Michael Keaton The actor was forced to change his last name from Douglas to Keaton to enter the actor's union since his birth name, Michael Douglas, was already taken by a future Academy Award-winning actor.

Why does Michael Keaton use a stage name?

He decided to use a stage name to satisfy SAG rules, as there were already an actor (Michael Douglas) and daytime host (Mike Douglas) with the same or similar names.

What is Michael Keaton real name?

Abstract: Michael Keaton was born Michael John Douglas in Coraopolis in 1951. A dropout from Kent State University, he became an actor and costarred in the series Working Stiffs with John Belushi.

Why does Michael Keaton's son have a different last name?

Douglas's mother is Keaton's ex-wife Caroline McWilliams, who passed away in 2010. He's a "Douglas" because that's Keaton's real last name (he took the stage name "Keaton" because there was already a famous "Michael Douglas).

Why did Val Kilmer replace Michael Keaton as Batman?

The Big Picture

Michael Keaton's disagreement with Joel Schumacher about the characterization of Bruce Wayne led to his departure from the Batman franchise. Val Kilmer chose to leave the role of Batman due to feeling underappreciated and conflicts with Schumacher.

The Real Reason Why Michael Keaton Changed His Name

Why was Batman recast twice?

After two Gothic and – for some younger viewers – a little too gruesome Tim Burton Batman movies, it was decided to nudge the Dark Knight back towards his more kiddie-friendly TV origins. Michael Keaton wasn't up for this shift in tone, so new director, Joel Schumacher cast Val Kilmer.

Who turned down Batman?

Liotta, known for his versatile roles in various films and television series, disclosed that he turned down the opportunity to meet iconic filmmaker Tim Burton for a role in the Batman franchise. The revelation has left fans and industry insiders intrigued about the potential direction Liotta's career might have taken.

Who is Michael Keaton best friend?

When Michael Keaton won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, the 63-year-old Birdman star spoke about his son, Sean Douglas, who he called his "best friend."

How much money did Michael Keaton make from Batman?

How much did Michael Keaton get paid for Batman? Keaton reportedly earned $5 million for his work in Batman (1989). In today's money, that equates to about $10 million—which is an astronomical rate for an actor.

Did Michael Keaton date Courteney Cox?

I feel I can demand someone who'll put me first in his life." Courteney Cox was willing to wait for a commitment when she began her romance with Michael in 1990, say sources. "They became involved a year after he split with his wife," said Courteney's close pal.

Was Michael Keaton in the military?

Keaton is a senior manager working in the defense industry. He was an F-16 pilot in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 20 years. He earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and a master's of aerospace science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Do celebrities legally change their name?

Do actors legally change their names? Some actors choose to legally change their names in court, but many use and register stage names without ever formally changing it. For example, Christopher Walken goes by Ronnie—a shortened version of his real name, Ronald—in his daily life.

Who was supposed to play Batman instead of Michael Keaton?

Pierce Brosnan was considered for Tim Burton's 1989 version of the Batman franchise entitled Batman. The role ultimately went to Michael Keaton, who starred alongside Jack Nicholson who played The Joker.

How old was Michael Keaton when filming Batman?

Oddly enough, Keaton was also 37 when playing Batman for the first time, which makes him 40 in Batman Returns. However, the fact that Batman is treated as a relatively recent development in Gotham during Burton's first film would suggest that Bruce is supposed to be a little younger, perhaps 32 or 33.

Who is the most paid Batman?

While it seems unlikely that Bale will ever return to the role, he remains the current highest-earning Batman actor, surpassing even his two successors in the role. Whether the British actor will ever be unseated remains to be seen, but for now, he remains the most profitable Batman ever put to screen.

What was Val Kilmer paid for Batman?

How much did Val Kilmer make for Batman? Kilmer was paid $6 million (about $12.1 million today) to play the title role in Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever after Michael Keaton hung up the cowl. Campier in tone than Tim Burton's previous films, Batman & Robin received mixed reviews but was a considerable box-office hit.

How many brothers does Michael Keaton have?

Michael Keaton was born Michael John Douglas in Coraopolis, Penn. and has six siblings: three brothers and three sisters.

Are Buster Keaton and Michael Keaton related?

He was also considered to play the villain Jack Travis in Lethal Weapon 3 (1992). Contrary to popular belief, he is not related to Buster Keaton or Diane Keaton.

Who almost played Superman?

Who was first choice for Batman?

When Tim Burton's first Batman movie was in development, the producers' top choice for the role of Bruce Wayne was Pierce Brosnan. However, according to The Guardian, Brosnan wasn't interested in playing a comic book character, so he turned down the part.

Who turned down Catwoman?

Annette Bening turned down Catwoman role because she was pregnant with Warren Beatty's child.