Michael Madsen Biography

Fast Facts

• Often contributes to fundraising efforts sponsored by the Shriners Hospital for Children
• Born to an Emmy-winning filmmaker and playwright, he is the older brother of actress Virginia Madsen
• Began studying drama while a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, where he would work as a student of John Malkovich
• Quote: "You can only walk in the door so many times late at night and look at your little monkeys sleeping and think about how much they need you․ It has an effect on you․ My boys saved me from a certain lifestyle and self-destructive behavior․"
• Quote: "Encourage your kids' artistic side․ Toughen up everything else․"
• After landing small roles in both television and film throughout the 1980s, he would gain critical acclaim after being cast in Quentin Taratino's 1992 film "Reservoir Dogs"
• Often voices his regret after passing up John Travolta's part in "Pulp Fiction"
• An accomplished writer, his first compilation book of poems was published in 2005
• Once appeared on the U․K․ version of "Big Brother" on the ninth season featuring only celebrities