Michael Keaton Opens Up About His Career Risks, Passing On Beetlejuice, Etc

Michael Keaton, a well-known actor, has played Beetlejuice, Batman, and Mr. Mom in several films. However, in Hollywood, he is known as ‘Dr. No’ due to his refusal of numerous roles. Keaton’s career has been eclectic, encompassing humor, action, and drama. 

“Do you want to meet this guy?”

His peculiar Keaton character is visible in each job, with Tim Burton describing him as having an intriguing creative nervous energy and a bit of an insane eye

That is undoubtedly the case for Keaton in the insane 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice, in which he plays the title raucous, snorting monster, and in its eagerly awaited sequel Beetlejuice.

But the role that helped him become a household name was one he almost turned down because he didn’t know what to make of the character after meeting with director Burton.

Keaton talked about Burton, he said “Somebody said, ‘Do you want to meet this guy? He made this movie, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and stuff,’ And I’d seen a little bit. I didn’t ever even watch the whole movie, I don’t think. And I said, ‘Sure,’ ”

He also added about the character saying “I just didn’t know what he was talking about, I’m not being sarcastic, I didn’t understand what he was talking about. So I’d say, ‘Wait a minute, but who is he? What is it?’ ”

Keaton remembers the meeting as “pleasant,” so despite his doubts about his suitability for the position, he decided to take another one.

He added “I just said, ‘I don’t know what it is, and he’d probably be better off getting someone else because I don’t get it.’ Not like, ‘I don’t get it. I thought it was bad.’ I literally didn’t know what it was,” 

Burton’s uniqueness and personality caught Keaton’s attention, leading him to sign on. Keaton felt a connection with Burton, recognizing him as an eccentric artist and a person he liked.

He felt similar good vibes from Jack Nicholson

Soon after Keaton bonded with Burton, he experienced the same positive energy from Batman co-star Jack Nicholson.

Keaton said “I just really liked him, He’s really, really intelligent. Really. A real reader. Just has an innate intelligence, and then a self-taught intelligence. … Because he devours books. Always something to talk about. Very opinionated about things when you’re in a conversation.”

He continued  “He took me to Paris in a jet, I was like a Boy Scout. I was ready to go out like a normal person. Jack didn’t get out of his room until like 10 p.m. or 10:30.” 

They eventually arrived at the upscale Les Bains Douches nightclub. “Jack was having a ball. He had the biggest grin on his face, This is fun, but it’s kind of wasted on me.’ ” he recalled, as he headed back to the hotel before his host.

Keaton, who won an Emmy in 2022 for his role in the Hulu series Dopesick, now lives a quieter life in Montana, where he has lived part-time on his 1,000-acre property for 30 years.

He cherishes spending time with his son, 41-year-old Grammy-winning songwriter Sean Douglas, and his grandchildren, River, 8, and Maggie, 5.

Keaton enjoys spending time with his family in Big Sky Country, despite the abundance of work opportunities.

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