Michael Emerson American film and television actor Date of Birth: 07.09.1954 Country: USA

1. Biography of Michael Emerson
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career
4. Breakthrough and Film Career
5. Television Success

Biography of Michael Emerson

Michael Emerson is an American film and television actor. He gained recognition when he won the Emmy Award for "Outstanding Guest Actor" in the television series "The Practice" in 2001. He played a major role in the thriller film "Saw" but gained the most fame for his portrayal of Benjamin Linus in the American television series "Lost".

Early Life and Education

Emerson was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and grew up in the nearby town of Toledo. He attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he studied theater and fine arts. After completing his education, Emerson moved to New York City.

Early Career

Emerson initially struggled to find work as an actor and took on various odd jobs, including working as a freelance illustrator. In 1986, he relocated to Jacksonville, Florida with his first wife. From 1986 to 1993, he participated in local productions and worked as a director and instructor at Flagler College. During this time, Emerson contemplated leaving his acting career behind and pursuing more financially stable teaching opportunities. However, he decided to use his education to establish connections in the theater world. In 1993, he participated in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival sponsored by the University of Alabama's Master of Fine Arts program for actors. Emerson returned to New York City in 1995 and took part in the annual Alabama Shakespeare Festival showcase.

Breakthrough and Film Career

Emerson's breakthrough came in 1997 when he played the lead role of Oscar Wilde in Moisés Kaufman's production "Gross Indecency: The Trials of Oscar Wilde". In 1998, he appeared alongside Uma Thurman in "The Misanthrope" and in 1999, he acted in "The Iceman Cometh" with Kevin Spacey. Emerson's film roles often portrayed dangerous and deeply flawed characters. He played the remorseful serial killer William Hinks in the television series "The Practice" and one of the main characters, Zep Hindle, in the 2004 thriller "Saw".

Television Success

Since 2006, Emerson has been widely recognized for his role as Benjamin Linus, one of the central characters in the American television series "Lost". In 1998, Emerson married for the second time, and his wife, Carrie Preston, appeared in a guest role as Benjamin Linus' mother in one episode of the series.