Veteran actor John Malkovich, 72, has stated he has no intention of retiring from acting, even as he emerges as an early favorite for an Oscar for his lead role in the upcoming film "Wild Horse Nine." With a career spanning nearly five decades and over 150 credits, Malkovich expressed his commitment to continuing his work.
"I plan to carry on doing that. I don’t plan to retire because I think they will retire me when it’s time. That seems to be the natural course of things," Malkovich told reporters at the Venice Film Festival, where "Wild Horse Nine" was set to premiere. The film is directed and written by Academy Award winner Martin McDonagh, known for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "The Banshees of Inisherin."
Malkovich, who has been nominated for two Academy Awards in the past for Best Supporting Actor, is receiving Oscar buzz for his performance in "Wild Horse Nine." The film's synopsis describes his character, CIA agent Chris, as being dispatched to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup with his partner Lee, played by Sam Rockwell. Amidst the island's iconic statues, their pasts, present conspiracies, and Chris's growing bond with rebellious students threaten to derail their mission.
"Wild Horse Nine" is slated for a limited release in the U.S. and U.K. beginning November 6. The cast also includes Steve Buscemi and Mariana di Girolamo.
Malkovich also recently addressed his past affair with Michelle Pfeiffer, which occurred over three decades ago during the filming of "Dangerous Liaisons." The actor admitted that the relationship, which led to the collapse of both their marriages at the time, had a significant impact on him. He was married to the late Glenne Headly from 1982 to 1988, and they divorced shortly after his involvement with Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer, who was married to actor Peter Horton, has not publicly commented on the affair.
Malkovich has been in a long-term relationship with Italian production designer Nicoletta Peyran, with whom he has two children. Pfeiffer later married producer David E. Kelley in 1993, and they have two children together.