Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender
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Name:
Michael Fassbender
Real name:
Michael Fassbender
Who is:
Birth date:
(48 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany
Height:
6'0 ft ()
Weight:
176 lb (80 kg)
Relationship:
married with Alicia Vikander
Namesakes:
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:
Links:

Photos: Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender photo 1
Michael Fassbender photo 2
Michael Fassbender photo 3
Michael Fassbender photo 4
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Michael Fassbender's Biography

Michael Fassbender is an Irish-German actor best known for playing Magneto in the «X-Men» film series, the Spartan warrior Stelios in «300», and Lieutenant Hickox in «Inglorious Basterds».
Michael Fassbender is of Irish and German descent
Michael Fassbender is of Irish and German descent
But Michael hasn't just stuck to blockbusters—he's also taken on art house projects like «Esmé», «Bobby Sands», «Conor», and «Frank».
In the movie «Frank», Fassbender (in the center) not only played but also sang
In the movie «Frank», Fassbender (in the center) not only played but also sang
His career highlights include two Oscar nominations—for the title role in the biographical drama «Steve Jobs» and Best Supporting Actor for playing slaveowner Epps in «12 Years a Slave»—plus collaborations with industry heavyweights like Tarantino, Ridley Scott, Matthew Vaughn, Steven Spielberg, and Steven Soderbergh. His net worth: $40 million.

Early life of Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender was born into a multicultural family—his mother Adele hailed from Northern Ireland, while his father Joseph was German, born and raised in the town of Heidelberg. After Michael was born, the family relocated to Killarney, Ireland, where his parents opened their own restaurant. The Fassbenders poured their hearts into their cozy West-End House restaurant, with Joseph working as head chef while Adele welcomed guests.
Michael Fassbender in his early years
Michael Fassbender in his early years
His mother's background has some fascinating twists. According to family lore, his mother is the great-grand-niece of Michael Collins, the legendary Irish revolutionary and IRA leader. So Michael's stubborn, freedom-loving streak clearly runs in the family.
With the father
With the father
Money was tight—every penny went back into the business—so Michael and his older sister Catherine grew up without being spoiled. As he got older, Michael pitched in at the restaurant, handling grunt work like unloading deliveries, cleaning the kitchen, and helping his father cook. This taught him the value of money and the importance of earning his way. With his first salary, he bought himself a powerful stereo system to listen to his favorite heavy metal music.
Michael Fassbender`s parents as restaurateurs
Michael Fassbender`s parents as restaurateurs
Michael studied at the Fossa National School. He struggled to connect with classmates, and with few kids his age in the neighborhood, Michael spent a lot of time alone. But he used that solitude to dive into fantasy worlds and master multiple instruments—piano, guitar, and accordion.
The older sister of Michael Fassbender works as a psychologist.
The older sister of Michael Fassbender works as a psychologist.
Every summer, Michael and Katherine visited their grandparents in Germany, which is why the actor speaks fluent German—as fans got to hear in «Inglorious Basterds».

The start of acting career

At 16, Michael was inspired after watching Quentin Tarantino's debut film "Reservoir Dogs" at its premiere and decided to stage his own version at the amateur theater Bricru. He also appeared on stage in the role of Mr. Pink, who originally played Steve Buscemi. That theatrical production completely changed his life. After this success, he auditioned for a role at Killarney's city theater, got the part, and in 1996 moved to London where he enrolled at the Drama Centre. Just before graduating in 1999, he dropped out of Drama Centre and went on tour with the Oxford Stage Company (Theater Headlong).
Young Michael Fassbender is a student in the Drama Center London
Young Michael Fassbender is a student in the Drama Center London
He felt guilty about leaving Britain's most prestigious drama school, but to pay rent on his tiny room, he worked grueling jobs as a loader, waiter, and even a nightclub stripper—something he later confessed to director Soderbergh.
Back in college, Fassbender worked as a stripper
Back in college, Fassbender worked as a stripper
Eventually, though, he achieved his dream of becoming a film actor.

