History Creator / MichaelEmerson

* 2024- ''Series/Fallout2024'' as Dr. Siggi Wilzig

[[quoteright:334:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/michael_emerson_6483.jpg]]

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!!This actor contains examples of:

* LargeHam: While he's typically known for playing more reserved/quietly sinister characters, Emerson has proven quite a proficient [[ChewingTheScenery scenery-chewer]] when he wants to be. Take his appropriately dramatic breakout role as [[Creator/OscarWilde Oscar Wilde]] for instance, or his gleefully unhinged Joker in WesternAnimation/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns- his [[EvilLaugh evil laugh]] is [[SugarWiki/MostWonderfulSound GLORIOUS.]] [[Series/MozartInTheJungle Morton Norton]] is also a good example.

-->''"My mom used to tell me that I should be careful because I had a punchable face; LittleDidIKnow that she was predicting my television career."''

* VerbalJudo: Ever seen him in interviews or answering fan questions? He generally easily sidesteps deliberately embarrassing or offensive questions or comments with a quip or a comment on some part of what was said to make an effective change of subject that immediately restores polite and amicable conversation. Has also been seen to defend fellow cast-members in this way in multi-actor interviews etc. when trolling questions or comments are directed at them.

* [[SugarWiki/MostWonderfulSound Most Wonderful Sound]]: His voice! Especially when he goes into [[BadassBaritone Badass Baritone]] mode. With his flawless diction and the slight tremor that's somehow incredibly charming...there's nothing else like it.

* LargeHam: While he's typically known for playing more reserved/quietly sinister characters, Emerson has proven quite a proficient [[ChewingTheScenery scenery-chewer]] when he wants to be. Take his appropriately dramatic breakout role as [[Creator/OscarWilde Oscar Wilde]] for instance, or his gleefully unhinged Joker in Film/TheDarkKnightReturns- his [[EvilLaugh evil laugh]] is [[SugarWiki/MostWonderfulSound GLORIOUS.]] [[Series/MozartInTheJungle Morton Norton]] is also a good example.

-->''"My mom used to tell me that I should be careful because I had a punchable face; little did I know that she was predicting my television career."''

* 2006–2010 ''Series/{{Lost}}'' as [[StarMakingRole Ben]] [[MagnificentBastard Linus]]

* NiceHat: His fedora.

* 2019- ''Series/{{Evil}}'' as [[FauxAffablyEvil Leland]] [[TheCorrupter Townsend]]

* 2005 ''Film/TheLegendOfZorro'' as [[ManlyFacialHair Harrigan]]

* 2005 ''Film/TheLegendOfZorro'' as [[BadassBeard Harrigan]]

* 2019- ''Series/{{Evil}}'' as [[FauxAffablyEvil Leland Townsend]]

Michael Emerson (born September 7, 1954) is best known for playing Benjamin Linus on the show ''Series/{{Lost}}''. He also portrayed [[BastardUnderstudy Zep Hindle]] in the ''Franchise/{{Saw}}'' movies, [[SerialKillerKiller Marty Manning]] in the short-lived Tim Minear show ''Series/TheInside'', and [[SerialKiller William Hinks]] in The Practice, for which he won an Emmy. He won a second Emmy for his role as Benjamin Linus. Others might recognize him from an earlier role as the mysterious narrator of Creator/NeilGaiman's ''Literature/MurderMysteries'' radio play. From 2011-2016, he starred as the enigmatic [[TechnoWizard Harold Finch]] on the CBS action-thriller ''Series/PersonOfInterest''. A well-respected character actor, Emerson is known for his [[ThousandYardStare piercing eyes]], [[CantUnhearIt distinctive voice]], [[DeadpanSnarker deadpan humor]] and [[CreepyMonotone quiet]] [[TranquilFury intensity]]. He's particularly renowned for his portrayals of complex, [[MysteriousPast enigmatic]] and [[TheChessmaster intelligent]] characters - meaning he often gets typecast as "the villain guy", although he's actually quite versatile.

* 2011–2016 ''Series/PersonOfInterest'' as [[MysteriousPast Harold]]
[[TheHeart Finch]]

* 2006–2010 ''Series/{{Lost}}'' as [[StarMakingRole Ben Linus]]

* 2011–2016 ''Series/PersonOfInterest'' as [[MysteriousPast Harold Finch]]

* 2019- ''Series/{{Evil}}'' as [[FauxAffablyEvil Leland Townsend