Michael Bowen Jr. is a renowned American actor, notable for his captivating performances in various film and television productions. One of his most iconic roles was as Tommy, the romantic rival of Nicolas Cage's character, in the cult classic Valley Girl, released in 1983. This memorable portrayal has contributed significantly to his widespread recognition. Additionally, Bowen has made a lasting impression as Danny Pickett on the popular ABC series Lost and as Jack Welker on the critically acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad.
Bowen's family background is steeped in artistic and intellectual heritage. His father, Michael Bowen Sr., was a prominent Beat painter, while his mother, Sonia Sorel (née Henius),was a talented actress. Bowen's maternal great-grandfather, Max Henius, was a Danish immigrant to America who hailed from a Polish-Jewish family. His maternal great-grandmother was the sister of the esteemed historian Johan Ludvig Heiberg.
Growing up in San Francisco, Bowen was surrounded by an eclectic mix of individuals, including "revolutionary-type people," which likely influenced his portrayal of Uncle Jack. Moreover, through his mother's subsequent marriage, Bowen became the half-brother of actors Robert and Keith Carradine, who are part of the illustrious Carradine family. He is also the half-uncle of actresses Martha Plimpton and Ever Carradine.
