Nicolas Cage, born Nicolas Kim Coppola, is a highly acclaimed American actor and producer. He has received numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. His diverse filmography, spanning various genres, has earned him a dedicated cult following.
1940: Construction of Nicolas Cage's Former Bel Air Home
Nicolas Cage's former Bel Air home was built in 1940 for $110,000. Over the years, it was owned by notable figures such as Dean Martin and Tom Jones.
January 7, 1964: Birth of Nicolas Cage
On January 7, 1964, Nicolas Kim Coppola, later known as Nicolas Cage, was born. This marks the beginning of his life and eventual career in acting and film production.
1981: Television Debut
In 1981, Nicolas Cage made his acting debut in the television pilot "The Best of Times", which was never picked up by ABC.
1982: Film Debut in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Nicolas Cage made his film debut in 1982 with a minor role in the coming-of-age film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High". He initially auditioned for a larger role but was cast as an unnamed co-worker.
1983: Breakthrough Role in "Valley Girl"
Nicolas Cage landed his first starring role in the romantic comedy "Valley Girl" in 1983. The film, a modern take on Romeo and Juliet, achieved moderate box office success and gained a cult following.
1984: Cage Stars in Three Period Films
Nicolas Cage appeared in three period films in 1984: "Racing with the Moon," "The Cotton Club," and "Birdy." Despite receiving critical acclaim for his performances, particularly in "Birdy," where he underwent physical transformations for his role as a Vietnam War veteran, none of the films performed well commercially.
1986: Appearances in "The Boy in Blue" and "Peggy Sue Got Married"
In 1986, Nicolas Cage starred in the Canadian sports drama "The Boy in Blue" and his uncle Francis Ford Coppola's fantasy comedy "Peggy Sue Got Married."
1986: "Top Gun" Release
The film "Top Gun", to which Cage's 1990 film "Fire Birds" was negatively compared, was released in 1986.
1987: Critical Acclaim for "Raising Arizona" and "Moonstruck"
Nicolas Cage garnered critical acclaim in 1987 for his roles in the Coen brothers' crime comedy "Raising Arizona" and the romantic comedy "Moonstruck" opposite Cher. His performance in "Moonstruck" earned him his first Golden Globe Award nomination.
1988: Cage Begins Relationship with Christina Fulton
Nicolas Cage began a relationship with actress Christina Fulton in 1988.
1989: Cult Following from "Vampire's Kiss"
In 1989, Nicolas Cage starred in the black comedy "Vampire's Kiss", which became a cult film due to his unconventional and memorable performance.
December 26, 1990: Cage Becomes a Father
Weston Coppola Cage, Nicolas Cage's son with Christina Fulton, was born on December 26, 1990. Weston would later pursue a career in music, joining two black metal bands, and also appeared in his father's film "Lord of War."
1990: Collaboration with David Lynch in "Wild at Heart"
Nicolas Cage teamed up with director David Lynch for the romantic crime film "Wild at Heart" in 1990, which also starred Laura Dern. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival but received polarized responses upon release.
1990: Appearance in "Fire Birds"
Nicolas Cage starred as a helicopter pilot in the action film "Fire Birds" in 1990, which received negative reviews and drew comparisons to "Top Gun".
1991: Direct-to-Video Release of "Zandalee"
Nicolas Cage's erotic thriller "Zandalee" was released directly to video in the United States in 1991.
1992: Golden Globe Nomination for "Honeymoon in Vegas"
Nicolas Cage received his second Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance in the romantic comedy "Honeymoon in Vegas" in 1992. He also hosted an episode of "Saturday Night Live" to promote the film.
1993: Nicolas Cage's Mixed Success in 1993
Nicolas Cage starred in three films in 1993: "Deadfall," "Amos & Andrew," and "Red Rock West." While none were box office successes, "Red Rock West" was praised by critics.
1994: Cage Stars Alongside Shirley MacLaine
In 1994, Cage starred with Shirley MacLaine in "Guarding Tess," playing a Secret Service agent protecting a former First Lady. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it derivative.
April 1995: Cage Marries Patricia Arquette
Nicolas Cage and actress Patricia Arquette were married in April 1995.
1995: Cage Wins Academy Award for Best Actor for "Leaving Las Vegas"
Nicolas Cage won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Leaving Las Vegas" in 1995.
1996: Nicolas Cage's Transition to Action Star
Nicolas Cage starred in "The Rock" in 1996, marking his entry into the action genre. The film was a commercial and critical success, establishing Cage as an action star.
