His performance as himself in Being John Malkovich (1999) is ranked #90 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.

Parents ran and owned local newspaper in Benton Il, his hometown.

Won a second Village Voice Obie this time for Direction for Balm in Gilead in 1985

Legend has it that he was told by the head of the Theatre Department at Illinois State University that he would not have a career as an actor. Even though he did not graduate from ISU (he never took the constitution test) the Theatre Department still claims him as an alumnus. On April 4, 2005 he returned to visit the Theatre Department where he was presented with an official diploma for his bachelor's degree in theatre.

Children with Peyran, daughter Amandine (b. 1990) and son Lorwy (b. 1992).

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#70). [1995]

The costume he wore in the Annie Lennox video, "Walking On Broken Glass" was borrowed from the set of Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

Has developed a great passion for Portugal, where he has filmed some movies recently. He also keeps a house here, as he co-owns a disco in Lisbon.

First actor to win a major award (New York Film Critics) for portraying himself in a movie (non-cameo role). The film was Being John Malkovich (1999).

Won a Village Voice Obie for his performance in True West in 1984

Education: Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University.

His first film experience was a job as an extra in Robert Altman's 1978 feature A Wedding (1978).

Frequently visits Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia).

Is of Croatian heritage.

His favorite films include: Battaglia di Algeri, La (1966), Quatre cents coups, Les (1959), Citizen Kane (1941), Conformista, Il (1970), This Is Spinal Tap (1984), High Noon (1952), and It's a Wonderful Life (1946).

Offered the role of Green Goblin/Norman Osborn in Spider-Man (2002).

When he was 16, he decided to get his excessive weight under control and lost 70 pounds by eating nothing but Jell-O for two months.

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1984" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 36.

Briefly dated Michelle Pfeiffer.

He dropped out of Crazy People (1990) after around 2 weeks of filming and was replaced by Dudley Moore.

Is a big fan of Tom Waits and rap artist Dr. Dre.

In 1976, he quit college in order to work at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater.

Attended college with Joan Allen who was occasionally a scene partner of Malkovich's in their acting classes. Later attended another acting class years with John Mahoney. He encouraged both actors to join the Steppenwolf Theater Company, which they did.