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How one film kickstarted Michael Dunn's career
"This is quite noticeably the brightest time of my career," said the actor.
By the time Michael Dunn had returned to television, he was welcomed with open arms. According to an interview with The Buffalo News, the actor had enjoyed a few guest roles on television before he was cast in the 1965 film Ship of Fools.
The movie, based on the 1962 novel of the same name by Katherine Anne Porter, was met with a widely positive critical reception. Mann himself was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
“I had done only a couple of bit parts in TV films,” said Dunn. “Now, thanks to the film, I’m hot. And now I’m doing guest leads, even though they all seem to be villains.”
On television, Dunn became recognizable in several episodes of Wild, Wild West. Dunn played Dr. Miguelito Loveless, a character he described as “harming, slightly sympathetic, but ruthless.”
The renewed interest in Dunn as an actor revived his career. “This is quite noticeably the brightest time of my career,” said the actor. “I’ve played saloons and bars and clubs for years, but I’ve never had this much variety.”
In fact, Dunn was even being approached to leave guest appearances behind and star in his own television show.
“About 19,000 people have approached me and said it would be a good idea to get me my own TV series, but no one has come up with a single line yet,” said the actor. “And there’s been talk about recording my nightclub act, but nothing definite. I’m not worrying about it, though. I’ve got enough to keep me busy for a while. I’m too lazy to worry myself into ulcers. I refuse to worry about things I can’t control.”
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