Michael Ironside Biography

Fast Facts

• Diagnosed with cancer on numerous occasions, including both thyroid and prostate cancers
• Initially aiming to become a writer, his first play titled "The Shelter" won a country-wide contest that won him enough prize money to produce the play
• Quote: "I like to play bad guys, because good guys are always beaten up several times during the movie․ Bad guys are beaten only once, in the end․"
• After years of small roles on both film and television, his first big break would come in 1984 with "V: The Final Battle" and later as one of numerous villains in 1986's "Top Gun"
• Best known for his method style of work, he is one of the most well-known character actors in television and film, and occasionally lends his voice to numerous animated series and video games
• An avid fan of professional wrestling, he maintains a relationship with WWE Hall of Fame member, Jerry Lawler
• Known for staying in character between takes