ACTOR · BORN 1940 · DIED 2017
Michael Parks
- Born
- 24 April 1940, Corona, California, USA
- Died
- 9 May 2017
- Known for
- Tusk (2014), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Greater (2016), The Bible in the Beginning... (1966)
20 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Michael Parks (24 April 1940 – 9 May 2017) was an actor best known for Tusk, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Greater.
20 Interesting Facts About Michael Parks
Interesting Facts (9)
- #001
Michael Parks managed to play two different characters in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill' series. In the first film he played Earl McGraw, a policeman given to bad puns, and in the second he played Esteban Vinaio, Bill's former mentor, an 80-year-old Mexican pimp. Parks was thus one of only two actors to appear in both films in different roles; the other is Chia-Hui Liu.
- #002
In the early 1980s, Michael Parks lived aboard a yacht in the harbor of Monterey, California. During this period he chose a quiet life away from the turmoil of Hollywood. The yacht was both a home and an escape for him.
- #003
According to official 'Kill Bill' websites, Michael Parks was frequently called 'the world's greatest living actor' by Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino admired Parks's acting and used him in various roles in many of his films.
- #004
Michael Parks was laid to rest with a full-body sea burial, as he had requested in his will. Only his widow, Oriana, witnessed the funeral. A memorial service was then held on 20 May 2017 at the chapel in Westwood Village Memorial Park. Parks's request shows his love of nature and the sea, and fans and loved ones remembered him at the memorial.
- #005
Michael Parks played the character Earl McGraw in three different Quentin Tarantino films: 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996), 'Kill Bill: Vol. 1' (2003) and 'Grindhouse' (2007). Within 'Grindhouse' he appeared in both the 'Death Proof' and 'Planet Terror' segments. Parks's character became an indispensable part of the Tarantino universe.
- #006
Michael Parks often rewrote dialogue in scripts he found mediocre. Dissatisfied with his character's lines in the opening scene of the 'Then Came Bronson' pilot, he improvised the phrase 'Hang in there.', which became the series' signature line. The line became the symbol of the series and showed Parks's creativity.
- #007
Michael Parks refused to take part in the remake of the film 'Beau Geste'. The decision brought his long-term contract with Universal Studios to an end. After the conflict, Parks was out of work for two years, apart from a few television films. The episode shows that he would not compromise on his artistic principles.
- #008
Michael Parks's first feature film, 'Wild Seed' (1965), had actually been written for Marlon Brando. Brando was considered too old for the role, however, and withdrew from the project. Parks was then chosen in his place, and so took his first step into a film career. The film was an important beginning in terms of discovering Parks's talent.
- #009
Michael Parks refused to perform Bob Dylan's 'Mr. Tambourine Man' as the theme song for the series 'Then Came Bronson'. Parks chose instead to perform 'Long Lonesome Highway', which suited his own style.
Production Story (1)
- #010
Michael Parks turned down the pilot episode of 'Then Came Bronson' twice because he did not like the script. Taking his objections into account, the producers rewrote the script. The process shows Parks's strong bargaining position with the producers and his artistic vision. The resulting series became a cult production.
Behind the Scenes (2)
- #011
Before he began acting, Michael Parks worked at quite demanding jobs. He took on physically strenuous work such as picking fruit, digging ditches, driving a truck and fighting forest fires. These experiences shaped his character and gave depth to his acting. Parks brought the life experience he gained during this period to the stage and the screen.
- #012
Michael Parks's personal life followed a turbulent course. His second wife, Jan Moriarty, died in 1964 just two months after their marriage, from an overdose of pills. Parks had a brief marriage to Louise Johnson at the age of sixteen, and a daughter from that marriage. In 1997 he married Oriana Parks in a ceremony without witnesses. That marriage lasted until the end of his life.
Characters & Cast (1)
- #013
The theme song of 'Then Came Bronson', the series in which Michael Parks starred, is widely mistaken for a Jimi Hendrix composition. The song, 'Long Lonesome Highway', was actually written by Greenwich Village folk singer Jim Hendricks, who was married to Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas. Performed by Parks himself, the song reached the top 40 of the Billboard charts in 1970, a major success.
Career & Awards (6)
- #014
In his youth, Michael Parks had the chance to begin a professional baseball career. The Pittsburgh Pirates offered him a spot to play in the minor leagues. Parks turned the offer down, however, believing he earned more money at the time lining coffins. That decision would change his life completely and steer him toward acting.
- #015
Michael Parks was one of the pallbearers at the funeral of legendary comedian Lenny Bruce, who died of a drug overdose in 1966. Parks's taking on this duty shows his respect and friendship for Bruce. The event also reflects the cultural atmosphere of a period that held an important place in Parks's career.
- #016
Michael Parks tried out in the mile run in an attempt to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympics, recording a time of 4:06. Although he did not meet the Olympic qualifying standard, the effort demonstrates his athletic ability and determination. Beyond his acting career, Parks was a versatile figure with a close interest in sports.
- #017
Michael Parks began his acting career at the age of 18, appearing on stage in a play titled 'Compulsion'. His performance in the play caught the attention of the famous actor and director Frank Silvera, who recognized the young Parks's talent and brought him into the world of acting. This discovery was a turning point in Parks's career.
- #018
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Michael Parks also turned to a music career. During this period he recorded half a dozen country, blues and jazz albums. Parks's musical ability reveals an artistic side beyond his acting, and his albums show that he was a versatile artist.
- #019
Michael Parks formed a close friendship with the legendary director Jean Renoir, who is regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of cinema. Parks's friendship with Renoir shows his connections and standing in the art world. The relationship had a significant influence on Parks's career.
Life & Family (1)
- #020
The pilot film of 'Then Came Bronson' is based on the life of a real person, Birney Jarvis. Jarvis is credited in the film as a producer's assistant, and the character name Jim Bronson was formed by reversing his initials.
Related pages
- Argo — Michael Parks comes up in the facts on that page
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 — Michael Parks comes up in the facts on that page
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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