Born Michael John Douglas (1951-) in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, actor Michael Keaton began his Hollywood career on the popular children's TV show, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and as a stand-up comic.

"I had to change my name because of the other Michael Douglas," Keaton once explained. "My middle name is John, so my brother nicknamed me Jackson. I actually toyed with the idea of calling myself Michael Jackson." Instead, he went with Diane Keaton's moniker.

In 1982, Keaton rose to fame as the manic morgue attendant in the hit film Night Shift. He followed that up with the quirky black comedy Beetlejuice (1988) and the mega-hit Batman (1989).

"I was the first one in that bat suit and the bat cave," Keaton said about the successful film franchise. "It's the role that changed my life. It brought me incredible celebrity and incredible money."

After filming Batman Returns (1992), Keaton turned down the third sequel. "I'm the first to admit I haven't had the same kind of success with any film since Batman, but that's to be expected," the talented actor said.

He has since fed his muse by choosing a variety of both dramatic and comic roles. "I learned very young that being funny is very attractive to women. I don't understand why, but it's true. If you're funny, you've got a secure place in line," he said.

Savor life's small victories.