Michael Eklund is a versatile Canadian actor renowned for his exceptional ability to portray complex characters, often leaning towards the darker, villainous, or antihero roles. His on-screen presence is frequently described as “creepy,” a testament to his talent in bringing unnerving characters to life.
Eklund’s impressive filmography includes a range of memorable roles. He left audiences chilled as a kidnapper who terrorized Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin’s characters in the 2013 psychological thriller “The Call.” In the superhero TV series “Arrow,” he portrayed the chilling serial killer Barton Mathis during the second season.
In the psychological horror drama “Bates Motel,” Eklund took on the role of the drug trafficker Zane Morgan in its second season. He also starred in the sci-fi TV series “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” as Martin, the enigmatic leader of a hedonist group known as “The Rowdy 3.” Furthermore, Eklund showcased his talents in the sci-fi TV series “Wynonna Earp,” playing the menacing demon Bobo Del Rey.
Eklund’s remarkable work has not gone unnoticed in the entertainment industry. He clinched the prestigious 2008 Leo Award for “Best Performance in a Supporting Role” for his part in the 2007 Canadian crime drama and thriller film, “Walk All Over Me.” In 2012, his role as Dr. Geoff Burton in the psychological thriller “Errors of the Human Body” earned him the “Best Actor” award at Fantastic Fest.
His accolades also include the 2013 Leo Award for “Best Performance by a Male in a Feature Length Drama” for the same role in “Errors of the Human Body.” In 2015, Eklund secured the “Best Actor” award from the Union of British Columbia Performers and Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television, and Radio Artists (UBCPA/ACTRA) for his portrayal of English photographer Eadweard Muybridge in the biographical film “Eadweard.”
Michael Eklund’s journey into the world of acting has its roots in his childhood. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, his love for cinema was ignited at the tender age of five when his mother took him to see his first movie. His early experiences in school theatre set the stage for his eventual decision to study painting at the Alberta College of Art in Calgary. However, he chose to drop out and pursue an acting career, leading him to Vancouver.
Eklund’s television career began in 2000 when he appeared as a police officer in an episode of the sci-fi series “Dark Angel.” Over the years, he went on to make notable guest appearances on various Canadian and American television series, including “Stargate SG-1,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Supernatural,” “Flashpoint,” “Caprica,” “Fringe,” and more.
His foray into the film world has been equally impressive, featuring in movies like “88 Minutes,” “Gunless,” “The Divide,” “The Call,” and several others. Eklund has also collaborated with acclaimed film director Robert Cuffley on multiple occasions, making significant contributions to films like “Walk All Over Me,” “Ferocious,” and “Chokeslam.”
Eklund’s impressive and diverse filmography reflects his commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to his roles, whether on the big screen or in front of the television audience. His portrayal of unsettling characters has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and television.
Please note that this is a partial list of Michael Eklund’s filmography.
Film
- 2000: “The Other Side of Being” – Rhys
- 2001: “Blackwoods” – Billy/Man
- 2002: “K-9: P.I.” – Billy Cochran (Direct-to-video)
- 2002: “Stark Raving Mad” – Sickly Thin Guy
- 2003: “House of the Dead” – Hugh
- 2006: “Daingerfield” – Mr. Shorts (Short film)
- 2006: “Blowburn” – Teacher (Short film)
- 2006: “The Entrance” – Ryan James
- 2006: “Klatsassin” – Thief (Short film)
- 2007: “Seed” – Executioner
- 2007: “When a Man Falls” – Hardware Store Cashier
- 2007: “88 Minutes” – J.T. Rycker
- 2007: “In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale” – Scout
- 2007: “Postal” – Disgruntled Man
- 2007: “Walk All over Me” – Aaron
- 2007: “BloodRayne 2: Deliverance” – The Preacher (Direct-to-video)
- 2008: “Sarah in the Dark” – Jason (Short film)
- 2008: “Inconceivable” – Marlon Bell
- 2009: “Watchmen” – Man in Riot Crowd
- 2009: “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” – Tony’s assistant
- 2010: “Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball” – Navy Dude (Direct-to-video)
- 2010: “The Making of Plus One” – Dave Dallas
- 2010: “The Final Storm” – Co-op Man
- 2010: “Gunless” – Larry
- 2010: “Guido Superstar: The Rise of Guido” – Rocket Yella
- 2010: “Hunt to Kill” – Geary
- 2010: “Exposed” – Man (Short film)