Michael Fassbender`s film experience

Like many celebrities, Fassbender started out playing in TV series. In 2001, he landed a small role in the second season of the multi-part drama «Hearts and Bones». His character, Herman, debuted in the second episode and appeared in two more episodes.
»Hearts and Bones»: first role of Fassbender
»Hearts and Bones»: first role of Fassbender
The young actor's more serious role came in the miniseries «Band of Brothers» produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. The role of Sergeant Burton Christenson was also more memorable.
Michael Fassbender plays in the movie «Band of Brothers»
Michael Fassbender plays in the movie «Band of Brothers»
According to Zoomboola.com, in 2003, fans of the British rock band The Cooper Temple Clause could also recognize Fassbender in a clip for the song «Blind Pilot», at the time they had no idea that this dark-haired guy would soon become a Hollywood star.
Michael Fassbender in the clip «Blind Pilot» 2003)
For the next few years, he starred in British TV series and short films: «Things I Notice. Things You See», «Holby City», «Julian Fellowes Investigates A Most Mysterious Murder« (the role of Charles Bravo, mysteriously poisoned in 1876), «Murphy's Law,» «William and Mary. « Another memorable film was the drama «A Bear Named Winnie», where Fassbender had to bottle-feed a bear cub.
A shot from the movie «A Bear Named Winnie»
A shot from the movie «A Bear Named Winnie»
In 2006, the film «300» was released and proved to be a real breakthrough for Fassbender. After the role of a fearless long-haired Spartan warrior Stelios, a devoted soldier of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler), he never again considered abandoning his acting career. However, he had his work cut out for him to meet the athletic standards of a Spartan warrior.
Michael Fassbender as Stelios in «300»
Michael Fassbender as Stelios in «300»
The film «300» was enough to earn fan loyalty, but to receive critical praise, Michael had to wait another 2 years. Fassbender was first called a world-class actor after the release of the drama «Hunger» in 2008, where he had to embody Bobby Sands, an imprisoned Irish Republican Army soldier who stuck to his ideals even under inhuman conditions. For the role, he had to lose extreme weight: from 77 to 58 kilograms, which for such a tall man (183cm) could have caused serious health problems. Such an act could be called nothing but self-sacrifice for the sake of art.
Michael Fassbender lost almost 20 kilograms for the movie «Hunger»
Michael Fassbender lost almost 20 kilograms for the movie «Hunger»
In 2009, Fassbender landed a role that undoubtedly became a new milestone for the actor, even though it was brief. Could he have imagined back in 1992 while staging Tarantino's film in amateur theater that someday he would work with the legendary director himself? In «Inglourious Basterds», he played British officer Archie Hickox, who was sent to infiltrate the SS as a spy. He can be seen in one of the most striking episodes of the movie - the tavern scene.
Michel Fassbender in the «Inglorious Bastards»
In 2011, Marvel Studios released a new X-Men continuation. In this film, the actor transformed into the metal-controlling mutant anti-hero Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr).
Fassbender in the role of Magneto
Fassbender in the role of Magneto

Oscar nominations

In 2013, audiences saw Fassbender take on the role of sadistic slave owner Edwin Epps in the true-story drama "12 Years a Slave." His performance in the slavery epic earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. However, the Oscar went to Jared Leto for his role as Rayon in "Dallas Buyers Club."
Interview with Michael Fassbender on the movie «12 years of slavery»
In 2016, Fassbender's portrayal of Steve Jobs garnered him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Given his exceptional performance, he had a strong chance of winning, but ultimately the award went to Leonardo DiCaprio for his role in "The Revenant" - a well-deserved victory.
Michael Fassbender and the real Steve Jobs
Michael Fassbender and the real Steve Jobs
Still, we believe Michael Fassbender's long-awaited Oscar win won't be far off.

