Michael Nouri was born on December 9, 1945. He is an American actor who works in movies, television, and theater. He is most famous for his work on television shows, where he played characters such as Dr. Neil Roberts on The O.C., Phil Grey on Damages, Caleb Cortlandt on All My Children, Eli David on NCIS, and Bob Schwartz on Yellowstone. He also had leading roles in the movies Flashdance (1983) and The Hidden (1987). Additionally, he has performed in many Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including the original version of Victor/Victoria. He has been nominated for a Saturn Award and a Daytime Emmy Award.

Early life

Nouri was born in Washington D.C. to Gloria (born Montgomery) and Edmond Nouri. Edmond was an Iraqi immigrant from Baghdad who came to the United States to study at Georgetown University. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and later worked as a writer for Stars and Stripes and The New Yorker.

Career

After playing a main role in an off-Broadway production of The Crucible, Nouri got his first Broadway role in Forty Carats, which ran for two years. He made his film debut in 1969 with a role that was not credited in Goodbye, Columbus. He appeared on several television soap operas and was considered for a Daytime Emmy Award for his role as Steve Kaslo on Search for Tomorrow. Nouri portrayed Lucky Luciano in the miniseries The Gangster Chronicles and its movie version, Gangster Wars. In 1979, he appeared in the episode "The Curse of Dracula" of the series Cliffhangers.

In 1983, he played the main role of Nick Hurley in the romantic drama Flashdance. Although some people had mixed opinions about the film, it was one of the most successful movies of 1983 and was considered for several top awards, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Nouri has appeared in many television series and films. He played a main role opposite Kyle MacLachlan in the horror movie The Hidden. He starred on the short-lived series Bay City Blues and Downtown, and on the sitcom Love & War. Nouri also played King Marchan in the Broadway musical Victor/Victoria, opposite Julie Andrews. He appeared in three different episodes of Law & Order, each time in different roles. He had recurring roles on the series The O.C., Damages, NCIS, and Army Wives. Nouri returned to soap operas for a year-long period on All My Children. More recently, he had a recurring role on the series Yellowstone for three seasons. (1.01)

Personal life

Nouri has been married twice and divorced twice. His first marriage was to Lynn Goldsmith, and his second marriage was to Vicki Light. He has two daughters. He serves as an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society because one of his former wives has the condition. Nouri also had relationships with Dyan Cannon and Roma Downey.

Awards and nominations

• 1976 Daytime Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series: Search for Tomorrow (nominated)

• 1988 Saturn Award for Best Actor: The Hidden (nominated)

• 1987 Sitges Film Festival for Best Actor: The Hidden (won)