Take the BuddyTV Personality Quiz: Which Smallville Character Are You? Michael Rosenbaum as
Lex Luthor Michael Owen Rosenbaum was born on July 11, 1972 in Oceanside, New York. He grew up in Newburgh, Indiana and began to take interest in acting when he was in high school. He attended Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he majored in theater and communications. Shortly after his graduation, Rosenbaum headed to New York City in order to work on his acting career.
Upon his arrival in New York, he performed in various off-Broadway plays and independent films. Eventually, he started to appear regularly on Late Night with Conan O’ Brien as one of “The Amsterdam Kids.” He then went on to work on several big screen projects, including Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Urban Legend, Sweet November and Rave McBeth.
In 2001, Rosenbaum began appearing as the young Lex Luthor on the WB series, Smallville. In accordance with the storyline, Rosenbaum had to shave off his hair. His portrayal has earned him a 2002 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series. His other notable small screen appearances include It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane.
The year following the debut of Smallville, Rosenbaum again appeared on the big screen, this time for the comedy flick, Sorority Boys, and the independent film Poolhall Junkies. His role in the latter gave him the opportunity to work alongside other big names in the industry, such as Christopher Walken, Chazz Palminteri, Rick Schroeder and the late Rod Steiger. Subsequently, he was seen in the movies Special, Bringing Down the House, Cursed and Kicking it Old Skool.
Rosenbaum has also done some extensive voice work for both television and film, which include the animated series Batman Beyond, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, The Zeta Project, Static Shock, Jackie Chan Adventures and Teen Titans, and the movies Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and Racing Stripes.
Since his youth, Rosenbaum has suffered from color blindness. In one interview, he recounted his experience of discovering about his eye condition. He explained, "I said, 'Ooh, Dad, I want the yellow ones.' He said, 'Where?' I said, 'Right there, Dad. I want the yellow ones.' Everybody goes, 'Those are green'. That's how I knew I was colorblind. It wasn't such a bad thing, but people will pick on you..."