Michael Wincott

Michael Wincott's filmography contains a veritable rogues' gallery of brooding villains and charismatic scalawags. Interestingly, he consistently wins high marks for his performances but remains largely unknown outside of a growing circle of devoted fans.
He was born in London, Ontario, and trained at the prestigious Juilliard School. He launched his professional career on the New York Stage, appearing in such productions as The Plough and the Stars, When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder, and 'Tis a Pity She's a Whore. He also appeared in a few Broadway dramas, including Sam Shepard's premiere production of States of Shock. He made his feature film debut in a Canadian production, Wild Horse Hank (1979). Some of his more memorable roles include his reprisal of his Broadway performance as a zoned-out rocker in Oliver Stone's film adaptation of Eric Bogosian's Talk Radio (1988). In villainous roles, Wincott projects a charismatic intensity that eclipses the actor behind the them, which is perhaps one reason why major stardom has eluded him. He was riveting as Top Dollar, the supervillain in The Crow (1994). Wincott's brother, Jeff Wincott, is also an actor.

~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide