Michael Eklund, the celebrated Canadian actor known for his captivating performances, is a man of many talents. His journey from leaving college to pursue his acting dreams to achieving stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. While he is famous for his antagonistic roles on the big screen, what lies behind the scenes has piqued the curiosity of his fans. Specifically, his two marriages, one to Erin MacGilvray and the other to Megan Bennett, both of which ultimately ended in divorce.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Eklund’s exact birth date may have its share of conflicts, but one thing is certain: his passion for cinema ignited at a tender age. It was a fateful day when his mother took him to the movies at the age of five, leaving an indelible mark on him and inspiring his own journey into the world of acting.
Initially, Eklund embarked on an artistic path, studying painting at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. However, his unwavering passion for acting led him to drop out of college and relocate to Vancouver to pursue his newfound career. This dedication to his craft meant forgoing other interests, including graphic design, as he fully immersed himself in the world of acting.
The Rise of Michael Eklund as an Actor
Upon arriving in Vancouver, Eklund, like any aspiring actor, began his quest for roles in both Canadian and American television series. He swiftly made his mark, securing roles in series such as “Dark Angel” in 2000, where he portrayed a police officer, and “Stargate SG-1” in 2002. These early television appearances paved the way for more significant roles in a variety of series, including “Level 9,” “Hollywood off-Ramp,” “The Outer Limits,” “Sk8,” “The Lone Gunmen,” “Smallville,” “Living with the Dead,” and “Supernatural,” among others.
Eklund’s journey extended beyond the small screen, as he simultaneously ventured into film. In 2000, he made his film debut in “The Other Side of Being,” portraying the character Rhys. This marked the beginning of a prolific film career that included roles in films such as “K-9 P.I” (2002), “Stark Raving Mad” (2002), “House of Dead” (2003), “The Entrance” (2006), “In the Name of the King” (2007), and many more. His most recent films include “Antlers” (2021) and “The Farm,” which is yet to be released.
Eklund’s Award-Winning Performances
Eklund’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. He has received recognition and accolades for his exceptional acting skills. Some of the awards in his repertoire include:
- Eerie Horror Fest 2016 – Best actor for his performance in “Errors of the Human Body.”
- Leo Awards 2008 – Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama for his role in “Walk All Over Me.”
- Leo Awards 2011 – Best Guest Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for his role in “Fringe,” specifically for the episode “The Plateau.”
- Fantastic Fest 2012 – Best Actor for his performance in “Errors of the Human Body.”
- Leo Awards 2013 – Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama for his role in “Errors of the Human Body.”
- Leo Awards 2014 – Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture for his role in “The Call.”
- UBCP/ACTRA Awards (Vancouver) 2015 – Best Actor for his performance in “Eadweard.”
- Alhambra Film Festival 2015 – Best Actor for his performance in “Eadweard.”
- Leo Awards 2019 – Best Guest Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for his role in “Van Helsing,” in the episode “Crooked Steps.”
The Enigmatic Marriages of Michael Eklund
Beyond his achievements in the entertainment industry, Eklund’s personal life has also attracted considerable attention. The actor has been married and divorced twice, with both marriages raising questions and curiosity.
Eklund’s first wife was Erin MacGilvray, and their marriage took place in 1993. Sadly, their union faced turmoil, leading to a divorce in 2002. Notably, there is limited information available about Erin MacGilvray, their marriage, or the reasons behind their divorce. The couple did not have any children together, and it remains unclear whether MacGilvray started a new family following their separation.
Following his first divorce, Eklund’s path led him to Megan Bennett, who was also in the entertainment industry. Their serendipitous encounter occurred in 2002 when they met at a movie theater, where Bennett had applied for a job. For Eklund, it was love at first sight, and just ten days later, they officially started dating. The couple made the move from Saskatchewan to Vancouver and sealed their commitment in marriage in 2003. This marriage, however, lasted for nine years, ultimately leading to a divorce in 2012.
As with his first marriage, the reasons behind the second divorce remain undisclosed, leaving fans and onlookers to speculate. Despite parting ways, both Michael Eklund and Megan Bennett have managed to maintain an amicable relationship. Their public appearances together, such as the 2015 premiere of “Mr. Right” during the 40th Toronto International Film Festival, are a testament to their ability to coexist harmoniously. Furthermore, the former couple does not share any children but continues to excel in their respective careers.
Megan Bennett has made her own mark in the entertainment industry with roles in films like “Water Game” (2000), “The Final Experiment” (2005), and “Scenes from the Movies” (2011). Today, Eklund and Bennett are living their lives independently, having moved beyond the chapter of their shared past, all while continuing to thrive in their careers.