- 2010: “The Muse” – The Painter (Short film)
- 2010: “Messages Deleted” – Adam Brickles
- 2011: “Pressed” – Jimmy
- 2011: “The Divide” – Bobby
- 2011: “Tactical Force” – Kenny
- 2011: “Sisters & Brothers” – Director
- 2011: “The Day” – Father
- 2011: “The Planting” – The Shooter
- 2012: “Errors of the Human Body” – Geoffrey Burton
- 2013: “The Marine 3: Homefront” – Eckert
- 2013: “Ferocious” – Eric
- 2013: “The Call” – Michael Foster
- 2013: “Assault on Wall Street” – McKay
- 2013: “Nurse 3D” – Richie
- 2013: “3 Days in Havana” – Intense Man
- 2014: “Cruel & Unusual” – Julien
- 2014: “Primary” – Harry
- 2014: “See No Evil 2” – Holden
- 2014: “Poker Night” – The Man
- 2014: “What an Idiot” – Bradley
- 2015: “Eadweard” – Eadweard Muybridge (Producer)
- 2015: “Lower Bay”
- 2015: “Vendetta” – Warden Snyder
- 2015: “Zoom” – Mustache Guy
- 2015: “Into the Forest” – Stan
- 2015: “Dark” – Benoit
- 2015: “Mr. Right” – Johnny Moon
- 2016: “Dead Draw” – Mack
- 2016: “Chokeslam” – Luke Petrie
- 2017: “Mercs” – Crisp (Short film)
- 2017: “The Sound” – Detective John Richards
- 2017: “The Hitman Never Dies” – Gus (Producer)
- 2018: “West of Hell” – Roland Bursley
- 2018: “The Package” – Gas Station Attendant
- 2019: “Cold Pursuit” – Speedo
- 2020: “The Sinners” – Detective Zankowski
- 2020: “Bright Hill Road” – Owen
- 2020: “Welcome to Sudden Death” – Jobe (Direct-to-video)
- 2021: “Antlers” – Kenny Glass
- 2022: “Detective Knight: Rogue” – Winna
Television
- 2000: “Dark Angel” – Officer Miller (Season 1, Episode 4: “Flushed”)
- 2001: “The Outer Limits” – Jacob (Season 7, Episode 3: “A New Life”)
- 2001-2007: “Smallville” – Richter Maddox/Will (2 episodes)
- 2002: “Living with the Dead” – Ronnie Higgins (TV movie)
- 2002: “Stargate SG-1” – Dark-haired Man (Season 6, Episode 5: “Nightwalkers”)
- 2005: “Da Vinci’s Inquest” – Horvath (2 episodes)
- 2005-2007: “Intelligence” – Rene Desjardins (13 episodes)
- 2007: “Termination Point” – Liam (TV movie)
- 2007: “Blood Ties” – Norman Bridewell (3 episodes)
- 2007: “Flash Gordon” – Quin (Episode 7: “Alliances (Part 1)”)
- 2008: “Supernatural” – Ed Brewer (Season 4, Episode 5: “Monster Movie”)
- 2009-2010: “Flashpoint” – Bruce DeMaura/Bruce (2 episodes)
- 2010: “Caprica” – Waylon (Episode 3: “Rebirth”)
- 2010: “Fringe” – Milo (Episode: “The Plateau”)
- 2010: “Shattered” – Nick Ducet (7 episodes)
- 2011: “True Justice” – Miles Toole (2 episodes)
- 2011: “Endgame” – Deacon (Episode 12: “Polar Opposites”)
- 2012: “Alcatraz” – Kit Nelson (2 episodes)
- 2013: “Tom Dick & Harriet” – Reese Danzinger (TV movie)
- 2013: “Arrow” – Barton Mathis/Dollmaker (2 episodes)
- 2014: “Almost Human” – Eric Lathem (Episode 12: “Beholder”)
- 2014: “Bates Motel” – Zane Morgan (8 episodes)
- 2015: “Gotham” – Bob (Season 1, Episode 13: “Welcome Back, Jim Gordon”)
- 2015: “Continuum” – Robert Zorin (5 episodes)
- 2016-2019: “Wynonna Earp” – Bobo Del Rey/Robert Svane (19 episodes)
- 2016-2017: “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” – Martin (Main cast, 8 episodes)
- 2018: “Altered Carbon” – Dimi the Twin/The Patchwork Man (3 episodes)
- 2018-2019: “Van Helsing” – Abraham Van Helsing (3 episodes)
- 2019: “The Twilight Zone” – Otto (Season 1, Episode 8: “Point of Origin”)
- 2020: “Legends of Tomorrow” – Grigori Rasputin (Season 5, Episode 2: “Meet the Legends”)
- 2021: “Debris” – Black Market Dealer (“Pilot” episode)
- 2021: “Big Sky” – Alan Hedley (Season 1, Episode 10: “Catastrophic Thinking”)
Awards and Nominations
Please note that this is a partial list of awards and nominations received by Michael Eklund.
- Wins: 10
- Nominations: 19
- 2012: Best Actor at Fantastic Fest for “Errors of the Human Body.”
- 2013: Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture for “The Call.”
- 2015: Best Actor presented by the Union of British Columbia Performers and Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (UBCPA/ACTRA) for “Eadweard.”
- 2011: Best Guest Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for “Fringe.”
- 2018: Leo Award for Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Motion Picture for “Dead Draw.”
- 2019: Leo Award for Best Guest Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series for “Van Helsing” (Episode: “Crooked Steps”).
Michael Eklund’s career is marked by an array of unforgettable performances that have solidified his position as one of Canada’s most versatile and engaging actors. His ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from the eerie to the compelling, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With a track record of critically acclaimed roles, Michael Eklund’s presence in the entertainment industry is bound to endure, and his future projects are eagerly anticipated by fans and peers alike.