Biography
Born on Sep. 25, 1958 and raised in Chicago, Michael is the middle of three children. His father was
a firefighter for 30 years and his mother is a writer and producer in Los Angeles. Michael's sister
Virginia is an actress. Michael didn't immediately go into acting until, after seeing a production
of "Of Mice and Men" starring John Malkovich at the Steppenwolf Theatre, he realized his
dream was to become an actor. After moving to Los Angeles, he was pumping gas at a gas
station in Beverly Hills when he met someone in the business who eventually helped him get
an agent. He made appearances on several TV shows including, "Miami Vice", "Cagney and
Lacey" and "St. Elsewhere". His first film role was in "War Games" but his breakthrough
performance came in 1991 in "Thelma and Louise". However, his performance in Quentin
Tarantino's 1992 film "Reservoir Dogs" elevated him to the status of leading man. After being
a supporter of Tarantino's scripts for years, Michael was Quentin's first choice to play Mr. Blonde.
The film established Michael in the business and opened the door for several more starring roles
in films such as "Free Willy", 'Wyatt Earp", "Species", "Mulholland Falls" and "Donnie Brasco".
Sporting his trademark Ray Ban sunglasses, Michael acted his way into the hearts of his fans and
earned their respect by being one of the hardest-working actors in the biz today.
Michael was mentioned for the role of Mickey in Natural Born Killers but turned it down at
Quentin Tarantino's suggestion. Michael then went on to turn down the role of Vincent Vega
in Pulp Fiction. In addition to his busy acting career Michael has also written five books of
poetry, "Beer, Blood and Ashes", "Eat The Worm", Burning In Paradise", "Blessing of the Hounds" and "46 Down". He also released
a CD, "Burning In Paradise", which contains excerpts from his book. His hobbies include racing cars, building motorcycles & boxing. Michael is married to De Anna Morgan and also has four
sons and one stepson.
Trivia Tid Bits
Was offered role of Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction but turned it down because he couldn't get out of rehearsal for Wyatt Earp.
Brother of actress, Virginia Madsen
He refuses to see any of sister Virginia Madsen's films in which she appears nude.
Owned the yellow Cadillac that his character Mr Blonde drove in Reservoir Dogs.
Is 75 per cent Italian and 25 per cent Irish.
Has worn the same pinky ring in numerous movies.
Announced the second greatest movie villain of all time by Maxim Magazine's "Greatest Movie Villains of all Time" for his character in Reservoir Dogs of "Mr. Blonde".
His character of Mr. Blonde was one of the 200 nominees on the American Film Institues list of 100 years of the best Heroes and Villans. He was also the only character from "Reservoir Dogs" who was nominated. However, he didn't make it into the top 50.
Dennis Hopper wrote the introduction to his book of short stories and poems "Burning in Paradise".
Former brother-in-law of Danny Huston.
Former brother-in-law of Cher
Father of five boys, ages 6 to 16
In the early days of his acting career, he considered changing his name to "Michael Hood."
States only five films as ones he's even remotely proud of: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Donnie Brasco (1997), Reservoir Dogs (1992), Species (1995) and Free Willy (1993).
Personal quotes
"The oddest thing is when children recognize me from Free Willy and their parents recognize me from Reservoir Dogs. The kids are, like, 'There's Glen!' and the parents are, like, 'Don't go near that guy!'”
"Well, one thing for sure, I won't be remembered for Free Willy. Or maybe I will."
"Kids are a great excuse for you to stop acting like one". (Men's Health, March, 2004)
"Encourage your kids' artistic side. Toughen up everything else".
"Your children don't have to fear you to respect you".
"Is it really selling out if it feeds your family?"
'I encourage my boys to do stuff in the arts, but I'm also an advocate of not taking any sh.., I have a heavy bag and every morning the boys go three 3-minute rounds on the heavy bag with the gloves.'