June 1997: Back-to-Back Action Successes
Cage starred in two successful action films released in June 1997: "Con Air" and "Face/Off." In "Con Air," he played a parolee on a plane hijacked by convicts. In "Face/Off," he and John Travolta played adversaries who undergo face transplants.
1997: Nicolas Cage Purchases Action Comics #1
Nicolas Cage purchased his copy of Action Comics #1 in 1997 for $110,000.
1998: Cage Returns to Dramatic Roles
In 1998, Cage starred in "City of Angels," a romantic fantasy, and "Snake Eyes," a thriller. "City of Angels" received mixed reviews, while "Snake Eyes" was criticized for its screenplay.
1998: Cage Receives Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, Nicolas Cage was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998. His star is situated at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard.
1999: Sean Penn Comments on Cage's Acting Style
Sean Penn, in a 1999 interview with The New York Times, commented on Nicolas Cage's shift in acting style, suggesting that he had become more of a performer than an actor.
1999: Cage in Scorsese's "Bringing Out the Dead"
Nicolas Cage starred in Martin Scorsese's "Bringing Out the Dead" in 1999, portraying a paramedic in New York City.
2000: Theft of Nicolas Cage's Comic Book
In 2000, Nicolas Cage's copy of Action Comics #1 was stolen, leading him to receive an insurance payout for the loss.
2000: Cage Explores Alternate Timelines in "The Family Man"
In 2000, Cage starred in "The Family Man," a film that explores the concept of alternate timelines.
May 2001: Cage Receives Honorary Doctorate from California State University
Nicolas Cage was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts by California State University, Fullerton in May 2001 and delivered a speech at the commencement ceremony.
2001: Cage Learns Mandolin for "Captain Corelli's Mandolin"
In 2001, Cage starred in "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," learning to play the mandolin for his role.
2001: Cage and Arquette Divorce
Nicolas Cage and Patricia Arquette divorced in 2001, ending their six-year marriage.
August 10, 2002: Cage Marries Lisa Marie Presley
Nicolas Cage, a self-proclaimed Elvis fan, married Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, on August 10, 2002, in Kamuela, Hawaii. Cage's admiration for Elvis influenced his performance in the film "Wild at Heart."
November 25, 2002: Cage and Presley File for Divorce
Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce on November 25, 2002, just 107 days after their marriage.
2002: Cage Auctions Comic Book Collection for Charity
A devoted comic book enthusiast, Nicolas Cage auctioned off a collection of 400 vintage comics through Heritage Auctions in 2002, raising over $1.6 million for charity.
2002: Cage Directs and Stars in "Adaptation"
Cage made his directorial debut with "Sonny" and received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Adaptation," playing twins Charlie and Donald Kaufman, in 2002.
2002: Cage Nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor for "Adaptation"
Nicolas Cage received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in the film "Adaptation" in 2002.
2002: Nicolas Cage's Unpaid Taxes From 2002 to 2004
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had another lien on Nicolas Cage for over $350,000 in unpaid taxes from 2002 to 2004.
2003: Sean Penn Acknowledges Cage's Performance in "Matchstick Men"
Despite his previous comments, Sean Penn recognized Nicolas Cage's performance in the 2003 film "Matchstick Men" as one of the year's best during his Oscar acceptance speech for "Mystic River."
2003: Cage in "Matchstick Men"
Nicolas Cage starred in Ridley Scott's black comedy crime film "Matchstick Men" in 2003, playing a con artist with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
May 24, 2004: Cage and Presley's Divorce Finalized
The divorce between Nicolas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley was finalized on May 24, 2004.
July 30, 2004: Cage Marries Alice Kim
Nicolas Cage married Alice Kim on July 30, 2004, in a private ceremony at a ranch in northern California.
2004: Nicolas Cage Purchases Property in the Bahamas
Nicolas Cage purchased a property on Paradise Island in the Bahamas in 2004.
2004: Nicolas Cage's Unpaid Taxes From 2002 to 2004
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had another lien on Nicolas Cage for over $350,000 in unpaid taxes from 2002 to 2004.
October 3, 2005: Cage Welcomes Son, Kal-El
Alice Kim gave birth to Nicolas Cage's second son, Kal-El, named after Superman's birth name, on October 3, 2005.
2005: Cage's "Lord of War" and "The Weather Man" Receive Critical Acclaim
In 2005, Cage starred in "Lord of War" and "The Weather Man." Despite positive reviews for his performances, both films underperformed at the box office.
