode: "Moody Foodie" |
| 2014 | Hawaii Five-0 | Roy Parrish | Episode: "Na hala a ka makua" |
Video Games
| Year | Title | Voice role |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Grand Theft Auto III | Toni Cipriani |
| 2006 | Reservoir Dogs | Vic Vega/Mr. Blonde |
| 2012 | Dishonored | Daud |
| 2014 | The Walking Dead: Season Two | William Carver |
| 2023 | Crime Boss: Rockay City | Travis Baker |
Images for kids
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Madsen as a senior in high school, 1975
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Madsen in 2006
See also
In Spanish: Michael Madsen para niños
