Profile of Michael Pataki on Famous Like Me

Michael Pataki is an American actor. attended USC with a double major in Political Science and Drama. His career was launched at a summer stock festival in Edinburgh in 1966, with a review that read, "Michael Pataki went beyond the bounds of mere nationality in his tense and moving interpretation of "Jerry" in "Zoo Story."

This was during the time Americans were not so well liked, but Mr. Pataki was so well loved that at a reception for the theatre group acclaimed British actor Lawrence Harvey, whom Michael had never met, said he was magnificent and gave him a big wet kiss on the mouth.

Whether the medium is stage, film, or television Michael approaches his work with ambition and integrity and a special exuberance that is contagious. He is the consummate professional, and has been referred to as an "Actor's actor." The late Nicholas Colosanto said of Mr. Pataki, "He's the most talented American actor I've ever seen."

Michael Pataki's career spans 35 years. His name may not be on the tip of your tongue, but his face is etched in all our memories. He has done just nearly every episodic television show you can name. From the black and white days of "Playhouse 90", "Twilight Zone", and "My Favorite Martian, to early color which includes "The Flying Nun", "Bonanza" and "The Green Hornet." Pataki was also a regular on the "Spiderman" series, and had a re-occuring role on "McCloud" as well. One of his most famous roles was as "Korax" , the Klingon who started the fight in "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode of Star Trek: The Original Series.

In the Happy Days, "Pinky Loves Fonzie" saga, Michael was the diabolical "Count Malachi." This flamboyant character was developed while playing tennis one day with Gary Marshall. Every time Michael made a great shot he would say, "Let the Pigeons Loose." Mr. Marshall liked it so much he wrote Pataki's character into the script.

Michael Pataki's film credits include "Rocky IV" in which he played "Nicoli Koloff", the sports admisnistrator for the Russian team. Michael was the man that Dolf Lungren picked up by the throat and threw out of the ring when the crowd cheered for Rocky. He played one of the mimes in "Easy Rider". His first role was in "10 North Fredrick", with only one line during a fight scene. He was also the district attorney in "The Onion Field", and was the operator of "The Hands" in "The Andromeda Strain". "Remo Williams", "American Anthem", "Airport 77" and "Halloween IV", are a few other notable titles.

Michael has also had his fair share of the gory side of cinema. In "Dracula's Dog", he played opposite Jose Ferre. Other horror titles include "Grave of the Vampire", Return of Count Yorga". "Dead and Buried", "Terror at Alcatraz" (TV), "Graduation Day", and "The Bat People". Michael also had the pleasure of directing Richard Basehart in "Mansion of the Doomed."

Mr. Pataki directed "Cinderella" which was mandatory viewing in some film classes in the early 80's. He also co-produced the filming of the stage presentation of "Pippin" with David Sheehan, starring William Katt. Currently Michael is the voice of George Liquor for Ren and Stimpy production house Spümcø.

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