Famously known for his title roles as Batman, Birdman, and Beetlejuice, actor Michael John Douglas (1951– ), known professionally as Michael Keaton, has appeared in nearly 100 films and TV series and is one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Keaton grew up in Kennedy and Robinson townships and graduated from Montour High School, class of 1969. After attending college in Ohio, he returned to Pittsburgh, where he worked on the production crew of the children’s TV series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, produced at the public television station WQED. It was during a 1975 episode of the show that the aspiring actor made his first TV appearance, as part of a zany troupe of circus performers.

Keaton’s sharp comedic timing led to early fame in the 1980s, when he landed leading roles in films like Mr. Mom and Beetlejuice. He reached global stardom in Tim Burton’s Batman and Batman Returns, with his brooding take on the superhero.

In 2014, Keaton earned critical praise and award recognition for his dynamic performance in Birdman, and since then, standout roles in acclaimed productions like Spotlight and Dopesick have solidified his status as a top-tier dramatic actor.