Michael Parks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Parks
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Parks in Then Came Bronson (1969)
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| Born |
Harry Samuel Parks
April 24, 1940 Corona, California, U.S.
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| Died | May 9, 2017 (aged 77) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1960–2017 |
| Spouse(s) |
Louise Johnson
(m. 1956; div. 1958)Joanne E. "Jan" Moriarty
(m. 1964; died 1964)Carolyn Kay Carson
(m. 1969; div. 1977)Frances Alston Fenci Walker
(m. 1987; div. 1996)Oriana Parks
(m. 1997) |
| Children | 2, including James |
Michael Parks (born Harry Samuel Parks; April 24, 1940 – May 9, 2017) was an American actor and singer. He was famous for appearing in many movies and TV shows. He starred in the TV series Then Came Bronson from 1969 to 1970. Later in his career, he became well-known for working with famous directors like Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, and Kevin Smith.
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About Michael Parks' Life
Michael Parks was born in Corona, California, in 1940. When he was a teenager, he worked many different jobs. He picked fruit, dug ditches, drove trucks, and even helped fight forest fires.
He was married five times. His last marriage was to Oriana in 1997, and they stayed together until he passed away. Michael Parks had two children, including a son named James, who also became an actor.
Michael Parks' Acting Career
Michael Parks started his acting career in 1961. He appeared in TV shows like The Real McCoys and Wagon Train. He also acted with Bette Davis in an episode of Perry Mason. In 1966, he played the role of Adam in the movie The Bible: In the Beginning....
Then Came Bronson and Music
From 1969 to 1970, Parks starred in the TV series Then Came Bronson. In the show, he played Jim Bronson, a man who traveled from town to town on a cool red Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He sang "Wayfarin’ Stranger" in the pilot episode. He also sang the show's theme song, "Long Lonesome Highway." This song became a big hit, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Michael Parks also recorded five music albums. These albums were released by MGM Records, the same company that made his TV series. Some of his popular albums included Closing The Gap and Long Lonesome Highway.
Later Roles and Collaborations
After Then Came Bronson, Michael Parks found it harder to get big roles in Hollywood. He later said that he was "difficult on the set" sometimes. He also disagreed with producers who wanted to make his show more violent. For several years, he mostly took smaller roles in independent movies or Canadian films.
In the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in many TV shows and movies. He was in The Colbys, a spin-off from the popular show Dynasty. He also appeared in Twin Peaks and played Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in the movie From Dusk till Dawn (1996).
Parks became very well-known for his work with directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. He played two different roles in the Kill Bill film series. He also played Earl McGraw again in the movie Grindhouse (2007). His son, James Parks, often played Earl McGraw's son in these films.
Michael Parks also worked with director Kevin Smith. He played a villain in Smith's horror movies Red State (2011) and Tusk (2014). Kevin Smith was very impressed with Parks' singing talent during the filming of Red State. Because of this, Parks recorded an album called The Red State Sessions, which was released in 2011.
Michael Parks' Passing
Michael Parks passed away on May 9, 2017, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 77 years old.
Many people shared their thoughts about him. Director Kevin Smith said that Michael Parks was "the best actor I've ever known." He added that Parks "brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set." Director Robert Rodriguez called Michael Parks "a true legend."
Documentary About His Life
A documentary film is being made about Michael Parks' life. It is called Long Lonesome Highway. The documentary will cover his early life, how he was "blacklisted" in Hollywood, and how his career became popular again thanks to directors like Quentin Tarantino. The film will feature interviews with actors like James Parks, Kurt Russell, Haley Joel Osment, and Mickey Rourke.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Parks para niños
