# Michael Parks > American actor (1940–2017) **Wikidata**: [Q525318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q525318) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Parks) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-parks ## Summary Michael Parks was an American actor, singer, and filmmaker, best known for his work in film, television, and music from the 1960s through the 2010s. He gained recognition for his roles in counterculture films and his collaborations with director Kevin Smith, particularly in "Tusk" (2014) and "Yoga Hosers" (2016). ## Biography - Born: April 24, 1940 - Nationality: United States - Education: Not specified - Known for: Acting in film and television, music contributions, and voice roles - Employer(s): Various film and television productions; music and media projects - Field(s): Acting, singing, film directing, and producing ## Contributions Michael Parks contributed to the entertainment industry through a multifaceted career that spanned acting, singing, directing, and producing. His most notable contributions include: - **Film and Television Roles**: Starred in projects such as "Then Came Bronson" (1969), "Red State" (2011), and "Tusk" (2014). - **Music Career**: Engaged in pop and country rock music, contributing to the genre through vocal performances and recordings. - **Voice Work and Audiobooks**: Provided voiceovers for various media, including animated features and audiobooks. - **Collaboration with Kevin Smith**: Played key roles in Smith's "True North" trilogy, including "Yoga Hosers" (2016) and "Tusk". ## FAQs ### What is Michael Parks known for? Michael Parks is best known for his acting roles in film and television, particularly in countercultural and independent productions. He also contributed to music and voice acting, collaborating with filmmakers like Kevin Smith. ### What were Michael Parks's major career highlights? Parks gained fame for his starring role in the TV series "Then Came Bronson" (1969), followed by performances in films like "Red State" (2011) and "Tusk" (2014). He also contributed musically to pop and country rock genres. ### Did Michael Parks work in music as well as film? Yes, in addition to his film and television roles, Parks was involved in music, particularly in pop and country rock genres, lending his voice to various musical projects. ### What was Michael Parks's collaboration with Kevin Smith? Parks worked with director Kevin Smith on several projects, including the films "Red State" (2011), "Tusk" (2014), and "Yoga Hosers" (2016), where he played key characters in Smith’s “True North” trilogy. ## Why They Matter Michael Parks left a significant legacy in American entertainment, particularly in independent and cult cinema. His work in film and television, including collaborations with Kevin Smith, influenced a generation of genre films and alternative storytelling. His contributions to music and voice acting also helped diversify his artistic impact, making him a versatile and enduring figure in the industry. ## Notable For - Starring role in the 1969 TV series "Then Came Bronson" - Collaboration with director Kevin Smith in "Red State", "Tusk", and "Yoga Hosers" - Musical contributions in pop and country rock genres - Voice acting and audiobook narration - Prolific career spanning over five decades in film, television, and music ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Michael Parks was born on April 24, 1940. His early career began in the 1960s, where he quickly established himself in the entertainment industry. His first major role came in the form of the TV series "Then Came Bronson" (1969), where he played the lead character, a biker exploring America. This role marked a significant milestone in his career and established his presence in American pop culture. ### Acting Career Parks's filmography includes a wide range of genres, from drama to horror. His collaboration with Kevin Smith in films like "Red State" (2011) and "Tusk" (2014) showcased his ability to adapt to unconventional roles. In "Tusk", he played a pivotal character in a horror-comedy that became a cult classic. His work in "Yoga Hosers" (2016), part of Smith’s “True North” trilogy, further solidified his reputation in genre films. ### Music and Voice Work In addition to his film and television work, Parks was also active in music. He contributed to pop and country rock genres, lending his voice to various musical projects. His voice work extended to audiobooks and animated features, where his deep, resonant voice was often sought after for narration and character roles. ### Legacy and Influence Michael Parks’s career spanned over five decades, during which he became a respected figure in independent cinema and genre storytelling. His influence extended beyond acting into music and voice work, where he continued to contribute to the industry even in his later years. His legacy remains a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal in American entertainment. ### Personal Life and Death Michael Parks passed away on May 9, 2017, leaving behind a rich legacy in film, television, and music. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike, marking him as a significant figure in American pop culture. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. MusicBrainz 5. IMDb 6. SNAC 7. [Michael Parks, Character Actor in ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Tusk,’ Dies at 77](http://variety.com/2017/film/news/michael-parks-dead-kill-bill-character-actor-1202422134/) 8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 9. IdRef 10. CONOR.SI 11. Quora 12. The Movie Database 13. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data