Actor Michael McQuary: Master of Golden Age Hollywood Transformations
Actor Michael McQuary: Master of Golden Age Hollywood Transformations
Michael McQuary is a true chameleon of the silver screen, effortlessly transporting audiences back to the glitz and glamour of Golden Age Hollywood. As a character actor of unparalleled talent, McQuary has breathed life into countless memorable roles, each one a testament to his extraordinary range and dedication to his craft. Journalist John Wisniewski met up with McQuary for an enlightening discussion on his career and live upcoming event.
1. What were your early days like Michael? When did you know you were talented and wanted to perform?
As a little boy the television was my brother and sister. I was afraid of and loved The Wizard of Oz, at the same time... and at 4 when I acted like The Scarecrow, and The Wicked Witch, they always wanted to see more! And thus was my being loved and liked in my brain ... and felt some kind of accomplishment.
2. Why did you like screen actors Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff?
Lon Chaney and Bela Lugosi ... and even The Evil Queen in Snow White; to me were more interesting than the people In real life. How they moved and the music and depth of feelings made me feel and wanted to be like them in a me way.
3. Besides being a performer you are also an artist. When did your begin drawing?
When the acting and my one-man show hit a dry spell . . . friends liked my makeup sketches and said they wanted a drawing of them like those... later in my 18 year old world and club scenes in NYC. was a hit amongst the Night Life Party Monsters scene!! And once again made a living in the arts and finding some love there.
4. Could you tell us about your appearances in films? Any favorite films? Oh my... Well, this is a very interesting question until as of just recently I did my only future movie coming out October 2024, Super Happy Fun Clown, as in which I will be portraying, The Phantom Of The Opera. They wanted the original vibe and my take as the original Lon Chaney Sr. (my old pal!!). It's quite gratifying and from what I've seen, pretty okay, ha! All my other film works have been shorts and some rather fantastic! I’m considered as one of the collected looks as Dr. Fu Manchu (on the YouTube series “Fu Manchu's Weapon of Evil”), but naturally for obvious reasons could never do it again. But, my whole life and career, I have never been able to see the stop signs and only did and do everything I do as if it is the last thing and my version of love. To share with all eyes on me.
5. Tell us about your latest appearance in "Daddy's Divas"? Daddy's Diva's on Amazon Prime and a few other viewing platforms is wild and I play 7 extreme characters!! HA HA! It's a trip!!
6. Any future plans and projects, Michael?
On October 13th, 2024, at Englewood Arts in Independence Missouri, I'll be live for an intimate date with ALL my movie passions, stories and answered fun Q & As from the audience and my whirlwinds of all the legends that have shaped me into the creature I am today!!! Always about the audience and cheering the creative in us all!! Get tickets now! It's all about you...
Video | Actor Michael McQuary
7. How do you get into character to perform, recreating such screen personality's as Bela Lugosi and Bette Davis?
The transformations of the Golden Age of Hollywood and my homage to Universal Monsters of Filmland .... is an inside out job. I love the make-up, but moreover the ability to give back to what took care of me -- to sore and transcend showing the audience what's in my movie brain kaleidoscope of musical accents and love! Back and forth with laughter heavy at times, pathos, shared and wowed! As I get younger, I love and feel more the legends stories and songs even more so. Legends Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Lon Chaney Sr., Gloria Swanson, Cab Calloway, and Marlene Dietrich to name a few. MGM WOWS! I'll see you at the MOVIES!
Image Gallery | Actor Michael McQuary
Michael McQuary Contributions| Master of Golden Age Hollywood Transformations
McQuary's versatility was nothing short of astounding. Whether portraying a grizzled detective in film noir classics or a lovable sidekick in screwball comedies, he brought depth and authenticity to every character he embodied. His chameleon-like talent allowed him to seamlessly transition between genres, making him a director's dream and a audience favorite.
What set McQuary apart from his contemporaries was his unwavering commitment to his craft. He approached each role with meticulous preparation, often immersing himself in the character's world for weeks before filming began. This dedication resulted in performances that were not just convincing, but truly captivating.
As we reflect on the golden age of Hollywood, it's impossible to overlook Michael McQuary's contributions. His body of work serves as a masterclass in character acting, inspiring generations of performers who followed. For those who appreciate the art of transformation on screen, McQuary's legacy is a testament to the power of versatility and commitment in bringing stories to life.
Youtube Links: Performance Highlights
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