May 2006: Nicolas Cage Purchases Island in the Bahamas
In May 2006, Nicolas Cage purchased a 40-acre island in the Exuma archipelago, Bahamas. The island is located about 85 miles southeast of Nassau and near a similar island owned by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
December 2006: Cage Announces Plans to Reduce Acting
Nicolas Cage announced his intention to scale back on acting to pursue other interests in December 2006. He also served as executive producer on the TV series "The Dresden Files."
March 25, 2007: Cage's "Ghost Rider" a Box Office Success
Cage's film "Ghost Rider," based on the Marvel Comics character, was released in 2007. Despite receiving negative reviews, it was a box office success.
August 2007: Nicolas Cage's Real Estate Acquisitions
Nicolas Cage made several notable real estate purchases in August 2007. He bought "Grey Craig," a large country manor in Middletown, Rhode Island, and also purchased Midford Castle in Somerset, England.
November 2007: Cage Departs "The Wrestler"
Cage was initially set to star in "The Wrestler" but dropped out to dedicate more time to preparation. Director Darren Aronofsky cast Mickey Rourke, who received an Oscar nomination for his performance.
2007: Nicolas Cage's Spending Spree
In 2007, Nicolas Cage went on a significant spending spree, according to his former business manager. This included buying three residences for over $33 million, 22 cars (including nine Rolls Royces), expensive jewelry, and numerous pieces of art and exotic items, including a stolen dinosaur skull.
2007: Cage Co-Creates Comic Book "Voodoo Child" with Son
Nicolas Cage collaborated with his son, Weston, to create a comic book titled "Voodoo Child" in 2007, which was subsequently published by Virgin Comics.
2007: Nicolas Cage's Unpaid Taxes for 2007
Nicolas Cage failed to pay over $6.2 million in federal income tax for the year 2007, leading to a federal tax lien filed by the IRS.
2008: Kathleen Turner's Memoir and Libel Case
In 2008, Kathleen Turner released her memoir, "Send Your Roses," containing false allegations against Nicolas Cage, including claims of dog theft and drunk driving arrests. Cage sued Turner for libel, and she later admitted the claims were false, issuing an apology. Cage won the libel case against Turner, her publisher, and Associated Newspapers for repeating the allegations.
2008: Cage in "Bangkok Dangerous"
Nicolas Cage starred in "Bangkok Dangerous" in 2008, playing a hitman who experiences a change of heart while working in Bangkok.
July 14, 2009: IRS Files Tax Lien Against Nicolas Cage
On July 14, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed a federal tax lien against Nicolas Cage's property in Louisiana for unpaid federal taxes for the year 2007, totaling over $6.2 million.
October 16, 2009: Nicolas Cage Sues Business Manager for Negligence and Fraud
On October 16, 2009, Nicolas Cage filed a $20 million lawsuit against his business manager, Samuel J. Levin, alleging negligence and fraud. Cage claimed that Levin's mismanagement of his finances led to unpaid taxes and substantial financial losses.
November 12, 2009: Nicolas Cage's "Haunted House" Foreclosed
On November 12, 2009, Nicolas Cage's New Orleans home, known as "The LaLaurie House," was foreclosed and sold at auction for $5.5 million. This was part of Cage's efforts to resolve his financial difficulties.
December 2009: Christina Fulton Sues Nicolas Cage
Christina Fulton, Nicolas Cage's former partner, filed a $13 million lawsuit against him in December 2009. The lawsuit involved a dispute over a house she was living in, from which Cage had asked her to leave due to his financial troubles.
2009: Cage Stars in Sci-Fi Thriller "Knowing"
Cage starred in the science fiction thriller "Knowing" in 2009. He played an MIT professor who discovers predictions of global catastrophe in a time capsule.
2009: Cage Stars in "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans"
In 2009, Nicolas Cage starred in "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans," directed by Werner Herzog, where he played a corrupt police officer struggling with addiction, receiving critical acclaim for his performance.
2009: Nicolas Cage's High Earnings and Real Estate Transactions
In 2009, Nicolas Cage was considered one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, earning an estimated $40 million according to Forbes. That same year, he sold his medieval castle, Schloss Neidstein, in Germany for $2.5 million.
2009: Cage Becomes UN Ambassador for Global Justice
Nicolas Cage was appointed as a UN ambassador for Global Justice in 2009, reflecting his commitment to humanitarian causes.