The premiere of the film «Assassin's Creed» took place at the end of 2016. The screenplay was adapted from the popular video game "Assassin's Creed." Michael Fassbender appeared across two time periods: modern day and 15th-century Spain. Michael performed 95% of the film's complex stunts himself.
In the «Assassin's Creed» Michael Fassbender did most of the stunts by himself
In the «Assassin's Creed» Michael Fassbender did most of the stunts by himself
Alicia was originally set to co-star with Michael, but she passed on the role to join the cast of "Jason Bourne" starring Matt Damon. Marion Cotillard ultimately landed the leading female role. This marked the second collaboration between Michael and Marion, who had previously worked together on 2015's "Macbeth." The French actress took the role specifically because she wanted to work with Fassbender again.
Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard have already played together in «Macbeth»
Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard have already played together in «Macbeth»
Ironically, despite his busy schedule, Fassbender had never actually played the "Assassin's Creed" video games. However, the screenplay's focus on the conflict between Templars and Assassins captivated him so much that he remained actively involved in Justin Kurzel's production even after filming wrapped, offering input to the editors.
In 2017 Fassbender will return as the android in «Alien»
In 2017 Fassbender will return as the android in «Alien»
2017 brought three Fassbender releases: the musical drama "Song to Song" with Natalie Portman and Ryan Gosling, "Alien: Covenant" where he reprised his android role, and the crime thriller "The Snowman" featuring Michael as an FBI detective.

Michael Fassbender's Personal Life

From 2008-2009, Michael dated relatively unknown actress Lizzie Andrews (though rumors suggested she might have been an escort rather than a legitimate actress). In 2010, she filed a lawsuit against Fassbender, alleging he broke her nose and ankle during their relationship and seeking $15,000 in damages. However, the case never made it to court.
Lizzie Andrews filed a charge of assault against Michael Fassbender
Lizzie Andrews filed a charge of assault against Michael Fassbender
Around that time, he began dating Zoe Kravitz (daughter of famous musician Lenny Kravitz). They met during filming of "X-Men" where she played the mutant Angel. Despite their 11-year age gap, they seemed like a harmonious couple, but it didn't last. {img # images/stories2016/uzn_1483007271.jpg#Zoe Kravitz and Michael Fassbender were seeing each other for a year and a half} In 2012, he began dating Nicole Bahari, then was spotted with Rosario Dawson, Naomi Campbell, and his "12 Years a Slave" co-star Lupita Nyong'o. He also dated professional athlete Louise Hazel and Romanian model Madalina Genea for several months each.
Fassbender buys stockings from Natalie Dormer (advertisement of the movie «The Counselor»)
The actor is currently in a relationship with Swedish actress Alicia Vikander. They have been dating since 2014. They worked together on the drama "The Light Between Oceans" (2016), playing a married couple who discover a baby. After living together on the same island during filming from September, the actors went public as a couple by December.
A scene from the movie «The Light Between Oceans»
A scene from the movie «The Light Between Oceans»
Michael was impressed by her sense of responsibility, perseverance, and courage. "She has courage that many men would envy!" the actor recalled.

However, many fans who love following celebrity gossip claimed their relationship was nothing more than a PR stunt, drawing parallels between Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift who didn't even try to hide their relationship's true purpose.
Do Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender really fall for each other?
Do Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender really fall for each other?

Michael Fassbender nowadays

In 2019, Fassbender appeared in the next part of the X-Men, "Dark Phoenix", in the role of Magneto. Also in 2020, Fassbender will appear in the fantastic action movie "Kung Fury 2".
Michael Fassbender in 2020
Michael Fassbender in 2020

Michael Fassbender: latest news and articles

  • Probably I know him only because of X-Men and I didn`t watch anything else with him.
    2021-05-06 19:09:04
  • I like him as Magneto in X-Men, he played really cool, he was in cold blood and it`s nice
    2021-04-12 18:33:46
  • Magneto made Michael famous very much even more than X-Men.
    2021-03-24 22:18:17
  • By the way, if to read his filmography, he has a very good list.
    2021-03-24 16:10:58
  • I love Fassbender, all his roles are great and this actor is in his prime.
    2021-02-25 23:01:07
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