John Malkovich Bio
John Gavin Malkovich (born December 9, 1953) is an American actor known for his distinctive voice and versatile performances. He has received several accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Malkovich’s career spans over four decades, showcasing his talents in film, television, and theater.
Early Life and Background
John Malkovich was born in Christopher, Illinois, and grew up in Benton, Illinois. His father, Daniel Leon Malkovich, was a state conservation director, while his mother, Joe Anne, owned the Benton Evening News. Malkovich has an older brother and three younger sisters. He attended Benton Consolidated High School, where he participated in various plays and musicals, including Carousel. After high school, he enrolled at Eastern Illinois University and later studied acting at the William Esper Studio.
Path to Hollywood
Malkovich began his professional career in 1976 as a charter member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. He gained recognition for his performance in the Sam Shepard play True West in New York City, where he won an Obie Award. His film debut came in 1984 with Places in the Heart, earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Malkovich’s early work laid the foundation for a successful transition into the broader film and television industry.
John Malkovich Career
Early Career (1976–1984)
Malkovich’s early career was marked by his involvement with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where he starred in and directed several productions. His film debut in Places in the Heart was a significant milestone, followed by roles in The Killing Fields and the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman. Malkovich’s performance in Death of a Salesman earned him an Emmy Award when adapted for television.
Breakthrough (1988–1999)
Malkovich’s breakthrough role came in 1988 with Dangerous Liaisons, where he portrayed the manipulative Valmont, earning critical acclaim. He continued to build on this success with roles in films like Of Mice and Men, for which he received another Academy Award nomination, and the cult classic Being John Malkovich, where he played a fictionalized version of himself.
Notable Works and Milestones
Malkovich’s notable works include Con Air, Rounders, and Red. His unique ability to portray complex characters has made him a sought-after actor in both film and television.
John Malkovich Award Nominations
Throughout his career, John Malkovich has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor and multiple nominations for Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
John Malkovich Awards Won
John Malkovich has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Death of a Salesman. His contributions to film and theater have been recognized with various accolades over the years.
John Malkovich Family
John Malkovich was married to actress Glenne Headly from 1982 until their divorce in 1988. He has been in a long-term relationship with Nicoletta Peyran since 1989, and the couple has two children, Amandine and Loewy.
Personal Life
Malkovich is known for his distinctive voice and has expressed that he does not consider himself a method actor. He is fluent in French and has lived in France for nearly a decade. Malkovich is also a co-owner of a restaurant and nightclub in Lisbon and has been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly supporting the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
