Mike Malloy was born on March 22, 1976, in Metaire, Louisiana, a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. His family, with roots in the early 20th Century, had a strong connection to the law enforcement and construction industries, with his ancestors working as cops and bricklayers in New York City. This upbringing had a profound impact on Malloy's life and shaped his future endeavors.
As a child, Malloy's family moved to Houston, Texas, due to his father's job in the petroleum industry. It was in this city that Malloy developed a passion for the arts, which would later become a defining aspect of his career. He went on to pursue a double major in theatre and studio art at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, completing his degree in just three years.
During his time at university, Malloy secured a book contract with McFarland to write a biography on the legendary spaghetti Western star Lee Van Cleef. This project not only showcased his writing skills but also demonstrated his dedication to the world of cinema. Furthermore, Malloy also studied acting with Eb Lottimer in Florida in the late 1990s, laying the foundation for his future work in the entertainment industry.
In 2001, Malloy made the bold move to Los Angeles, California, where he joined the staff of Cult Movies magazine and began contributing as a freelance writer to various print and online publications. His writing focused on tough guy subject matter, a niche that would become synonymous with his name. Malloy's work appeared in esteemed publications such as Filmfax, Slate.com, Video Watchdog, Flaunt Magazine, and the TCM blog.
Malloy's writing career was marked by significant milestones, including a book contract for Movie Tough Guys of the '70s: An Encyclopedia. Unfortunately, this project was abandoned after his Atlanta, Georgia home was burglarized and his laptop computer and back-up hard drive were stolen.
Undeterred by this setback, Malloy redirected his energy towards the making of the documentary Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the '70s (2012),which received widespread critical acclaim and became a festival hit. This documentary cemented Malloy's status as a recognized authority on cinematic tough guys.
Malloy's work extended beyond writing, as he began to explore his acting talents. He shared the screen with notable thespians such as Brett Halsey and Dan van Husen in The Scarlet Worm (2011),Mel Novak in Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance (2015),and Ron Van Clief in Hot Lead Hard Fury (2018). Malloy has also directed the music video for "Gunfighter" by Midnight Larks and provided video introductions for a series of DVD and Blu-ray releases by Raro Video.
Throughout his career, Malloy has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his craft, navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment industry with resilience and determination. His unique blend of writing, acting, and directing skills has earned him a reputation as a versatile and talented individual in the world of cinema.
