Biography research done by California author, RC Lemos. Nov 13, 2005

Updated by Michael Paré Media Forum Editor June 17, 2010


Michael Kevin Paré was born on October 9, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York. Michael was the eighth child to come along in the lives of his French Canadian father, Francis, and Irish mother, Joan. Two more siblngs followed.

Unfortunately, Michael's father (who ran two print shops and was studying to become a lawyer at the time) died of leukemia when Michael was around five years old. An uncontrollable unruliness resulted in him, and, when he was in junior high school, he was sent to live with his ex-marine Uncle and twelve cousins, in Fenton, Michigan. While in high school, Michael not only wrestled and worked at a local Dairy Queen, but managed to finish school a year before he was scheduled to. He was smart enough to also be awarded a scholarship to the University of Michigan. Instead, however, he headed to Poughkeepsie, New York to become a master chef at the Culinary Institute of America. Michael figured if he could cook, he would always have a good job.

He left after two years and moved to Manhattan. He worked his way up the ladder to a job as sous-chef at the Tavern On The Green restaurant in New York's Central Park.

At the age of 22, Michael first appeared in a television commercial for Pierre Cardin. He also, at that time, modeled for a print ad for an automobile. A little over a year later, super agent Joyce Selznick came to New York as part of an ABC nationwide talent hunt judge. While having dinner at another agents home, Selznick and her partner Jan McCormick were looking through photos of rejected talent. When they came across Michael's photo, they were struck by his facial features and they decided to screen test him for a role in the ABC series THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO. Joyce Selznick later became Michael's agent. Michael was off to Los Angeles several weeks later and landed a regular role in the series. He was on his way. His role in the series also led him to a leading role (alongside newcomers Ray Liotta and David Caruso) in an ABC television movie CRAZY TIMES. Then came the casting director for the film EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS, who thought Paré was perfect for the role of Eddie, and the result was that Michael Paré became a cult superstar.

In his career, Michael has made major theatrical motion pictures such as THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT, STREETS OF FIRE, BAD MOON, and INTO THE SUN, as well as films made for television and video. Those include the fine features SUNSET HEAT, WARRIORS, BLINK OF AN EYE, THE COLONY, and THE CLOSER. Most of Paré's cable and video features are first released theatrically overseas, and then marketed on cable and video in the USA.

In 1998, Michael hit a home run with the theatrical release of HOPE FLOATS which became the 19th largest grossing film that was released in 1998. It also became his first feature that, when it was released on video tape, was priced so that the public could immediately acquire this popular property.

While his part was small (he shared screen time with Sandra Bullock, Gena Rowlands, Kathy Najimy, Harry Connick, Jr., and Rossanna Arquette), it proved what a wide range he could handle when given the chance. 1998, ended in a high point, when Michael starred in the off-Broadway play, THE BLACK MARBLE SHOE SHINE STAND.

Paré has also appeared in two other stage productions and co-starred on the CBS television series, HOUSTON KNIGHTS and the Canadian series STARHUNTER.

His latest project still in pre-production, "Job", is scheduled for theatrical release in the U.S., in January, 2011.

Paré has proven to be unafraid to take small roles in different and important productions. In 1986, he appeared in a nonspeaking role in the music video THE LETTER. His visual portrayal was performed against the classic song by The Box Tops. That music video was the highlight of the tape DEJA VIEW which was produced by the Scotti Brothers, who were responsible for both EDDIE AND THE CRUISERS and EDDIE LIVES! In 1999, Michael took a cameo role in the film, VIRGIN SUICIDES, produced by Francis Ford Coppola, and directed by Sofia Coppola.

Like other American performers (such as Mel Gibson and Arnold Schwarzenneger) Michael has appeared in Japanese commercials and print advertising. A health advocate, Paré has said the best way to keep his mind and body healthy and to reduce stress, is for him to work out. He also does isometric yoga exercises at least once a day to keep himself in top physical shape and enjoys surfing.

In one interview, Michael said he would relish playing a bad guy, and has had the opportunity several times now, but his fans especially love him as the brooding hero.

For Paré it is the challenge that makes him continue to seek out and find the multitude of different roles he creates. For, as Michael has said, acting is his life. Michael presently lives with his wife and son in the Greater Los Angeles area. They also have a home in his wife's home country of The Netherlands.

Editor's Note - June 2010 Michael continues to make several films each year. To date, Michael has made over 70 movies and starred or co-starred in several television series. He has come a long way since Eddie and The Cruisers and continues to 'develop his craft' with each film he makes.