Celebrity Info
With that mischievous smile always lighting up the screen, Michael J Pollard quickly became a recognizable presence in both film and television during the 1960s. Though small in stature, Michael J Pollard made a big impression with his unique charm and knack for playing eccentric characters. Born in New Jersey and trained in theater, Michael J Pollard launched his career on stage, making his debut in “Comes a Day” back in 1958. From there, he built an impressive resume with roles in notable productions like “A Loss of Roses” (1959), where he shared the spotlight with a young Warren Beatty, the lively musical “Bye Bye Birdie” (1960), and the comedic hit “Enter Laughing” (1963). In fact, Michael J Pollard was so memorable as the quirky best friend in “Enter Laughing” that he reprised the role in the 1967 film adaptation—further cementing his status as a go-to actor for offbeat, endearing parts.
Michael J Pollard transitioned into movies with Martin Ritt’s “Adventures of a Young Man” in 1962, and from there, he appeared in a string of films such as “The Stripper” (1963) and the gritty biker drama “The Wild Angels” (1966). But it was Arthur Penn’s revolutionary crime film “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) that truly brought Michael J Pollard into the spotlight. His portrayal of C.W. Moss, the nervous yet loyal getaway driver, earned widespread acclaim—and even an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. That moment marked the peak of mainstream recognition for Michael J Pollard, though Hollywood never quite saw him as leading man material.
Still, Michael J Pollard continued to work steadily, often stealing scenes in supporting roles. He showed up in a number of well-regarded films over the years, including “Melvin and Howard” (1980), the clever Steve Martin comedy “Roxanne” (1987), the action-packed “Tango & Cash” (1989), and the stylized “Dick Tracy” (1990). In 1991, fans heard his distinctive voice when he lent it to the animated series “The Toxic Crusaders,” proving his range extended beyond live-action roles. Later, in 1999, Michael J Pollard took on the part of Mr. Cummings in Gavin O’Connor’s heartfelt drama “Tumbleweeds,” delivering a performance that, while brief, added depth and authenticity to the story.
Throughout his decades-long career, Michael J Pollard remained a familiar face on television, popping up in classic shows ranging from “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” to the original “Star Trek” series. He even had a recurring role alongside Harvey Korman and Valerie Perrine in the short-lived CBS sitcom “Leo and Liz in Beverly Hills” (1986). On a personal note, Michael J Pollard was once married to actress Beth Howland, best known for her role as Vera on the beloved series “Alice.”
Michael J Pollard passed away on November 21, 2019, in Los Angeles at the age of 80. Over the years, Michael J Pollard may not have been a household name to everyone, but for those who appreciated character actors with heart and humor, Michael J Pollard left an indelible mark—one impish grin at a time.
When it comes to Michael J. Pollard’s filmography, one standout in terms of critical acclaim is Between the Lines from 1977—it’s widely regarded as Michael J. Pollard’s highest rated movie. Over the course of his career, Michael J. Pollard appeared in a variety of roles, but this particular film tends to shine the brightest in reviews and retrospectives. On the other end of the spectrum, Michael J. Pollard’s lowest rated movie appears to be Adventures of a Young Man, released back in 1962. While it didn’t garner much praise, it still marks an early point in Michael J. Pollard’s journey through Hollywood. Overall, Michael J. Pollard’s body of work reflects a diverse range of performances, with clear highs and lows—Between the Lines definitely being one of the peaks for Michael J. Pollard.
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