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Michael Tucker
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Michael Tucker

Michael Tucker developed interest in performing as a Baltimore-born teen when he made a chorus appearance as a Lost Boy in a theater presentation of Peter Pan. He studied drama at Carnegie Tech., then found work in stock shows and in such repertory companies as the Long Wharf Theater and Washington's Arena Stage. Michael hooked up with Jill Eikenberry at the Arena Stage and went on to appear in the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. Jill, who stood a few inches taller, married Michael, and they are well-known in Hollywood for being a devoted couple who often act together, affectionately known as The Tuckerberries. Unhampered by his short stature, Michael found work in character parts, making great strides on stage in such productions as Moonchildren (with Jill in 1972). He also worked in tandem with Joseph Papp in such classics as The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Comedy of Errors and Measure for Measure. He finally debuted on Broadway in a revival of Trelawny of the Wells with Meryl Streep and John Lithgow. Two years later he entered the realm of film and TV. Minor parts in Final Chapter: Walking Tall and Eyes of Laura Mars led to a breakthrough featured role in the critically-acclaimed movie DINER. Woody Allen took advantage of his talents and featured him in both THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO (1985) and RADIO DAYS. 1986 proved a big year when both he and Jill were cast as Stuart Markowitz and Ann Kelsey in the long-running law series L.A. Law, which ran for eight seasons. Nominated for three Emmy awards, their characters also married on the show. Both he and Jill had always maintained a sound working relationship together and decided to make mini-movie vehicles together. These included Assault and Matrimony, The Secret Life of Archie's Wife, A Town Torn Apart, and Gone in a Heartbeat. Elsewhere, Michael has received praise for roles in such TV projects as Vampire, Day One, and Tracey Takes On. They also have appeared together in readings of Love Letters. More recently he and Jill enjoyed a reunion with the original cast members of their successful series in a 2002 TV-movie. Outside of acting, Michael travels around the country and speaks to breast cancer groups with Jill, a breast cancer survivor, about 15 times a year. Michael received the Good Guys Award from the National Women's Political Caucus in recognition of his efforts on behalf of numerous causes affecting women.

Note: This profile was written in or before 2006.

Michael Tucker Facts

OccupationActor
BirthdayFebruary 6, 1944 (80)
SignAquarius
BirthplaceBaltimore, Maryland, USA

Selected Filmography

Not available.