Michael Rooker - Biography

Who is Michael Rooker?

Michael Rooker is an actor by profession and American by nationality. He is well known for portraying characters in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Sea of Love, Days of Thunder, JFK, The Walking Dead, and Guardians of the Galaxy as Yondu Udonta.

Michael Rooker – Age, Parents, Siblings

Michael Rooker’s birth took place on April 6, 1955, in Jasper, Alabama, USA. He was born Michael Allen Rooker and is not the only child of his parents, has 9 siblings.

When he was 13 years old, his parents divorced. So he moved with his siblings and mother to Chicago, Illinois. 

young Michael Rooker (Image: Instagram)

Education, Ethnicity

In Illinois, Michael Rooker attended Wells Community Academy High School. After graduation, he went on to study at the Goodman School of Drama where he earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 1982.

His ethnicity is multi-ethnic consisting of English, Irish, and Scottish.

Michael Rooker – Girlfriend, Wife, Children, Divorce

Michael Rooker married his longtime girlfriend Margot Tsuru LaRose on 22 June 1979. He and his wife have two children together- daughters Alynne Rooker and Gillian Rooker. 

On November 2013 Rooker announced via Twitter that he is now a grandfather as his older daughter had given birth to a daughter. Currently, he is in a blissful marriage without rumors of extra-marital affairs or divorce.

Michael Rooker, Margot Tsuru LaRose on March 28, 1992 (Image: Getty Images)

Michael Rooker – Career

Early Career

Prior to acting, Rooker held several odd jobs. He worked as a lifeguard, CTA bus driver, janitor, and Chicago Park District athletic instructor.

Michael Rooker landed his debut film role in 1986’s Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer as Henry. The film which is based on the confessions of serial killer Henry Lee Lucas was a major success and gained him much recognition.

Since the breakthrough role, the budding actor soon landed a series of roles in dramatic roles.

Michael Rooker in 1986’s Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer as Henry (Image: Michael Rooker!)

Films, Series

Over the years Michael Rooker has starred in over 5 dozen films and series. He has portrayed characters in films Eight Men Out (1988), The Dark Half (1993), Brown's Requiem (1998), The Eliminator (2004), Jumper (2008), Mysteria (2011), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014, 2017) as Yondu Udonta, Fantasy Island (2020), Fast & Furious 9 (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021), etc.

In the TV series, Rooker has had guest appearances in Crime Story (1986), Tremors (2003), Thief (2006), Criminal Minds (2009), and Robot Chicken (2017). But most of all he is recognized for his role in 14 episodes of The Walking Dead (2010-2013) as Merle Dixon.

Co-stars

In Fantasy Island Michael Rooker has worked with Michael Pena, Maggie Q, Jimmy O. Yang, Portia Doubleday, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Charlotte McKinney.

Michael Rooker – Awards, Nominations

Michael Rooker has been awarded Fantasporto Award (1986), Golden Space Needle Award (1986), Satellite Award (2012), etc. He has also earned nominations for Independent Spirit Award (1986), Saturn Award (2018), and Teen Choice Award (2017), among others.

Michael Rooker in Guardians of the Galaxy as Yondu Udonta (Image: Comic Book)

Michael Rooker – Net Worth, Salary

His net worth has been estimated at around $4 million while the figure on his annual salary has not been publicized.

Michael Rooker – Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

On social media handles including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Michael Rooker is active with several hundred thousand followers and counting. He also has an official website – michaelrookeronline.com.