Today marks the 73rd birthday of the legendary Michael Keaton, one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring actors. With a career spanning over four decades, Keaton has captivated audiences with his ability to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, and action. From his breakout role in the 1982 comedy Night Shift to his unforgettable turn as Batman in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), Keaton has proven time and again that he can reinvent himself and stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Born Michael John Douglas on September 5, 1951, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, Keaton changed his last name early in his career to avoid confusion with actor Michael Douglas. His big break came in the early 1980s with a series of successful comedies, including Mr. Mom and Beetlejuice, the latter becoming one of his most iconic performances as the eccentric, chaotic “bio-exorcist.”
Keaton’s career saw a resurgence in the 2010s with his Oscar-nominated role in Birdman (2014), a film that mirrored his own journey in Hollywood. His portrayal of a washed-up actor seeking redemption earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win. Since then, he’s continued to impress in films like Spotlight and The Founder.
In 2023, Keaton returned to the role that made him a global superstar—Batman—reprising the character in The Flash. His legacy as the “Caped Crusader” and his ability to adapt and grow as an actor solidify him as one of the greatest in Hollywood.
