Michael Pare is an actor who experienced one of the most mercurial rises in the history of American Film. Born in 1959 to a French Canadian Father and an Irish American Mother, Michael was the eighth of ten children. In 1964 Michael's father succumbed after a brave battle to leukemia. His Mother faced great difficulties but raised her ten children in Brooklyn. Michael is a New Yorker. After High School Michael attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie New York. An outstanding student he was employed in major restaurants in New York as a sous chef before graduation. While working at Tavern on The Green in New York, Michael was discovered an agent for acting.
Joyce Selznick at the time was leading a nationwide talent search. A legendary Agent and Casting Director, Selznick was famous for her discovery of Tony Curtis among others. But Michael whom she met on a cold call audition in New York would become her most renowned success. Upon her first meeting with Michael, Selznick intuited a talent and charisma that she believed was boundless. Almost immediately Michael was signed to Universal Talent contract, Selznick quickly becoming his agent, and in no short time Michael was cast as a regular in The Greatest American Hero television series. Eddie & The Cruisers became vehicle to his remarkable ascension to stardom in Hollywood. Directed by Martin Davidson. Tom Berenger an established young star was to be the feature of that production until Michael's blazing performance in the title roll transformed the film and the young actor's career. A medium budget film, Eddie & The Cruisers became a runaway hit movie. Michael was now the most sought after young actor in Hollywood.STREETS OF FIRE, Walter Hill's follow up to 48 Hours gave Michael his first major studio lead. Far ahead of its time, considered by many to be the precursor to MTV in style and substance, the originality and creativity of STREETS OF FIRE continues to be emulated by filmmakers. Playing Tom Cody, in Hill's surreal world, Michael was surrounded with a group of young actors who would achieve major stardom, such as Diane Lane, Amy Madigan, Willem Defoe and Rick Moranis among others. The film still enjoys a devoted following and the album was a best selling soundtrack for more than a decade.Michael followed STREETS OF FIRE with another film, the cult classic THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT. But during this period, tragedy darkened his career ascent, as his mentor and friend Joyce Selznick passed on. Michael's career continued but the amazing trajectory, without Selznick's brilliant guidance, shifted. Michael came to star in a television series, HOUSTON KNIGHTS, which again received a passionate following that continues to this day. For two years he played a tough Chicago cop, transplanted to Houston Texas and forced to work with a partner played by Michael Beck, who was his complete opposite.After Houston Knights Michael went on to star in numerous international productions. MOON 44 was Roland Emmerich's first film landed in US, Michael playing the classic Western Hero transplanted to outer space, the film is considered a science fiction classic. In other films such as INTO THE SUN, KILLING STREETS, POINT OF IMPACT (aka SPANISH ROSE), WARRIORS, SWORN ENEMIES (aka COYOTE RUN), Michael displayed a subtle passion that drove the material to unusual heights. Appearing in Sofia Coppola's VIRGIN SUICIDES, playing the older version of Josh Hartnett's teenager, Michael stood out in a film starring James Woods, Kathleen Turner and Claire Danes. Michael would also star in studio films such as John Carpenter's VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, and BAD MOON, as well as play a pivotal and resonant role in the very popular HOPE FLOATS.As well as starring in numerous films, Michael came under the influence of the great American playwright Louis LaRusso, famed for his prize winning LAMPOST REUNION. Michael would originate the role of the young Eugene O'Neill (Winner of the 1936 Nobel Prize in Literature) in SEA MOTHER'S SON to outstanding reviews. Ten years later in 1998, in an Off-Broadway showcase of BLACK MARBLE SHOESHINE STAND, Michael's performance as an alcoholic Irish policeman, would draw raves and acclaim, not only from audiences but from fellow actors among who were counted many members of the actors studio. It was in LaRusso's plays and under his direction that Michael's work reached new dimensions.Married to his wife Marjolein, a former international model, he is a devoted father to his son. As well he remains an outstanding cook. His family counts brothers and sisters with numerous advanced degrees, working as health professionals and in the arts as writers and educators. Michael's sister Aileen is also an accomplished actor. Michael and his brethren, despite humble beginnings have achieved outstanding success. The mercurial charisma and the native passion of the early Michael have woven into an actor of strength and compassion. Michael's portrayals embody heroism and dignity as his career continues to inspire directors and actors and most importantly, his devoted admirers.
