Full Name: Nicolas Kim Coppola
Born: January 7, 1964
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, USA
Profession: Actor, Producer, Filmmaker
Early Life
Nicolas Cage is the son of literature professor August Coppola and dancer/choreographer Joy Vogelsang. He comes from a prominent film family; his uncle is acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola, and his aunt is actress Talia Shire. To distinguish himself from his famous relatives, Nicolas adopted the last name “Cage,” inspired by the Marvel Comics character Luke Cage.
Breakthrough and Career Milestones
Early Roles
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
- Valley Girl (1983)
- Raising Arizona (1987), showcasing his eccentric and comedic abilities.
Critical and Box Office Success
- Academy Award-Winning Performance: Leaving Las Vegas (1995) – Cage won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of a suicidal alcoholic writer.
- The Rock (1996), Con Air (1997), and Face/Off (1997) – Cemented his status as an action star.
- Adaptation (2002) – Earned him an Academy Award nomination for playing twin brothers.
- National Treasure series (2004, 2007) – Box office hits where he played a treasure hunter uncovering hidden historical secrets.
Recent Roles
- Mandy (2018) – Gained cult status for its surreal storytelling and Cage’s intense performance.
- Pig (2021) – Earned critical praise for a nuanced portrayal of a truffle hunter seeking his stolen pig.
- The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) – Played a fictionalized version of himself.
Awards and Honors
- Academy Award (Best Actor) for Leaving Las Vegas
- Golden Globe Award for Leaving Las Vegas
- Numerous nominations and wins from organizations such as the Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Personal Life
- Cage has been married five times, including to actress Patricia Arquette and Lisa Marie Presley.
- He has two sons, Weston and Kal-El.
- A passionate collector of exotic cars, rare comics, and artifacts, Cage has also faced financial difficulties due to extravagant spending.
Legacy and Influence
Nicolas Cage is celebrated for his unconventional acting style, ability to tackle diverse roles, and relentless work ethic. Despite fluctuations in his career, he remains one of the most enigmatic and dedicated actors in Hollywood.