April 2010: Nicolas Cage's Bel Air Home Fails to Sell at Foreclosure Auction
Nicolas Cage's Bel Air home, facing foreclosure, did not sell at an auction in April 2010. Despite an opening bid of $10.4 million, significantly less than the $35 million Cage initially sought, the property remained unsold.
November 2010: Sale of Nicolas Cage's Bel Air Home
Nicolas Cage's Bel Air home, which previously failed to sell at a foreclosure auction, eventually sold for $10.5 million in November 2010.
2010: Cage Stars in "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"
Nicolas Cage took on the role of a sorcerer in the film "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" in 2010.
March 2011: Recovery of Nicolas Cage's Stolen Comic Book
Nicolas Cage's stolen copy of Action Comics #1 resurfaced in March 2011. It was found in a storage locker in the San Fernando Valley and authenticated by ComicConnect.com as the same copy Cage had previously owned.
April 15, 2011: Nicolas Cage's Arrest in New Orleans
On April 15, 2011, Nicolas Cage was arrested in New Orleans' French Quarter for alleged domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, and public intoxication. He was released after posting bail.
May 5, 2011: Charges Dropped Against Nicolas Cage
The New Orleans District Attorney decided to drop all charges against Nicolas Cage related to his arrest for domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, and public intoxication on May 5, 2011.
May 31, 2011: Nicolas Cage's Court Appearance Date
Nicolas Cage was scheduled to appear in court on May 31, 2011, following his arrest in New Orleans for domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, and public intoxication.
June 2011: Settlement Reached in Nicolas Cage and Christina Fulton Lawsuit
The lawsuit between Nicolas Cage and Christina Fulton, stemming from a property dispute, was settled in June 2011.
November 2011: Nicolas Cage Sells Action Comics #1 for Record Sum
In November 2011, Nicolas Cage sold his copy of Action Comics #1, a valuable comic book, in an online auction managed by Heritage Auctions. It fetched a record-breaking $2.16 million, exceeding the previous record of $1.5 million. Cage used the proceeds to address his tax liabilities and other debts.
2011: Cage Returns in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance"
Nicolas Cage reprised his role as Ghost Rider in the sequel "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" in 2011.
2012: Cage Reveals Unconventional Method Acting Techniques and Diet
During the promotion of the film "Joe" in 2012, Nicolas Cage revealed his method acting techniques, including a strict red meat diet to gain weight for the role, and his identification as a carnivore.
August 30, 2013: "Joe" Premieres at Venice Film Festival
On August 30, 2013, "Joe," an independent crime drama directed by David Gordon Green and starring Nicolas Cage, premiered at the 70th Venice International Film Festival.
2013: Cage Confirmed for "The Croods" Sequel
In 2013, Nicolas Cage's return as Grug in "The Croods: A New Age" was confirmed.
2013: Ethan Hawke Praises Cage's Unique Acting Style
In 2013, actor Ethan Hawke praised Nicolas Cage's acting style, comparing it to Marlon Brando's and acknowledging Cage's ability to bring something new to the art of acting.
2013: Cage Continues as UN Ambassador for Global Justice
Nicolas Cage was appointed UN ambassador for Global Justice for a second time in 2013.
2014: Cage Becomes a Grandfather
Nicolas Cage became a grandfather in 2014 through his son, Weston.
2014: Nicolas Cage's Absence from Forbes' Top 10 List
Nicolas Cage did not make Forbes' Top 10 highest-paid actors list in 2014.
January 2016: Cage and Kim Divorce
Nicolas Cage and Alice Kim divorced in January 2016.
May 20, 2016: "Dog Eat Dog" Premieres at Cannes Film Festival
"Dog Eat Dog," a black comedy directed by Paul Schrader and starring Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2016.
November 4, 2016: "Dog Eat Dog" Released in the US
On November 4, 2016, "Dog Eat Dog," starring Nicolas Cage, was released in the United States.
2016: Cage's Family Grows with Second Grandchild
Nicolas Cage welcomed his second grandchild in 2016.
May 2017: Nicolas Cage's Comic Book's Increased Value
By May 2017, the estimated worth of Nicolas Cage's former comic book, Action Comics #1, had risen to approximately $25 million, highlighting its significant appreciation in value.
2017: "Mom and Dad" Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
"Mom and Dad," starring Nicolas Cage, premiered in the Midnight Madness section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.
January 19, 2018: "Mom and Dad" Theatrical Release
"Mom and Dad," a horror comedy film starring Nicolas Cage, was released in theaters on January 19, 2018, after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival.
