Saturday, October 11, 2025

Italian American Heritage Month: Nicholas Cage

Nicolas Cage, born Nicolas Kim Coppola on January 7, 1964, in Long Beach, California, is an American actor, producer, and filmmaker known for his intense performances and eclectic choice of roles. A member of the famed Coppola filmmaking family, Cage changed his last name early in his career to forge his own identity, taking inspiration from the Marvel character Luke Cage.

He made his film debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) and quickly gained attention with standout performances in Valley Girl (1983), Raising Arizona (1987), and Moonstruck (1987). Cage earned an Academy Award for Best Actor for his raw and haunting portrayal of an alcoholic in Leaving Las Vegas (1995).

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he became a major Hollywood star with hits such as The Rock, Con Air, Face/Off, and National Treasure, combining action hero charisma with emotional depth. Known for his fearless and sometimes eccentric acting style, Cage has continued to reinvent himself with acclaimed roles in independent films like Mandy (2018), Pig (2021), and Dream Scenario (2023).

Off-screen, Cage is known for his passion for comic books, art, and unusual historical artifacts. Despite financial ups and downs, he remains one of cinema’s most distinctive and prolific actors, admired for his daring approach and unwavering commitment to his craft.

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