Michael Murphy (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Murphy
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Murphy at the
2006 Toronto International Film Festival |
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| Born |
Michael George Murphy
May 5, 1938 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Height | 6'1" |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
Michael George Murphy (born May 5, 1938) is a talented American actor. He has starred in many films, TV shows, and plays. Michael Murphy is known for often playing characters in charge, like politicians, business leaders, or doctors.
He worked a lot with director Robert Altman. Murphy appeared in twelve of Altman's projects, including films and TV series, from 1963 to 2004. One of his most famous roles was playing Jack Tanner in the TV miniseries Tanner '88. He also had roles in popular movies like M*A*S*H (1970), Nashville (1975), Manhattan (1979), and Batman Returns (1992). More recently, he appeared in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and Away from Her (2007). His performance in the 2014 film Fall earned him a nomination for a Canadian Screen Award.
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Michael Murphy's Early Life and Education
Michael Murphy was born in Los Angeles, California. His mother, Georgia Arlyn, was a teacher, and his father, Bearl Branton Murphy, was a salesman.
After serving in the United States Marine Corps near the end of the Korean War, Murphy went to college. He studied at the University of Arizona and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Before becoming an actor, he taught English and drama at University High School (Los Angeles).
Michael Murphy's Acting Career Highlights
Murphy is well-known for several key roles. He played Martin in An Unmarried Woman (1978) and Yale in Manhattan (1979). He was also the Mayor of Gotham City in Batman Returns (1992). Later, he played Alan Kligman in Magnolia (1999) and Warren Worthington II in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
Working with Director Robert Altman
Michael Murphy worked very often with director Robert Altman. Their collaborations include:
- Captain Ezekiel Bradbury "Me Lay" Marston V in M*A*S*H (1970)
- Det. Lt. Frank Shaft in Brewster McCloud (1970)
- John Triplette in Nashville (1975)
- Jack Tanner in the miniseries Tanner '88 (1988) and its follow-up Tanner on Tanner (2004)
Other films and TV shows with Altman include Combat! (1963), Countdown (1968), That Cold Day in the Park (1969), McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), and Kansas City (1996).
Other Notable Film and TV Roles
Murphy has appeared in many other films, such as What's Up, Doc? (1972), The Front (1976), The Year of Living Dangerously (1983), Cloak & Dagger (1984), and Salvador (1986). He also had roles in Private Parts (1997), Silver City (2004), and White House Down (2013).
While often in supporting roles, Murphy has also played lead characters. He starred in films like Phase IV (1974), Strange Behavior (1981), Shocker (1989), and Fall (2014). He also led in TV movies such as Countdown to Looking Glass (1984) and Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1996).
Murphy has frequently appeared in HBO Films productions. These include Tanner '88, Tailspin: Behind the Korean Airliner Tragedy, and Countdown to Looking Glass. He also appeared in historical biopics like Truman (1995) and Live from Baghdad (2002).
On network television, he had leading roles in Two Marriages (1983-1984) and Hard Copy (1987). He was also a regular supporting cast member on shows like This Is Wonderland, where he played Judge Maxwell Fraser. For this role, he won two Gemini Awards in 2004 and 2005. He also appeared in Tilt (2005) and The Bridge (2010).
Murphy has made guest appearances on many TV series over the years. These include Bonanza, Hogan's Heroes, Law & Order, Judging Amy, and Person of Interest.
He has also worked extensively in Canadian film and television. This includes TV films like H2O (2004) and Away from Her (2006). His Canadian TV series guest roles include E.N.G. and Street Legal.
Narrating Documentaries
Michael Murphy has a successful career as a narrator for documentary films. He has narrated dozens of episodes for the popular PBS series The American Experience. He also narrates the travel series Weekends with Yankee.
Overall, Michael Murphy has acted in 84 films and TV productions. He has narrated 42 documentaries and has 27 TV series credits.
Michael Murphy's Personal Life
Michael Murphy was married to Canadian actress Wendy Crewson from 1988 until their divorce in 2009. They have two children, Maggie (born 1989) and John (born 1992).
Murphy currently lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Awards and Recognition
Michael Murphy has received several awards and nominations for his acting:
- Magnolia — Won — Best Acting by an Ensemble (1999)
- Magnolia — Won — Awards Circuit Community Award for Best Cast Ensemble (1999)
- Magnolia — Won — Best Ensemble (2000)
- Magnolia — Won — Online Film & Television Association Award for Best Ensemble (2000)
- Magnolia — Won — Golden Satellite Award Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Motion Picture Ensemble (2000)
- This is Wonderland — Won — Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series (2004)
- This is Wonderland — Won — Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series (2005)
- This is Wonderland — Nominated — Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Series (2006)
- Fall — Nominated — Best Lead Performance in a Drama Film (2015)
- Mid-Lifetime Achievement Award — Won — Maine International Film Festival (2015)
