Michael Zaslow Biography
Michael Zaslow was born on November 1, 1944, in Inglewood, California, United States. He grew up in a loving family with his parents, Morris and Gloria Zaslow, and a sister named Joy. Zaslow was passionate about acting from a young age, straying far from his father's profession as an electrical engineer to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
After completing his school education, Michael attended the prestigious University of Michigan, where he studied drama and honed his passion for acting further. During his time at the university, he became close friends with actor David Spielberg, and after graduation, the two moved to New York City to pursue their acting careers.
In the 1960s,
Michael Zaslow began his acting career in theater, appearing in various Broadway productions, including "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Boccaccio." His stage performances caught the eyes of casting agents, paving the way for his entry into television. He made his television debut in 1964 with an appearance on the popular CBS soap opera "The Edge of Night." He continued to make guest appearances on various television series, which helped him gain recognition and respect within the industry.
Zaslow's breakthrough came in 1971 when he was cast as Roger Thorpe on the long-running CBS soap opera "Guiding Light." He became a mainstay on the show for more than two decades, earning immense popularity and critical acclaim for his portrayal of the villainous character. His performance in "Guiding Light" earned Zaslow two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
In 1980, while still working on "Guiding Light," Zaslow took on another significant role as David Renault on the ABC soap opera "One Life to Live." He showcased his versatility by playing a character completely opposite in nature to his role as Roger Thorpe, further establishing his stature as a talented actor.
Michael Zaslow's personal life was marked by love and strong relationships. He met his wife, Susan Hufford, a writer and producer, on the sets of "One Life to Live," and the couple married in 1980. They have two daughters, Marika and Helena, who were a constant source of joy and inspiration for Zaslow.
In 1997, Zaslow's life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as
Lou Gehrig's disease. The illness took a significant toll on his health, and he had to take a break from acting. Despite the challenges, Zaslow remained positive and used his experience to raise awareness about ALS, becoming an advocate for research and funding.
On December 6, 1998,
Michael Zaslow passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind an enduring legacy as an actor and a humanitarian. To this day, he is remembered as a talented actor whose captivating performances and unwavering dedication to his craft continue to inspire generations of aspiring actors.
Friends, colleagues, and fans remember
Michael Zaslow as a warm, loving, and hardworking individual who left a significant impact on their lives. His most popular role as Roger Thorpe on "Guiding Light" remains one of the most iconic characters in soap opera history.
Our collection contains 24 quotes who is written / told by Michael.
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