John Gavin Malkovich was born in the charming town of Christopher, Illinois, to Joe Anne Choisser, the proud owner of a local newspaper, and Daniel Leon Malkovich, a dedicated state conservation director. His paternal grandparents hailed from Croatia, adding a rich cultural heritage to his family's history.
In 1976, Malkovich joined the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, co-founded by his dear friend Gary Sinise. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would take seven long years before he would make his debut on the New York stage and receive an Obie Award for his outstanding performance in Sam Shepard's play "True West".
The year 1984 proved to be a pivotal moment in Malkovich's career, as he appeared alongside the legendary Dustin Hoffman in the Broadway revival of "Death of a Salesman". This critically acclaimed production earned him an Emmy Award when it was adapted into a made-for-TV movie the following year. His breakthrough in film came with the role of the blind lodger in "Places in the Heart" (1984),which garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The 1980s saw Malkovich appear in a string of successful films, including "The Killing Fields" (1984) and "The Glass Menagerie" (1987). However, it was his portrayal of Vicomte de Valmont in "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988) that cemented his status as a leading man. His performances opposite Michelle Pfeiffer and Glenn Close in this lavish costume drama helped elevate his profile in the industry.
Malkovich's versatility as an actor was showcased in his subsequent roles, including the chilling portrayal of a psychotic political assassin in Clint Eastwood's "In the Line of Fire" (1993). This performance earned him nominations for both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe. In 1994, he took on the role of the sinister Kurtz in the made-for-TV movie "Heart of Darkness" (1994),bringing the classic tale to life in a unique and captivating way.
Throughout his career, Malkovich has maintained a strong connection to his hometown of Chicago, regularly returning to act and direct for the Steppenwolf Theatre, where his journey began.
