Michael Murphy was born in Los Angeles, California on May 5, 1938. His birth name was Michael George Murphy. He is sometimes credited as Mike Murphy.
Bearl Branton Murphy, Michael Murphy's father was a salesman. His mother,Georgia Arlyn Murphy was a teacher.
After doing his time in the Marine Corps., Michael Murphy attended the University of Arizona in Tuscon. He further educated himself by going on to UCLA to get his teaching credentials. Michael Murphy taught high school English and drama in Los Angeles, California.
In 1988, Michael Murphy married actress Wendy Crewson. She co-starred with him in a TV show HARD COPY in 1987. She appeared in three more of Murphy's films - TANNER 88 AND FOLKS and SLEEPING DOGS LIE. They have a daughter named Maggie and a son named John.
Michael Murphy's most notable role was as Woody Allen's best friend in MANHATTAN in 1979. He is good friends with Woody Allen, he had previously acted in THE FRONT with Allen in 1976.
Michael Murphy has been considered a first-rate supporting actor for the last four decades. He has had major parts in AN UNMARRIED WOMAN - 1978, THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY - 1983, SALVADOR - 1985, THE ARRANGEMENT - 1969, BATMAN RETURNS - 1992, and MAGNOLIA in 1999.
Recently, Michael Murphy co-starred in John Sayles, SILVER CITY.
Michael Murphy is best known for his long time friendship with director Robert Altman that goes back to the beginning of his career. Altman casted Murphy shortly after he finished his studies at the University of Arizona in COMBAT without even an audition. He later appeared in 1964 in NIGHTMARE IN CHICAGO with Altman directing. Michael Murphy has acted in seven movies
with Altman as his director.
Even though Michael Murphy has done decades of performances, he still is virtually anonymous to the public. He enjoys this stance in life and says he gives him a different perspective.
Michael Murphy is presently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with his wife and two children. He recently filmed a hit Canadian television show - THIS IS WONDERLAND.
Some of Michael Murphy's credits include...
THE QUALITY OF LIFE - TV - 2008
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS - TV - 2006
X-MEN: THE LAST STAND - 2006
THIS IS WONDERLAND - 2006
MAYDAY - 2005
HUNT FOR JUSTICE - 2005
HEIGHTS - 2004
CHILDSTAR - 2004
SILVER CITY - 2004
FOOTSTEPS - 2003
LAW & ORDER: ARMED FORCES - TV - 2001
THE ART OF WAY - 2000
MAGNOLIA - 1999
THE ISLAND - 1998
SLEEPING DOGS LIE - 1998
BAD COMPANY - 1995
BATMAN RETURNS - 1992
SHOCKER - 1989
TANNER 88 - TV - 1988
HARD COPY - 1987
SALVADOR - 1986
HOT MONEY - 1983
THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY - 1982
THE RULES OF MARRIAGE - 1982
STRANGE BEHAVIOR - 1981
MANHATTAN - 1979
AN UNMARRIED WOMAN - 1978
THE FRONT - 1976
THE THIEF WHO CAME TO DINNER - 1973
MASH - TV - 1970
DOUBLE TROUBLE - 1967
NIGHTMARE IN CHICAGO - 1964
COMBAT - TV - 1963
Michael Murphy's awards inlcude...
Gemini Awards - THIS IS WONDERLAND - 2004
