Michael Fassbender

About

Michael Fassbender is a highly-acclaimed German-Irish actor, known for his intense performances in both mainstream and indie films. Born on April 2, 1977, in Heidelberg, Germany, Fassbender was raised in Ireland from a young age. He first gained recognition for his portrayal of Spartan warrior Stelios in the 2006 film "300," but his breakout role came in 2008 with the film "Hunger," which earned him critical praise. Since then, he has starred in several high-profile films including Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds," Ridley Scott's "Prometheus," and the "X-Men" franchise where he plays the iconic character Magneto. Fassbender's portrayal of Apple Inc. co-founder, Steve Jobs, in the 2015 biographical film, "Steve Jobs" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Despite his numerous roles in high-budget films, he still continues to work in lower-budget independent films, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Associated With

Michael Fassbender, a highly celebrated actor, has collaborated with numerous acclaimed individuals in the film industry. He has had a frequent association with director Steve McQueen, starring in his films "Hunger", "Shame", and "12 Years a Slave". He co-starred with James McAvoy in the "X-Men" series, and collaborated with notable directors like Ridley Scott in "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant", Danny Boyle in "Steve Jobs", and Quentin Tarantino in "Inglourious Basterds". On the personal front, he married actress Alicia Vikander in 2017 after they starred together in "The Light Between Oceans". Fassbender’s list of collaborators also extends to Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and others, significantly contributing to his varied and esteemed filmography.

Career Highlights

• Michael Fassbender's film debut happened in "300", where he played the role of Stelios in 2006.
• He gained international acclaim when he starred as Lieutenant Archie Hicox in Quentin Tarantino's film, "Inglourious Basterds" in 2009.
• In 2011, Fassbender's performance as Edward Rochester in "Jane Eyre" received critical acclaim and audience recognition.
• His outstanding portrayal of a sex addict in "Shame" earned him a Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2011.
• Fassbender was then cast as the iconic role of Magneto in the "X-Men: First Class" in 2011.
• His work in "12 Years a Slave" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2013.
• He portrayed Apple Inc. founder, Steve Jobs, in the biographical film, "Steve Jobs", for which he received another Academy Award nomination in 2015.
• Fassbender was nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for his role in the mini-series, "The Devil's Whore" in 2008.
• He gained another BAFTA nomination for "Macbeth," wherein he played the titular role in 2015.
• His role in the crime drama "Trespass Against Us" earned him the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards in 2016.
• He received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at Golden Globe for his role in "The Light Between Oceans" in 2016.

Notable Awards

• Michael Fassbender has won several awards during his career. Some of the notable ones include:
• Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for "Shame" (2011).
• Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards for "Shame" (2011).
• Best Supporting Actor award by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association for "12 Years a Slave" (2013).
• Best Supporting Actor award by the International Online Cinema Awards for "12 Years a Slave" (2013).
• Best Supporting Actor award by the Online Film Critics Society for "12 Years a Slave" (2013).
• Best Actor award at the Empire Awards for "Macbeth" (2016).
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role by the Austin Film Critics Association for "Steve Jobs" (2015).

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Michael Fassbender Movie/TV Show?

Michael Fassbender has starred in many popular movies, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. However, arguably one of the most popular would be his portrayal of Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto in the "X-Men" franchise, starting with "X-Men: First Class" in 2011. He gave a complex and compelling performance that brought depth to the iconic character, making the film and its sequels massively popular among fans worldwide. Additionally, his work in "12 Years a Slave," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, is highly recognized and celebrated.

How Did Michael Fassbender Get Famous?

Michael Fassbender gained fame through his remarkable acting skills. He began his career in television but truly made a mark in the film industry with his role as Spartan warrior Stelios in the Hollywood movie '300'. Fassbender's breakthrough came when he portrayed Irish hunger striker Bobby Sands in the film 'Hunger', which earned him critical acclaim and international attention. His further successful portrayals, most notably in films like 'Inglourious Basterds', 'X-Men: First Class', and '12 Years a Slave,' among others, cemented his status as a prominent and respected actor in the industry.