Crispin Glover, a cinematic enigma, has carved out a niche for himself as a master of unconventional characters and projects, earning a devoted cult following. Born in New York City to actress and dancer Betty Glover and actor Bruce Glover, Crispin Hellion Glover was named after the Saint Crispin's Day speech in Shakespeare's Henry V, and his middle name, Hellion, was also used by his father.
Glover's early start in the entertainment industry was marked by his appearance in a stage production of "The Sound of Music" at the age of nine, which led to guest spots on TV shows such as Happy Days, Hill Street Blues, and Family Ties. His breakthrough role came in the 1983 film My Tutor, followed by a supporting role in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.
Glover's most iconic role to date is arguably George McFly, the father of Marty McFly, in the 1985 film Back to the Future. The character's underdog persona struck a chord with audiences, and Glover received critical acclaim for his performance in the indie film The Orkly Kid. However, his role in River's Edge, a 1986 film about a high-strung murder witness, earned him critical praise.
Glover's dispute with the producers of Back to the Future Part II over the use of his likeness led to a lawsuit and a change in Screen Actors Guild regulations regarding the use of actors' images. In the 1990s, Glover collaborated with David Lynch on the film Wild at Heart, and went on to appear in a string of quirky, offbeat films.
In addition to his film work, Glover is a prolific writer and has published several books through his family's Volcanic Eruptions press. He has also released an album of spoken word readings and cover tunes, and has toured with his directorial debut, What Is It?, a surreal film featuring actors with Down's Syndrome.
Glover's artistic endeavors often explore the theme of "the aesthetic of discomfort," and he has been known to push boundaries in his performances. He has appeared on David Letterman's show, delivering a dramatic narration while wearing a wig and platform shoes, and has also performed at the Sundance Film Festival.
In recent years, Glover has appeared in films such as Nurse Betty, Charlie's Angels, Willard, Beowulf, and Alice in Wonderland, and has collaborated with directors such as Robert Zemeckis and Tim Burton. With a career spanning over three decades, Crispin Glover remains a beloved and respected figure in the film industry, known for his unique approach to acting and his dedication to his craft.
