10 fun and interesting John Malkovich facts

1. Actor, Director, Producer

John Malkovich, the renowned actor, director, and producer, has a unique middle name: Gavin. This name was chosen by his parents, Daniel Leon and Joe Anne, as a tribute to his maternal grandfather, whose first name was Gavin.

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2. John Malkovich in Annie Lennox Video "Walking On Broken Glass"

John Malkovich starred in the iconic Annie Lennox music video "Walking On Broken Glass" wearing a costume taken from the set of the 1988 film "Dangerous Liaisons". The costume, which was a black velvet coat with a white ruffled shirt, was a perfect fit for the music video's dark and mysterious atmosphere. Malkovich's performance in the video was praised by critics and fans alike, and the video has since become a classic.

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3. A Child's View of Journalism

As a child, John Malkovich had a unique opportunity to gain insight into the world of journalism. Growing up in Benton, Illinois, his parents owned and operated a local newspaper, giving him the chance to observe the inner workings of the industry. He was able to gain a better understanding of the news-gathering process, as well as the importance of accuracy and objectivity in reporting. This experience likely helped shape his career as an actor, as he has often been praised for his ability to bring a sense of realism to his roles.

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4. A Student's Success Story

John Malkovich attended Illinois State University, where he was heavily involved in the Theatre Department. Despite his enthusiasm, one of his teachers told him that he was not a good actor and had no future in the industry. Despite this discouraging news, Malkovich persevered and went on to become one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, with numerous awards and accolades to his name.

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5. From College Dropout to Successful Actor

In 1976, John Malkovich made the bold decision to drop out of college and pursue his passion for acting. He joined the renowned Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, where he quickly established himself as a talented performer. His time at the Steppenwolf Theater would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career, as it was here that he honed his craft and developed the skills that would eventually lead to his success as an actor.

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6. John Malkovich becomes first actor to win an award for playing himself

John Malkovich made history in 1999 when he became the first actor to win an award for playing himself in a film. He was awarded the New York Film Critics Award for his role in the movie “Being John Malkovich”, a dark comedy directed by Spike Jonze. The film follows a puppeteer who discovers a portal into Malkovich's mind and experiences life as the actor. Malkovich's performance was praised for its comedic timing and his ability to portray himself in a self-deprecating manner.

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7. John Malkovich Offered Green Goblin Role in "Spider-Man"

In 2002, John Malkovich was offered the highly sought-after role of the Green Goblin in the blockbuster film "Spider-Man". Unfortunately, the opportunity did not come to fruition, leaving fans of the actor and the movie alike disappointed. Malkovich's portrayal of the iconic villain would have been a memorable addition to the film, and it's a shame that it never came to be.

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8. John Malkovich Drops Out of "Crazy People"

In 1990, John Malkovich was set to take on the lead role in the film "Crazy People", but after two weeks of production, he decided to drop out and the part was given to Dudley Moore instead. This was a major shake-up for the production, as Malkovich was a highly sought-after actor at the time, having starred in films such as "Dangerous Liaisons" and "Empire of the Sun". Despite the sudden change, the film was released to critical acclaim, with Moore's performance being praised by critics.

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9. John Malkovich's New Restaurant in Lisbon is a Hit

John Malkovich has always had a passion for the culinary arts, and in 2003 he took it to the next level by becoming a partial owner of a restaurant and nightclub in Portugal. The establishment, located in the heart of Lisbon, offers a unique blend of Portuguese and international cuisine, as well as a lively nightlife scene. With Malkovich's involvement, the restaurant has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and has been praised for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere.

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10. One of the Many Victims of the Bernard Madoff Scandal

John Malkovich was one of the many victims of the Bernard Madoff scandal that shook the financial world. Although the exact amount of money he lost has not been revealed, it is believed to be a substantial sum. This devastating event has had a lasting impact on Malkovich and many other investors who were taken advantage of by Madoff's fraudulent scheme.