Actor Michael Madsen is famous for playing terrifying on-screen tough guys, but you'd never know he was capable of anything beyond expressions of tenderness after watching him interact with his two squawking parrots.
The Chicago native, who studied at the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company under the direction of actor John Malkovich, has been acting professionally since 1982. The 57-year-old has appeared in more than 170 films, including “Thelma & Louise,” “Free Willy,” “Donnie Brasco” and “Wyatt Earp.” Currently, Madsen is starring in the Quentin Tarantino blockbuster “The Hateful Eight,” which is his third collaboration with the director following “Kill Bill” and “Reservoir Dogs.”
In addition to acting and video game voice-over work (for the likes of “Grand Theft Auto III,” “DRIV3R” and “Mob of the Dead”), Madsen is an accomplished poet and photographer who has released several books featuring his work. He also has his own line of hot sauces, American Bad Ass Products.
Madsen was destined for stardom as his mother, Elaine Madsen, was a filmmaker and his younger sister, Virginia Madsen, is an award-winning actress most known for her roles in “Candyman” and “Sideways.” However, he is most comfortable hanging at home with a pair of birds than the Hollywood elite as he exclusively told Headlines & Global News.
HNGN: Tell readers about George and Marlon.
Madsen: I got Marlon from Nebraska when I was working there. Then, we decided to get George to keep Marlon company. He was a captive breeder, and it was not a good life for him. He was pulling his own feathers out. So now he wears a vest to cover his bare chest. The fact that we have the both of them together is great — they would never be together in the wild because they are from different countries.
Do either of them have any of your personality traits?
I suppose they do. George is very cranky, and Marlon is a ham.
What are some of their favorite things?
They really love food – they enjoy eating whatever they can. They also really love the rain.
You have always had birds. What is it about them that intrigues you?
I really don’t know. I’m not even sure why we even have them. [Laughs] Regardless, we enjoy them and love them.
Have you ever written a poem about your pets?
Yes, I have. [It’s called] “When Pets Kill.”
What have you learned from having these birds in your life?
I learned that I would prefer that they were free, flying around in the Amazon, but sometimes that is not the case and they need to be rescued and cared for. Every animal needs a good life and home.
What do your pets really mean to you?
They are really good for the family and family life. There is a respect level that is there when you have pets in your home with your children.
For more on Michael Madsen, visit his official website.
