Michael Chiklis is an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his role as Vic Mackey in the television series The Shield. Born on August 30, 1973, in Lowell, Massachusetts, he gained critical acclaim for his performance, which earned him an Emmy Award. Chiklis also portrayed Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing, in the Fantastic Four films. In addition to his work in film and television, he has appeared in various other series, including American Horror Story and No Ordinary Family, showcasing his versatility as an actor.