December 2018: Cage to Star in "Color Out of Space"
In December 2018, it was announced that Nicolas Cage would play the lead role in "Color Out of Space," marking Richard Stanley's return to feature film directing.
December 2018: Cage to Star in Sion Sono's "Prisoners of the Ghostland"
In December 2018, news broke of Nicolas Cage being cast in Sion Sono's English-language debut, "Prisoners of the Ghostland."
2018: Cage Voices Superman and Spider-Man Noir
In 2018, Nicolas Cage lent his voice to two iconic characters: Superman in "Teen Titans Go! To the Movies" and Spider-Man Noir in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse."
2018: Cage Stars in "Mandy" and Receives Critical Acclaim
Nicolas Cage starred in the action thriller film "Mandy," which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and garnered significant praise for his performance.
January 28, 2019: "Love, Antosha" Documentary Premieres at Sundance
"Love, Antosha," a documentary about Anton Yelchin narrated by Nicolas Cage, premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2019.
March 2019: Cage Marries and Files for Annulment from Erika Koike
In a whirlwind romance, Nicolas Cage married Erika Koike in Las Vegas in March 2019, but filed for annulment just four days later. The divorce was granted three months later.
September 7, 2019: "Color Out of Space" Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
On September 7, 2019, "Color Out of Space," directed by Richard Stanley and starring Nicolas Cage, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
January 24, 2020: "Color Out of Space" Released in Theaters
"Color Out of Space," starring Nicolas Cage, saw a theatrical release in the United States on January 24, 2020, after select preview screenings.
May 2020: Cage Cast as Joe Exotic in "Tiger King" Series
In May 2020, Nicolas Cage was announced to play Joe Exotic in a scripted "Tiger King" series, a project later scrapped in July 2021.
2020: Cage Endorses Andrew Yang for President
Nicolas Cage endorsed Andrew Yang during the 2020 presidential election.
January 31, 2021: "Prisoners of the Ghostland" Premieres at Sundance Film Festival
"Prisoners of the Ghostland," directed by Sion Sono and starring Nicolas Cage, had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 31, 2021.
February 16, 2021: Cage Marries Riko Shibata
Nicolas Cage married Riko Shibata on February 16, 2021.
July 2021: Cage Explains Departure from Hollywood and Focus on Independent Films
In July 2021, Nicolas Cage revealed to Variety that he shifted away from Hollywood due to the creative limitations imposed on his performances. He expressed a preference for independent films, which offer more freedom for experimentation.
July 2021: "Tiger King" Series with Cage Cancelled
The planned "Tiger King" series, set to star Nicolas Cage as Joe Exotic, was officially cancelled in July 2021.
2021: Cage Stars in "Pig" and Earns Critical Acclaim
In 2021, Nicolas Cage starred in the film "Pig" as Robin "Rob" Feld, a former chef who becomes a reclusive truffle hunter. His performance earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actor.
September 7, 2022: Cage Welcomes Daughter, August Francesca
Riko Shibata gave birth to Nicolas Cage's daughter, August Francesca, on September 7, 2022.
2022: Nicolas Cage Pays Off Debts, Aims for Selectivity in Film Roles
By 2022, Nicolas Cage announced that he had fully paid off his debts and expressed his intention to be more selective in choosing film roles moving forward.
2022: Cage Stars in "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent"
Nicolas Cage starred in the action-comedy film "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" in 2022, playing a fictionalized version of himself. The performance was met with further acclaim.
2023: Inflation-Adjusted Value of Nicolas Cage's Former Home
As of 2023, the 1940 value of Nicolas Cage's former Bel Air home, $110,000, is equivalent to approximately $2.39 million after adjusting for inflation.
2023: Cage Appears in "Renfield," "Dead by Daylight," and "The Flash"
In 2023, Nicolas Cage took on the role of Dracula in the horror comedy "Renfield," starring alongside Nicholas Hoult. The same year, he became a playable character in the horror video game "Dead by Daylight" and made a cameo appearance as a CGI-de-aged Clark Kent / Superman in "The Flash."
2023: Cage Makes Generous Donation to Perth Telethon
In 2023, while filming "The Surfer" in Western Australia, Nicolas Cage demonstrated his generosity by personally calling in a donation of AU$5,000 to the Channel Seven Perth Telethon.
2023: Cage Stars in "Dream Scenario" and Receives Golden Globe Nomination
Nicolas Cage starred as Paul, a professor who starts appearing in others' dreams, in the 2023 film "Dream Scenario." This performance garnered him his fifth Golden Globe nomination.