**John Malkovich (Christopher John Malkovich, born in Christopher, Illinois, on December 9, 1953)** is an American actor, director, and producer, known for his versatile career in theater and film.

Trained at the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Malkovich established himself in cinema thanks to his ability to portray complex and often ambiguous characters, characterized by an aura of intelligence and a subtle unease. His distinctive voice and intense acting have made him renowned for charismatic villain roles.

His most iconic performances include the seductive Vicomte de Valmont in **Dangerous Liaisons** (1988) and the unsettling Mitch Leary in **In the Line of Fire** (1993), both earning him Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He demonstrated his self-deprecating humor and versatility by portraying a surreal version of himself in **Being John Malkovich** (1999). Other notable films include **Con Air** (1997) and **Burn After Reading** (2008).