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Last updated on the 21 April 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 2 April 1977, Heidelberg, West Germany.Â
Michael Fassbender, although born in Germany, Fassbender was raised in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland. His parents, Adele and Josef Fassbender, moved to Ireland when he was two years old.
Fassbender attended St. Brendan’s College in Killarney before later enrolling in the Drama Centre London, a prestigious acting school.
Fassbender’s career took off when he made his acting debut in the television miniseries “Band of Brothers” in 2001. However, it was his breakthrough role as IRA activist Bobby Sands in the 2008 film “Hunger” that truly showcased his exceptional talent. Fassbender’s portrayal of Sands earned him critical acclaim and paved the way for a successful career in the film industry.
Since then, Fassbender has been involved in numerous notable projects. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Lieutenant Archie Hicox in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) and as Magneto in the superhero film series “X-Men: First Class” (2011), “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014), and “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016).
In 2011, Fassbender delivered a mesmerising performance as a sex addict in the drama film “Shame,” for which he received critical acclaim and several award nominations. He has also collaborated with acclaimed director Steve McQueen on multiple occasions, including the films “12 Years a Slave” (2013), “Shame,” and “Hunger,” further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
In 2017, Fassbender married actress Alicia Vikander, whom he met on the set of the film “The Light Between Oceans” (2016).
Outside of acting, Fassbender has a passion for racing and is an avid motorsport enthusiast. He has competed in various racing events and has co-founded a racing team called “Fassbender Racing.”
Suggested viewing
Shame (2011)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.2
“Shame” follows the life of Brandon, a successful New York executive with a hidden addiction to sex. His world spirals out of control when his sister, Sissy, unexpectedly moves in with him. The film explores the destructive nature of addiction and the complexities of familial relationships in a gripping and raw portrayal.
Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie, Alex Manette, Lucy Walters, Amy Hargreaves, Elizabeth Masucci.
Macbeth (2015)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.6
“Macbeth” is a visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic play. Set in war-torn medieval Scotland, it follows the ambitious Macbeth, driven by prophecy and his own unchecked ambition, as he descends into madness and tyranny. The film explores themes of power, guilt, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition in a haunting and atmospheric portrayal.
Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, Elizabeth Debicki, David Thewlis, David Hayman.
Hunger (2008)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5
“Hunger” is a harrowing portrayal of the 1981 Irish hunger strike led by Bobby Sands. The film delves into the physical and psychological toll of the strike, focusing on Sands’ unwavering determination and the brutal conditions faced by prisoners. It is a powerful exploration of sacrifice, resistance, and the human spirit.
Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Stuart Graham, Liam Cunningham, Brian Milligan, Liam McMahon, Karen Hassan, Frank McCusker, Lalor Roddy.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
“12 Years a Slave” tells the true story of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War United States. The film chronicles his grueling twelve-year journey, highlighting the brutality of slavery and his unwavering desire for freedom.
Top cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodard.
Frank (2014)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9
An aspiring musician falls into a strange opportunity when a quirky band with a mysterious frontman wearing a giant paper-mache head invites him to join. Despite clashing with the possessive band member and the frontman’s unconventional ways, he finds himself drawn into their world of chaotic creativity and raw artistic expression.
Top cast: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy, François Civil, Carla Azar, Tess Harper, Bruce McIntosh, Hayley Derryberry.
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Michael Fassbender Gallery
