Michael Rooker Biography: Michael Rooker born April 6, 1955 is an American actor renowned for his portrayals of antagonistic characters. He gained early recognition for his role as the title character in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) and is widely known for playing Merle Dixon in the AMC series The Walking Dead (2010–2013) and Yondu Udonta in the Guardians of the Galaxy films (2014, 2017, 2023). Rooker has also been a frequent collaborator with Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn, appearing in all of Gunn’s films, including Slither (2006), Super (2010), and The Suicide Squad (2021). Other notable films in Rooker’s career include Eight Men Out (1988) as Chick Gandil, Mississippi Burning (1988).
Michael Rooker Biography
Michael Rooker was born on April 6, 1955, in Jasper, Alabama. At the age of 13, after his parents divorced, he moved with his mother to Chicago. It was during his time in college that Rooker developed a passion for acting and began participating in local stage productions. He first made a notable impact in film with his intense and imposing performance as the title character in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986), which, due to its controversial content, was not released until 1990. This chilling portrayal earned him widespread attention and praise, and much of his career since has seen him playing tough, villainous roles and portraying psychopaths. However, his occasional portrayals of more sympathetic characters are always well-receive, showcasing his versatility as an actor often typecast in darker roles.
Michael Rooker Biography 2025 Details
| Born | April 6, 1955
Jasper, Alabama, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | DePaul University (BFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1986–present |
| Spouse |
Margot Rooker
(m. 1979) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Michael Rooker
Michael Rooker is an American actor who mainly plays roles of antagonists. He first rose to prominence for portraying the titular role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, and is best known for starring …
Michael Rooker Wiki
- Born: 6 April 1955 (age 70 years), Jasper, Alabama, United States
- Spouse: Margot Rooker (m. 1979)
- Height: 1.78 m
- Upcoming movie: Fast X: Part 2
- Children: Alynne Rooker, Gillian Rooker
Early Life
Rooker was born in Jasper, Alabama, as one of ten children. His parents divorced when he was 13, and he moved with his mother and siblings to Chicago. He attended Wells Community Academy High School before studying at the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University.
Michael Rooker Facts
Where does Michael Rooker live? And how much money does Michael Rooker earn?
| Birth Date | 6-4-1955 |
| Heritage/origin | English- Irish- Scottish- |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | He lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
Michael Rooker Net Worth 2025
Michael Rooker has amassed a net worth of $4 million from his career as an actor. He is best known for starring in the films like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. He has also acted in drama series like The Walking Dead. The actor also lend his voice for animation and games like What If…?, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct.
| Estimated Net Worth | 4 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña & Dave Bautista |
| Management | LINK Entertainment & ZSC Entertainment |
Houses
- Los Angeles, California house
Michael Rooker: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Michael is a happy married man. He tied the knot with Margot Tsuru LaRose since 1979. The couple are the proud parents of a pair of daughters name Alynne Rooker and Gillian Rooker.
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1979) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Michael Rooker | Margot Rooker |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Alynne Rooker & Gillian Rooker |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Robert C. Rooker (Grandfather)
- Sarah Catherine (Grandmother)
- Hugh Rooker (Father)
- Pansy (Mother)
- Alynne Rooker (Daughter)
- Gillian Rooker (Daughter)
Friends
- James Gunn
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool actor originating from Jasper, Alabama, United States has a thin body & triangle face type.
| Hair color | Light brown |
| Hairstyle | casual |
| Beard or Mustache | Beard |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Height | 175 cm |
| Weight | 72 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Michael Rooker smoke? | No, never |
| Does Michael Rooker have a tattoo? | No |
| Fitness, workout and diet | Michael stays fit and active by exercises three to five times per week. He also practices karate specifically the Kyokushin style. |
FAQs
What was Michael Rooker’s first major film role?
Michael Rooker’s first major film role was as the title character in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986), which earned him significant attention and praise. Due to the controversial nature of the film, it was release in 1990.
How did Michael Rooker start his acting career?
Rooker developed an interest in acting while attending college, where he participate in local stage productions. He later transitioned to film, making his debut in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, which launched his career.
Has Michael Rooker ever played any “good guy” roles?
Yes, while Michael Rooker is often typecast as tough, villainous characters, he has occasionally portrayed more sympathetic or “good guy” roles, which are appreciate by fans and showcase his acting range.
What are some of Michael Rooker’s notable roles in films?
Some of Michael Rooker’s notable roles include Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead, Yondu Udonta in the Guardians of the Galaxy films, and roles in The Belko Experiment (2016), JFK (1991), and Tombstone (1993).
What was Michael Rooker’s role in The Belko Experiment?
In The Belko Experiment (2016), Michael Rooker play Bud Melks, a maintenance worker caught in a deadly corporate experiment where employees are forced to kill each other or be killed themselves.
What film did Michael Rooker star in alongside Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017?
In 2017, Michael Rooker starred in The Belko Experiment (2016), which premiered just two months before his appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), where he reprised his role as Yondu.