Michael York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael York
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York in 1999
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| Born |
Michael Hugh Johnson
27 March 1942 Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, England
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| Education | Bromley Grammar School for Boys, Hurstpierpoint College |
| Alma mater | University College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Patricia McCallum
(m. 1968) |
| Relatives | Rick McCallum (stepson) |
Michael York (born Michael Hugh Johnson; 27 March 1942) is a famous English actor. He has starred in many films, TV shows, and plays. He became well-known after playing Tybalt in the movie Romeo and Juliet in 1968. With his blond hair, blue eyes, and polite English style, he became a leading actor in many big British and Hollywood movies during the 1970s.
Some of his most famous roles include D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers and its sequels, Logan 5 in Logan's Run, and Basil Exposition in the Austin Powers movies. He has been nominated for two Emmy Awards. In 2002, Michael York received a special star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his amazing work in movies.
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Early Life and Education
Michael York was born in Fulmer, Buckinghamshire, England. His mother, Florence Edith May Chown, was a musician, and his father, Joseph Gwynne Johnson, was a businessman and a former army officer from Wales. Michael grew up in Burgess Hill, Sussex.
As a teenager, Michael went to Bromley Grammar School for Boys, Hurstpierpoint College, and later University College, Oxford. He started acting early at a local theater called Bromley Little Theatre, where he is now the president. He also joined the National Youth Theatre and performed with university drama groups. His first acting role was in a play called The Yellow Jacket in 1956. In 1959, he made his first appearance in London's West End in a small part in Hamlet.
Becoming a Star
After finishing his English degree from the University of Oxford in 1964, Michael York continued acting. He worked with the Dundee Repertory Theatre and then joined the Royal National Theatre under the famous director Laurence Olivier. There, he worked with Franco Zeffirelli on a play called Much Ado About Nothing in 1965.
He became well-known on British TV in The Forsyte Saga in 1967. His first film role was Lucentio in Zeffirelli's The Taming of the Shrew (1967). Then, he played Tybalt in Zeffirelli's 1968 movie version of Romeo and Juliet, which was a big success.
In the 1970s, he starred in many popular films:
- Something for Everyone (1970)
- Zeppelin (1971), where he played a World War I soldier.
- Cabaret (1972), a musical film.
- The Three Musketeers (1973), where he played the brave D'Artagnan. He returned for the sequels, The Four Musketeers and The Return of the Musketeers.
- Murder on the Orient Express (1974).
- Logan's Run (1976), where he played a character trying to escape a computer-controlled world.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977), alongside Burt Lancaster.
Later Roles and Voice Acting
Michael York has had a very busy career in movies, TV, and theater. He appeared in the TV series Road to Avonlea as Ezekiel Crane. On Broadway, he performed in plays like Bent (1980) and The Crucible (1992). He also recorded many audiobooks, including C. S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
He played King Arthur in the 1998 TV movie A Knight in Camelot, after appearing as a man who thought he was King Arthur in an episode of Babylon 5. He also voiced many characters in animated shows, such as:
- Count Vertigo in Batman: The Animated Series
- Kanto in Superman: The Animated Series
- Ares in Justice League Unlimited
One of his most famous later roles is Basil Exposition in all three Austin Powers movies (1997–2002), where he played a secret agent boss. He also voiced a character in The Simpsons and appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm. In 2009, he lent his voice to Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He also voiced Pterano in The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire.
Michael York has also narrated the entire Bible for The Word of Promise Audio Bible. In 2006 and 2007, he played King Arthur again in a touring production of the musical Camelot.
Personal Life
Michael York met photographer Patricia McCallum in 1967 when she was taking his picture. They got married on 27 March 1968, which was Michael's 26th birthday. His stepson is Rick McCallum, who produced some of the Star Wars movies.
In 2013, Michael York shared that he was facing some health challenges and was receiving special medical care. He moved to Rochester, Minnesota, in 2022 to be closer to the Mayo Clinic for his treatment.
Awards and Recognition
Michael York has received several awards and nominations for his acting:
- In 1970, he was nominated for a Golden Laurel for Male New Face for Romeo and Juliet.
- In 1986, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his work in ABC Afterschool Special.
- In 2000, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Temecula Valley International Film Festival.
- In 2001, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for The Lot.
- In 2002, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to movies.
- He also won the Town of Karlovy Vary Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2002.
- In 2009, he received the Mary Pickford Award at the 14th Satellite Awards for his long and successful career.
- In 2011, he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Transilvania International Film Festival.
Images for kids
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Michael York in 1986
See also
In Spanish: Michael York para niños
