Michael Keaton

Though he began his career in stand-up comedy, intense actor Michael Keaton blossomed into a multi-talented performer comfortable in comedies, gritty dramas and big budget action movies. At first, he used his manic onscreen persona to great effect in early hits like "Night Shift" (1982) and "Mr. Mom" (1983); the former of which put him on the map, while the latter turned him into a star. But it was his wild turn as a perverse ghost in Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" (1988) and his compelling dramatic performance as a cocaine addict trying to get his life together in "Clean and Sober" (1988) that showcased his true talents. Keaton reached new heights when he won the title role in Burton's take on "Batman" (1989). His casting surprised many - and angered some - though when the finished film was released, most were in agreement that Keaton's brooding performance was inspired. After the inevitable sequel, "Batman Returns" (1992), Keaton's career entered a commercial and critical downturn with films like "Jack Frost" (1998), or little-seen indies like "Quicksand" (2001) that barely saw the light of day. He emerged onto the small screen with an acclaimed turn in "Live from Bagdad" (HBO, 2002), a reminder that Keaton was capable of handling any role in any genre or medium. After settling into a solid career as a character actor, Keaton returned to public consciousness with a career-redefining role in the Oscar-winning "Birdman" (2014). Further work in another Best Picture winner, "Spotlight" (2015), Ray Kroc biopic "The Founder" (2016) and superhero blockbuster "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017) proved that Michael Keaton had managed a late-career renaissance.