Talking about partying with Jack Nicholson, taking chances in his career, and almost dying from Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton

Talking about partying with Jack Nicholson, taking chances in his career, and almost dying from Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton

The Oscar-nominated actor discusses his current life and the decisions that led him here in PEOPLE’s latest cover story.

For countless film enthusiasts, Michael Keaton embodies the personas of Mr. Mom, Batman, or Beetlejuice, the protagonists of numerous successful motion pictures. However, there are specific Hollywood circles where he goes by a different name.

I used to go by the moniker «Dr. No» since I turned down a lot of roles. Not because I’m conceited, just for whatever reason,» the Pennsylvania native explains.

She will age 73 on September 5. Over the past 50 years, Keaton has developed a formidable and diverse career that combines comedy (such as 1982’s Night Shift), action (1989’s Batman), and drama.

Even if the projects are different, he gives every job that special Keaton touch. Having directed him in five movies, Tim Burton says he has a unique, nervous creative energy. «His eyes have a slightly insane look.»

That is undoubtedly the case for Keaton in the insane 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice, in which he plays the title raucous, snorting monster, and in its eagerly awaited sequel Beetlejuice.

However, after meeting filmmaker Burton, he was unsure about the character and almost turned down the job that helped make him a household celebrity. «Do you want to meet this guy? someone asked. «He directed this film, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, among other things,» Keaton remarks about Burton.