10 things you must know about Michael C. Hall

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This week, actor Michael C. Hall returns to the big screen for the first time since TV show DEXTER ended, in the thriller COLD IN JULY. We decided to gather up some trivia about the star of Jim Mickle's latest film.

1. American Beauty

Sam Mendes gave Hall two of his big career breaks; Mendes cast the actor as the flamboyant EmCee in the Broadway revival of CABARET in 1999, then recommended him for the role of David Fisher in SIX FEET UNDER when AMERICAN BEAUTY screenwriter Alan Ball was casting for the show.

2. Definitive DEXTER

Earlier this year, there was talk of a DEXTER spin-off, but only if Michael C. Hall would return to the role. It seems Hall is up for the challenge, but perhaps not any time soon. The show seems to be still in the discussion stages, so fans of DEXTER may not want to hold their breath.

3. Love on the run

In 2008, Hall and his girlfriend of a year, Jennifer Carpenter, eloped. Carpenter starred in DEXTER
with Hall, as the title character's adoptive sister. Sadly, the couple divorced in 2011.

4. Career change

Originally, Hall wanted to be a lawyer, but it seems that all changed when he took part in theatre productions in primary school.

5. First time for everything

Michael C. Hall's first screen role was in SIX FEET UNDER. The first scene he shot for the show was in the pilot episode when David goes to the morgue to collect his father's body.

6. The show must go on

In 2010, Hall's agent and spokesman confirmed that the actor was receiving treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Hall continued working on DEXTER, and when they heard the news, most of his fellow cast members were surprised, because he had not disclosed his condition during production.

7. Lucky Escape

When filming DEXTER, Hall crashed Dexter's boat into a pier, causing 8,000 worth of damage. He didn't have to pay for repairs.

8. Campaigner

Michael is the face of the Somalia Aid Society's Feed The People campaign and has also worked with Kiehl's skin care line to do a limited-edition line that benefits the Waterkeeper Alliance, an environmental non-profit that works toward clean and safe water worldwide. In 2011, Hall was the celebrity spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk" fundraising campaign.

9. Pay it Forward

Similar to what Sam Mendes did for him, Michael C. Hall personally recommended actor Sam
Witwer for his role in GAMER after the two worked together on DEXTER.

10. Accolades

Hall won a Golden Globe for his work on DEXTER, having been nominated three times previously. Hall was nominated for an Emmy for his work on SIX FEET UNDER and shared the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Award for SIX FEET UNDER at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2003 and 2004.

Is Michael C. Hall feeling "COLD" ?

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When you’re Dexter, the requests that filter in are strange.

“‘Can you strangle me?’ That’s a common one,” says actor Michael C. Hall.
It’s not that his fans really want him to channel his inner serial killer.

“A lot of people come up and say in a half joking voice, ‘Would you mind strangling me for a photo that I can put on Instagram?’”

“I’m happy to take a photo, but I don’t like to pretend to kill someone,” says Hall. “And only special people get strangulation.”

He’s actually putting his former TV alter ego on hold these days to star in the film “Cold in July” (opening Friday). Hall plays a protective father who shoots a home intruder. Enter a vengeful ex-con (Sam Shepard) who wants revenge, and a private detective (Don Johnson) trying to sort it out.

Q:What was the appeal of “Cold in July?”

A: With “Dexter” coming to a close, I was really interested in finding a part that had me playing someone who wasn’t super capable. In this movie, I play just a regular guy who has all these crazy things happening all around him. But his life isn’t so spectacular or remarkable, which was wonderful.

Q: What was it like to work with legends like Shepard and Johnson?

A: I was able to incorporate any sense of awe or intimidation into the dynamics that existed in the plot. I found that Sam is available, supportive and certainly game for trying anything in a scene. And Don doesn’t disappoint. Don Johnson has more charisma than anyone should have. He’s also really funny and has a great sense of humor.

Q:In 2010, it was announced that you were battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma and later you announced that you’re in remission. I know you don’t talk about your cancer much, but could you address how you’re feeling? And how did cancer change your outlook on life?

A: I feel great and I’m in excellent health. I think having cancer did give me a greater sense of appreciation for good health. I don’t think I was someone in a state of denial about my mortality. But the treatments really fostered in me some greater appreciation that I am mortal. Cancer did give me a greater sense of gratitude for the good, healthy days I do have and the time I have here.

Q:Do you do anything special now to maintain good health?

A: I’m not a vegetarian, but I do try to eat well. I know it’s good for my health to break a sweat three or four times a week. But those are two things I was frankly doing before I got the cancer. I was just lucky that I got a cancer that they know how to treat. They are relatively in the dark about what causes it. It’s just a number that I drew.

Q:You are an inspiration now to other cancer survivors.

A: I have been inclined to keep my health secret, but then I started going through the treatments. I was invited to some awards shows and had no eyebrows and no hair. I decided I should probably explain why that was the case. Now I’m so glad that I was forced to do that because it has been so gratifying to me to realize that my story has helped other people find inspiration that cancer can and does go into remission. Just look at me.

Q:Let’s sort of lighten up for a last question: Any chance of bringing “Dexter” back? Or a “Dexter” movie?

A: You know, I suppose it’s a possibility given that he’s still out there. But at this point, it’s hard for me to imagine anything that would be compelling enough to do with him. Of course, plotting Dexter has never been my job. If I was presented with something compelling, I’d consider playing Dexter again although I do want to take some time away from that world.