Career Timeline of Michael Rooker: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Michael Rooker, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Rooker is an American actor recognized for his portrayals of antagonists. He gained initial recognition as the lead in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" (1986). He is widely known for his roles as Merle Dixon in "The Walking Dead" (2010–2013) and Yondu Udonta in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" film series (2014, 2017, 2023). Rooker frequently collaborates with director James Gunn, having appeared in all of Gunn's films, including "Slither" (2006), "Super" (2010), and "The Suicide Squad" (2021).

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1986: Film Debut in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

In 1986, Michael Rooker made his film debut playing the title role in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer". The role was based on the confessions of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. Rooker took the role because it would "challenge" him. The movie was a critical success, and Rooker received more film roles.

1988: Acted in Eight Men Out and Mississippi Burning

In 1988, Michael Rooker played Chick Gandil in "Eight Men Out" and Frank Bailey in "Mississippi Burning".

1989: Played Terry Cruger in Sea of Love

In 1989, Michael Rooker played Terry Cruger in "Sea of Love".

1990: Played Rowdy Burns in Days of Thunder

In 1990, Michael Rooker played Rowdy Burns in "Days of Thunder".

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1991: Played Bill Broussard in JFK

In 1991, Michael Rooker played Bill Broussard in "JFK".

1993: Played Hal Tucker in Cliffhanger and Sherman McMaster in Tombstone

In 1993, Michael Rooker played Hal Tucker in "Cliffhanger" and Sherman McMaster in "Tombstone".

1995: Played Jared Svenning in Mallrats

In 1995, Michael Rooker played Jared Svenning in "Mallrats".

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1997: Played Detective Edward Kennesaw in Deceiver

In 1997, Michael Rooker played Detective Edward Kennesaw in "Deceiver".

1999: Played Detective Howard Cheney in The Bone Collector

In 1999, Michael Rooker played Detective Howard Cheney in "The Bone Collector".

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2001: Played Detective Jake Riley in Replicant

In 2001, Michael Rooker played Detective Jake Riley in "Replicant".

2006: Appeared in Slither

In 2006, Michael Rooker appeared in the film "Slither".

June 2010: Announced Appearance in The Walking Dead

In June 2010, Michael Rooker revealed via Twitter that he was to appear in the AMC television series "The Walking Dead" as Merle Dixon. He guest-starred in two episodes of the first season and one of the second season before becoming a series regular for the third season.

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