How Michael Keaton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Michael Keaton is a highly acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and extensive career. He has garnered significant recognition, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Award and BAFTA Award. His contributions to the arts were further acknowledged in 2016 when he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters in France. Keaton's success spans across comedic and dramatic roles, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
In 1975, Michael Keaton first appeared on TV in the Pittsburgh public television programs Where the Heart Is and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
In 1978, Michael Keaton's film debut came in a small non-speaking role in the Joan Rivers film Rabbit Test.
In 1982, Michael Keaton had his breakout role in Night Shift, directed by Ron Howard.
In 1982, Michael Keaton played a notable role in Night Shift.
In 1983, Michael Keaton became a leading man in the comedy hit Mr. Mom.
In 1983, Michael Keaton played a notable role in Mr. Mom.
In 1984, Michael Keaton gained early recognition for his role in Johnny Dangerously.
In 1984, Michael Keaton starred in the comedy Johnny Dangerously.
In 1986, Michael Keaton starred in the film Gung Ho and Touch and Go.
In 2006, Michael Keaton starred in Game 6, about the 1986 World Series bid by the Boston Red Sox.
In 1987, Michael Keaton starred in the film The Squeeze.
1988 was a seminal year in Keaton's career. He landed major unconventional roles, playing the title character in Beetlejuice and a dramatic performance as a drug-addicted realtor in Glenn Gordon Caron's Clean and Sober.
In 1988, Michael Keaton gained early recognition for his comedic role in Beetlejuice.
In 1988, Michael Keaton played a dramatic performance in Clean and Sober.
In 1989, Michael Keaton played the title comic book superhero of the film Batman. Despite initial fan complaints, Keaton's performance earned widespread acclaim, and Batman became one of the year's most successful films.
In 1989, Michael Keaton starred in The Dream Team and gained wider stardom portraying Batman.
In 1990, Michael Keaton appeared in the film Pacific Heights.
In 1991, Michael Keaton appeared in the film One Good Cop.
In 1992, Keaton last played the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne until he reprised the role in 2023 in The Flash.
In 1992, Michael Keaton reprised his role as Batman in Batman Returns.
In 1993, Michael Keaton appeared in the films My Life and Much Ado About Nothing.
In 1993, Michael Keaton played a notable role in Much Ado About Nothing.
In 1994, Michael Keaton appeared in the films The Paper and Speechless.
In 1995, Michael Keaton did not reprise his role in Batman Forever due to creative differences with the new director, Joel Schumacher.
In 1996, Michael Keaton appeared in the film Multiplicity.
In 1997, Michael Keaton appeared in the film Jackie Brown.
In 1998, Michael Keaton appeared in the films Jack Frost and Desperate Measures.
In 1998, Michael Keaton played a notable role in Jack Frost.
In 2002, Michael Keaton appeared in Live From Baghdad and was nominated for a Golden Globe.
In 2003, after Fred Rogers' death, Michael Keaton hosted a PBS memorial tribute, Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor.
On September 28, 2004, the PBS TV special Mr. Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor, hosted by Michael Keaton, was released on DVD.
In 2004, Michael Keaton played the president in First Daughter, and hosted the PBS TV special Mr. Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor.
In 2005, Michael Keaton appeared in the films White Noise and Herbie: Fully Loaded.
In 2006, Michael Keaton performed a voice role in the animated film Cars.
In 2007, Michael Keaton starred in the TV miniseries The Company, portraying James Jesus Angleton.
In 2008, Michael Keaton directed and starred in the film The Merry Gentleman.
In 2010, Michael Keaton performed a voice role in the animated film Toy Story 3.
In 2013, Keaton wrote an ESPN blog on the Pirates during the final months of their season.
In 2014, Michael Keaton played Raymond Sellars in the RoboCop remake.
In 2014, Michael Keaton starred in Birdman, winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
In 2015, Michael Keaton acted in the biographical drama Spotlight.
In 2016, Michael Keaton starred as Ray Kroc in the biopic The Founder.
In 2017, Michael Keaton played the Vulture in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
In 2018, Michael Keaton hosted a 50th anniversary special of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood for PBS, titled Mister Rogers: It's You I Like.
In October 2019, filming for Goodrich, a film starring Keaton, was set to commence but was delayed.
In 2019, Keaton appeared in a PETA ad campaign, asking tourists not to visit operations that exploit animals.
In 2020, Michael Keaton acted in The Trial of the Chicago 7.
In 2021, Michael Keaton acted in the biographical drama Worth.
In 2021, Michael Keaton starred in Worth and Dopesick, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award and Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Dopesick.
On April 1, 2022, Michael Keaton briefly reprised his role as Vulture in the SSU film Morbius.
In August 2022, the release of Batgirl, where Keaton was set to reprise his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne, was cancelled even though he had filmed scenes for the movie.
In April 2023, filming began for Goodrich, a film starring Keaton.
In 2023, Keaton reprised his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne in The Flash and starred in and directed the noir thriller Knox Goes Away.
In 2023, Michael Keaton directed and starred in the film Knox Goes Away.
In 2024, Keaton reprised his role as Betelgeuse for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.