Damian Falco (Michael Madsen)

Character

Madsen plays Damian Falco, the chief of the NSA agent who is in charge of Bond's hand-over when general Moon orders his son Colonel Moon to release 007 back to the West.

Falco however, has more on his mind than simply smoothing relations between North and South Korea.

Falco's true allegiances are not fully revealed, and may double-crosses 007 in the climax of the story. Madsen said "I will be back for Bond 21!", which helps clear up the rumours on who will be a returning villain for the next couple of films.

Biography

Born: 25th September 1958, Chicago Illinois USA

Madsen was born and raised in Chicago, the middle of three children. His father was a Chicago fire-fighter for 30 years, and his mother is a writer/producer living in Los Angeles. Madsen remembers watching black and white films from the fifties while growing up, and was influenced by Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney and Robert Mitchum. Madsen did not go right into acting but held a variety of jobs from house painter to auto mechanic, to hospital orderly. After seeing a production of "Of Mice and Men" with John Malkovich at the Steppenwolf Theatre, his desire to be an actor became apparent.

After moving to Los Angeles, Madsen was pumping gas at the Union 76 gas station in Beverly Hills when he met someone in the business, who eventually helped him to get an agent. Madsen then appeared on several television shows including "Miami Vice," "Cagney and Lacey," and "St. Elsewhere." His first film role was in "War Games"

In 1991, his breakthrough performance came opposite Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis in Ridley Scott's "Thelma And Louise." His performance in Quentin Tarantino's "Resevoir Dogs," however, brought him to the caliber of leading man. After being a supporter of Tarantino's scripts for years, Madsen was the director's first choice to play Mr. Blonde. The film, which also starred Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel and Chris Penn, established Madsen in the business and opened the door for several more starring roles.

Overall, Madsen has appeared in 43 films including: "Kill Me Again" with Val Kilmer, "Money For Nothing" with John Cusack, the remake of Sam Peckinpahs' classic film "The Getaway", "Mulholland Falls" with Nick Nolte, "Wyatt Earp" with Kevin Costner, and the two "Free Willy" films. On of his most popular films is "Species II", the sequel to the highly successful film which starred Madsen, Natasha Henstridge and Marg Helgenberger. The original cast returned for the sci-fi thriller.

Madsen has four sons and spends his free time with them and his wife at their home in Los Angeles. His third book of poems, "Burning In Paradise" was published in July 1998. He has also been known to race cars, build motorcycles and box.