- Growing up, he liked the heroic comic book character Ben Grimm, aka The Thing of the Fantastic Four. In fact, at the age of 18, he told his brother that if a Fantastic Four movie was ever made, he would play Ben Grimm. He lived his fantasy and got to play what he called "my dream role" in 2005 when he played the character in Fantastic Four (2005).
- Is the only actor from Fantastic Four (2005) that is actually a fan of the comic book series.
- After his series Daddio (2000) went off the air, his wife suggested that Chiklis slim his weight down and change his self image with a different look and a totally different acting part, even if they have to create one themselves for him. He then shaved his head, lost more than 40 pounds, worked out vigorously and the two of them started to write a "rogue cop" movie role for him. Chiklis eventually read The Shield (2002)'s pilot script (originally called "Rampart"), which was similar to his "rogue cop" movie script, and aggressively pursued the part of Vic Mackey until he got it. When he read for the the part, he channeled "anger" by being furious at the prospect of not getting it.
- Comic book writing legend and icon Stan Lee quoted Chiklis' performances as The Thing/Ben Grimm in both Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) as being his favorite of all the Marvel Comic characters to be adapted onto live film.
- His real daughter, Autumn Chiklis, plays his character, Vic Mackey's, daughter Cassidy on The Shield (2002) He has said that his daughter is not to witness any violence on the show and is to be kept apart from all scenes except for the scenes she is in.
- Loves music, plays in a band and is an accomplished drummer.
- The Fantastic Four (2005) co-star is a lifelong comic book fan, and rarely turns down an autograph request from children.
- Is a lifelong comic book fan who co-authored a series of graphic novels entitled "Pantheon" which chronicled the return of the Greek gods to Earth on the eve of Armageddon as they battle the Titans for humanity's fate. The series was created by Chiklis, Anny Simon Beck, and comic book veteran Marc Andreyko for IDW Publishing and a possible television adaptation is in the works.
- Training in Muay Thai Kickboxing.
- He loves classic rock, jazz, blues, classical and basically all other forms of music. His music collection is extremely eclectic.
- Chosen over 200 other candidates for the role of John Belushi in the fantasy biography Wired (1989).
- His father owned beauty salons.
- As a kid, Michael was fiercely competitive in sports as he excelled in baseball, football, and hockey.
- Graduated with a bachelors degree in Theatre from the College of Fine Arts at Boston University.
- Always knew he wanted to be an actor and in spite of his parents apprehensions, they supported his dreams wholeheartedly.
- His worst job was "unloading 18 wheel trucks for 12 hours a day".
- Daughter, Autumn Chiklis, was born on October 9, 1993.
- Is a huge fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox.
- Has a brother called Peter.
- Daughter, Odessa Chiklis, was born in 1999.
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