Michael Moriarty Biography

(Actor)

Birthday: April 5, 1941 (Aries)

Born In: Detroit, Michigan, United States

The man who brought the morally strong and astute law enforcement officer Ben Stone to life on the small screen, Michael Moriarty is a professional stage and screen actor best known for portraying character roles. Standing tall at 6’ 4”, he is definitely one of Hollywood’s tallest actors. Being so tall does have its benefits! His extraordinary height lends him an air of formidability which the actor used to the best of his advantage. The son of a doctor, he developed an interest in acting from a young age and studied theatre in college before attending The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) on a scholarship. He was very talented and dedicated towards the profession of acting and there was no doubt that he would one day become a major actor. He began his career as a theatre actor by making his debut at the New York Shakespeare Festival. Eventually he made his way into the world of television. His role as Jim in the television production of Tennessee Williams' ‘The Glass Menagerie’ won him several accolades and made him a recognized face among the audience. His height combined with his lanky frame and piercing gray-blue eyes make him an ideal selection to play characters with underlying psychological issues.
4
Quick Facts

Canadian Celebrities Born In April

Age: 83 Years, 83 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Margaret Brychka (present), Anne Hamilton Martin (1978-1997; divorced), Francoise Martinet (1966-1978; divorced), Suzana Cabrita (1998-1999; divorced)

father: George Moriarty

mother: Elinor Paul

Actors American Men

Height: 6'4" (193 cm), 6'4" Males

Ancestry: American Canadian

City: Detroit, Michigan

U.S. State: Michigan

More Facts

education: Dartmouth College, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

  • 1

    What are some notable works of Michael Moriarty?

    Some notable works of Michael Moriarty include his roles in the TV series "Law & Order," the film "Bang the Drum Slowly," and the TV movie "Holocaust."
  • 2

    Has Michael Moriarty ever won any major acting awards?

    Yes, Michael Moriarty won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie for his role in the TV movie "Holocaust."
  • 3

    What is Michael Moriarty's political background?

    Michael Moriarty is known for being vocal about his conservative political beliefs and has been involved in various political controversies over the years.
  • 4

    Has Michael Moriarty written any books?

    Yes, Michael Moriarty has written a book titled "The Gift of Stern Angels," which delves into his personal experiences and reflections on life.
  • 5

    What are some interesting facts about Michael Moriarty's acting career?

    Some interesting facts about Michael Moriarty's acting career include his early training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and his portrayal of complex and challenging characters on stage and screen.
Childhood & Early Life
He was born in Michigan to George Moriarty and Elinor Paul. His father was a General Medical Surgeon who also worked as a policeman. His grandfather was a famous baseball player.
After completing his high school education he went to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire from where he graduated in 1963. During this time he made his stage debut as Octavius in ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’.
A bright student, he won a scholarship to attend the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
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Career
He began his film career playing Trubee Pell in the movie, ‘My Old Man’s Place’ in 1971. The very next year he appeared as Ballard in the neo-noir detective movie, ‘Hickey & Boggs’.
He played Henry Wiggen, a talented baseball player in the 1973 movie, ‘Bang the Drum Slowly’ which revolves around the story of Henry’s friendship with a dying team mate played by Robert De Niro.
In the 1973 television movie, ‘The Glass Menagerie’, he played Jim O'Connor, a gentleman. The movie was adapted from a play of the same name by Tennessee Williams.
In 1975, he played the Detective Bo Lockley in the crime drama ‘Report to the Commissioner’ in which his character unknowingly kills an undercover policewoman. The film though criticized at the time of its release became a cult classic.
His role as Eric Dorf in the television miniseries ‘Holocaust’ which was broadcast in four parts in 1978 was much appreciated. The series told the story of the Holocaust from the viewpoint of a Jewish family.
He starred along with Candy Clark, David Carradine and Richard Roundtree in the fantasy horror film ‘Q” in 1982. His role was of that of a lowly, paranoid crook who had big dreams in life.
He again played a detective in the horror film, ‘The Stuff’ in 1985 in which a strange, yogurt like substance, marketed as ‘the stuff’ actually starts eating up the people who eat it.
The year 1990 was a great one for him as he was chosen to play the detective Ben Stone in the NBC legal drama, ‘Law & Order’. His height and steely eyes gave his character the credibility it needed and this role became one of his most memorable ones. He stayed with the show till 1994.
He appeared in ten episodes of the science fiction drama ‘Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal’ as Michael Kelly, a member of the recurring cast during the seasons 2-3 from 1997 to 1999.
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He played the estranged father of the actor James Dean in the biographical television film, ‘James Dean’ (2001) which was based on the life of the American actor of the same name who tragically died at a young age.
In 2006 he played General Dutton in the science fiction television film, ‘Deadly Skies’ which is the story of two astronomers who try to stop a giant asteroid on a collision course with Earth.
Major Works
He is best known for his portrayal of Ben Stone in the police procedural and legal drama television series, ‘Law & Order’ which originally aired on NBC in 1990. He appeared in 88 episodes of the crime drama for which he received serval accolades.
Award & Achievements
He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his role as Jim Connor in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ (1973).
In 1978, he was presented with the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for his portrayal of Eric Dorf in ‘Holocaust’.
Personal Life & Legacy
Moriarty has been married several times. His first marriage was to Francoise Martinet who he wed in 1966 and divorced in 1978. He married for the second time in 1978—this marriage with Anne Hamilton Martin lasted for almost two decades before breaking up in 1997.
He tied the knot for the third time with Suzana Cabrita in 1998. However this union too failed and the couple divorced in 1999. Currently, he is married to his fourth wife, Margaret Brychka.
Facts About Michael Moriarty
Michael Moriarty is not only a talented actor, but also a skilled jazz musician who plays the piano.
He is known for his strong opinions on political and social issues, often speaking out on various topics in interviews and public appearances.
Moriarty has a passion for literature and has written several books, showcasing his diverse talents beyond acting.
Despite his intense and serious on-screen persona, off-screen Moriarty is known for his quirky sense of humor and love of practical jokes.
In addition to his successful acting career, Moriarty is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charities and causes throughout his life.

Michael Moriarty Movies

1. The Last Detail (1973)

  (Comedy, Drama)

2. Shoot It Black, Shoot It Blue (1974)

  (Crime, Drama)

3. Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)

  (Drama, Sport)

4. My Old Man's Place (1971)

  (War, Drama)

5. Pale Rider (1985)

  (Western)

6. Who'll Stop the Rain (1978)

  (Drama, War, Crime, Action, Thriller)

7. Hickey & Boggs (1972)

  (Thriller, Crime, Drama)

8. Report to the Commissioner (1975)

  (Crime, Drama)

9. Neverwas (2005)

  (Mystery, Fantasy, Drama)

10. Courage Under Fire (1996)

  (War, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Action)

Awards

Golden Globe Awards
1979 Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama Holocaust (1978)
Primetime Emmy Awards
2002 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie James Dean (2001)
1978 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series Holocaust (1978)
1974 Best Supporting Actor in Drama The Glass Menagerie (1973)
1974 Supporting Actor of the Year The Glass Menagerie (1973)

See the events in life of Michael Moriarty in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Michael Moriarty Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/michael-moriarty-5379.php

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