Who is Michael McKean? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Michael John McKean

Age: 76 Years, 76 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Susan Russell (m. 1970 - div. 1993)

father: Gilbert McKean

mother: Ruth McKean

children: Colin McKean, Fletcher McKean

Born Country: United States

Actors Comedians

Height: 6'0" (183 cm), 6'0" Males

Ancestry: Dutch American, German American, British American, Irish American

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: New York University, Carnegie Mellon University

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Childhood & Early Life

Michael John McKean was born on October 17, 1947, in New York City, to Ruth McKean and Gilbert McKean. His mother was a librarian and his father was one of the founders of the British record label Decca Records.

McKean grew up in Long Island and completed his education there. As a young man, he joined the American baroque pop band ‘The Left Banke’.

He attended Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to pursue a BFA degree. There, he partnered with David Lander in different comedy groups. He eventually acquired an MFA from New York University.

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Career

Michael McKean was part of several comedy groups including ‘The Credibility Gap,’ where he worked alongside Harry Shearer and David Lander. Eventually, his career took off and he made his debut on television in 1976 after he was signed for the role of ‘Leonard 'Lenny' Kosnowski’ in the television sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley’.

After being part of the show ‘Laverne & Shirley’ for more than seven years, McKean was an established name in the television industry. He then got a big break on the silver screen and portrayed the role of ‘David St. Hubbins’ in the mockumentary film ‘This is Spinal Tap’. McKean portrayed the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band ‘Spinal Tap’.

McKean appeared in the late-night show ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a musical guest in 1984 and later joined the regular cast. He is still one of the oldest persons to join the show as a cast member.

In the 1990s, McKean appeared in several films including ‘Flashback’, ‘True Identity’, ‘Memoirs of an Invisible Man’, ‘Still Breathing’, ‘True Crime’, and ‘Teaching Mrs. Tingle’. In the 1995 comedy film ‘The Brady Bunch Movie’, McKean appeared as ‘Mr. Dittmeyer’, a villainous character.

McKean appeared in the adult-themed comedy show ‘Dream On’ as ‘Gibby Fiske’ from 1991 to 1996. His association with the show earned him two nominations at the CableACE Awards for the Best Actor in a Comedy Series category.

He did various voices in the sitcom ‘Dinosaurs’ between 1992 and 1994. His other popular roles during that time were in the TV series ‘Tracey Takes On...’, ‘Jungle Cubs’ and the animated series ‘101 Dalmatians: The Series’ as a voice artist.

In the early 2000s, Michael McKean appeared in small roles in shows like ‘The Huntress’, ‘Family Guy’, ‘Clerks: The Animated Series’, ‘Law & Order’, and ‘Strip Mall’. He portrayed ‘Adrien Van Voorhees’ in the series ‘Primetime Glick’ for 30 episodes.

In the 2003 comedy film ‘A Mighty Wind’ by Christopher Guest, McKean appeared as an actor as well as wrote several songs for the film. His portrayal of ‘Jerry Palter’ was much appreciated as was his contribution to several songs including ‘A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow.’ He partnered with his wife Annette O'Toole to compose the songs.

Michael McKean portrayed the role of ‘Chuck McGill’ in the series ‘Better Call Saul’. The show is a spin-off of the neo-western crime drama series ‘Breaking Bad’. McKean won the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA award for the Best Supporting Actor on Television in 2018. He was also nominated at the Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards and Critics Choice Television Awards for his role.

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Major Works

Michael McKean’s debut work on the television is still considered one of his greatest works. His portrayal of ‘Lenny Kosnowski’, the neighbor of the title characters ‘Laverne DeFazio’ and ‘Shirley Feeney’, in the sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley’ earned him much fame. His character was so popular among the audiences that it sometimes surpassed the title characters’ popularity!

His role in 'A Mighty Wind’, a parody film dedicated to the American folk music revival of the 1960s made McKean a recognized figure in Hollywood.

For composing the single, ‘A Mighty Wind’, along with his wife Annette O'Toole, he was nominated at the 2004 Academy Awards for the Best Music, Original Song award. The single also earned him the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.

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Family & Personal Life

Michael McKean has been married twice in his life. His first marriage with Susan Russell lasted almost 23 years (from 1970 to 1993). They had two children together.

McKean married ‘Nash Bridges’ actress Annette O'Toole in 1999.

Michael McKean Biography