Michael Ironside Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Height, Children, Top Gun, Movies & TV Shows

Frederick Reginald Ironside, known professionally as Michael Ironside, is a veteran Canadian actor and voice actor whose commanding presence and gritty intensity have made him a staple in film and television for over four decades.

Renowned for roles like the menacing Jester in Top Gun (1986) and the psychic Darryl Revok in Scanners (1981), he excels at portraying complex villains and tough antiheroes.

His extensive work in sci-fi and action genres, including Total Recall (1990) and Starship Troopers (1997), alongside voice roles in video games and animation, showcases his versatility and enduring impact in entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Frederick Reginald Ironside
• Stage Name: Michael Ironside
• Born: February 12, 1950
• Age: 75 years old
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter
• Height: 1.79m
• Parents: Robert Walter Ironside and Patricia June Ironside
• Siblings: Winnifred Ironside, Beverly Ironside, William Ironside, Robert Ironside
• Spouse: Karen Marls Dinwiddie (m. 1986)
• Children: Adrienne Lynn Ironside, Findlay Ironside
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

Michael Ironside was born on February 12, 1950, in Toronto, Ontario, to Robert Walter Ironside, a street lighting technician and laborer, and Patricia June Ironside, a homemaker. The eldest of five children, he grew up with two sisters, Winnifred and Beverly, and two brothers, William and Robert, in a working-class household that fostered resilience and creativity.

He attended Riverdale Collegiate Institute, where, at 15, he wrote The Shelter, a play that won a city-wide competition, sparking his artistic ambitions. He later studied at the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD University) in Toronto, honing his storytelling skills before diving into acting.

He is of Canadian heritage, with English and Scottish roots, though he keeps his religious beliefs private.

Career

Michael Ironside began his acting career in the late 1970s, landing early roles in Canadian television and films like Scanners (1981), where his chilling performance as Darryl Revok put him on the map. His ability to embody intense, often villainous characters led to iconic parts in Hollywood blockbusters, including Lt. Cmdr. Rick “Jester” Heatherly in Top Gun (1986) and Richter in Total Recall (1990).

His rugged charisma and commanding voice made him a go-to for action and sci-fi, with standout roles in Starship Troopers (1997) as Jean Rasczak and The Machinist (2004).

Beyond live-action, Ironside’s distinctive voice brought depth to animated series like Superman: The Animated Series (as Darkseid) and video games such as Splinter Cell (as Sam Fisher). He occasionally stepped into producing, directing, and screenwriting, contributing to projects like The Arrangement (1999).

His filmography spans over 200 credits, balancing mainstream hits with indie gems like Nobody (2021). Ironside remains active, with recent roles in series like The Dropout (2022) and voice work in X-Men ’97 (2024), proving his staying power. His mentorship of younger actors and dedication to craft continue to influence the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @_madeofiron
• Facebook Handle: None
• Twitter Handle: None

Personal Life

Michael Ironside married his first wife in the 1970s, with whom he has a daughter, Adrienne Lynn Ironside, before their divorce. He wed Karen Marls Dinwiddie on September 30, 1986, and they welcomed daughter Findlay Ironside in 1998.

Based in Toronto and Los Angeles, he balances family life with a demanding career.

Filmography

• Scanners (1981)
• Top Gun (1986)
• Total Recall (1990)
• Starship Troopers (1997)
• The Machinist (2004)
• Terminator Salvation (2009)
• Nobody (2021)
• The Dropout (2022)
• X-Men ’97 (2024)

Net Worth

Michael Ironside has an estimated net worth of $6 million, amassed through his extensive acting career in film, television, and voice work. Earnings from high-profile projects like Top Gun and Total Recall, along with residuals from video games and animation, also contributed to his financial success.