Nicolas Cage is one of Hollywood’s most eccentric and enigmatic actors. Known for his versatile roles and larger-than-life personality, Cage has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry. From his early days in quirky comedies to his intense performances in dramatic roles, Cage’s career is as diverse as it is fascinating. But it’s not just his filmography that keeps fans intrigued; his off-screen antics and bizarre life choices make him a true Hollywood legend. Let’s dive into 29 wild and wacky facts about the man, the myth, the legend—Nicolas Cage!
1. Cage’s Crazy Castle Craze
Nicolas Cage once owned not one, but two castles. Yes, you read that right! He purchased a 14th-century Bavarian castle in Germany and another one in England. Why, you ask? Simply because he could. Cage has a penchant for historical properties, but unfortunately, his castle-collecting days came to an end due to financial troubles. Imagine throwing a party in a castle owned by Nic Cage—now that would be a night to remember!
2. His Superman Dream
Cage almost played Superman in Tim Burton’s canceled film “Superman Lives” in the late ’90s. He even donned the iconic suit for a screen test. Although the movie never saw the light of day, photos of Cage as Superman occasionally surface, causing fans to wonder what could have been. Can you imagine Cage’s intensity in the role of Clark Kent? It’s both terrifying and thrilling!
3. Dinosaur Skull Drama
Nicolas Cage once outbid Leonardo DiCaprio for a dinosaur skull. Yes, he spent $276,000 on a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus bataar skull. But the story doesn’t end there—turns out the skull was stolen, and Cage had to return it to the Mongolian government. Only Nic Cage could make owning a dinosaur skull sound completely normal.
4. The Elvis Connection
Did you know Cage was married to Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley? They tied the knot in 2002, but their marriage lasted just 107 days. Cage, a massive Elvis fan, once said marrying Marie felt like marrying into royalty. Short-lived as it was, this marriage combined two of the most colorful personalities in pop culture history.
5. Comic Book Connoisseur
Cage is an avid comic book collector and even named his son Kal-El, Superman’s birth name. His passion for comics is so deep that he sold his collection for over $1.6 million to pay off debts. A superhero on and off the screen, Cage’s comic book legacy lives on through his uniquely named offspring.
6. The Octopus Pet
In one of his most bizarre purchases, Cage bought a pet octopus for $150,000, claiming it would help him with his acting. While we can’t confirm if the octopus offered any acting tips, it certainly added to Cage’s reputation for eccentricity. Who needs a dog or a cat when you can have an eight-legged acting coach?
7. Pyramids and Plans
Nicolas Cage has already planned his burial place—a pyramid-shaped tomb in New Orleans. He purchased a nine-foot-tall pyramid in the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The reason behind this peculiar choice remains a mystery, but it’s undeniably one of the most Cage-like decisions ever. A dramatic resting place for a dramatic life.
8. Spending Spree Stories
Cage’s extravagant spending habits are the stuff of legend. From albino king cobras to shrunken heads, his shopping list reads like a bizarre wish list. These purchases, coupled with real estate investments, led to significant financial troubles. Despite this, Cage’s unique taste and fearless spending have become a key part of his persona.
9. Haunted House Owner
Cage once owned the LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, known as one of the most haunted houses in America. The mansion’s dark history didn’t deter Cage, who bought it in 2007. He eventually had to sell it due to his financial issues, but owning a haunted house certainly fits his eclectic style.
10. Marriage Marathon
Nicolas Cage has been married five times. His marriages have been as dramatic and varied as his film roles. His most recent marriage, to Riko Shibata, took place in 2021. Cage’s romantic life is a rollercoaster of love, heartbreak, and everything in between, much like his career.
11. The Vampire Theory
There’s a popular internet theory that Nicolas Cage is a vampire. This theory emerged after a 19th-century photo surfaced, showing a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Cage. The actor, of course, denies these claims, but the internet loves a good vampire story, especially when it involves Nicolas Cage.
12. He Ate a Live Cockroach
For his role in “Vampire’s Kiss,” Cage insisted on eating a live cockroach. The scene wasn’t in the original script, but Cage believed it would enhance his performance. This commitment to his craft is both admirable and a bit stomach-churning. Method acting at its most extreme!
13. Strange Stuntman Swap
In the film “Ghost Rider,” Cage swapped a stuntman’s body for his own head using CGI. This decision was due to his intense workout regimen making him too bulky for the original costume. Cage’s dedication to authenticity in his roles knows no bounds, even if it means some unusual behind-the-scenes decisions.
14. He’s a Karaoke King
Cage is known to enjoy karaoke, often belting out classics with fervor. His go-to song? “Purple Rain” by Prince. Patrons of karaoke bars have reported seeing Cage perform with the same intensity he brings to his acting, making for unforgettable nights out.
15. Shamanic Ceremony
To help with his acting, Cage once participated in a shamanic ceremony. This involved him consuming a hallucinogenic brew in the Amazon rainforest. The experience, according to Cage, was transformative and deeply personal. It’s just another example of his dedication to exploring the unconventional.
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16. The Pyramid Tomb
Cage’s tomb in New Orleans isn’t just a resting place; it’s a statement. The nine-foot-tall pyramid stands out among the traditional tombs. Cage’s choice reflects his larger-than-life personality and his penchant for the dramatic, future visitors to the cemetery will undoubtedly be intrigued by this unique monument.
17. Exotic Car Collection
At one point, Cage owned 15 homes, including a $25 million waterfront residence in Newport Beach, California. He also had a collection of exotic cars, with some estimates putting the number at over 50. His love for luxury and speed is as intense as his acting.
18. The Albino Cobra Incident
Cage once owned two albino king cobras named Moby and Sheba. These highly venomous snakes were kept in his home, much to the chagrin of his neighbors. The snakes were eventually removed due to safety concerns, but they remain a testament to Cage’s love for the unusual.
19. He Owns a Pyramid Tomb
Planning ahead in true Cage fashion, he purchased a nine-foot-tall pyramid tomb in New Orleans. The eccentric actor’s future resting place is located in the city’s famed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, ensuring that his legacy will remain as larger-than-life as he is.
20. His Love for Elvis
Cage’s obsession with Elvis Presley is well-known. Not only did he marry Elvis’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, but he also played an Elvis impersonator in the film “Wild at Heart.” Cage’s admiration for the King of Rock and Roll is evident in both his personal and professional life.
21. Shrunken Heads and Other Oddities
Cage’s collection of oddities includes shrunken heads. His fascination with the macabre and unusual extends beyond his film roles into his personal life. This unique taste in collectibles has only added to his mystique and legend.
22. The Comic Book Connection
Cage was such a fan of comic books that he changed his last name from Coppola to Cage, inspired by the Marvel superhero Luke Cage. His passion for comics influenced many aspects of his life, including his choice of roles and even the names of his children.
23. The Ghost Rider Tattoo
In a case of life imitating art, Cage had a tattoo of Ghost Rider, the character he played in the film of the same name. However, he had it removed before shooting the movie. The tattoo symbolized his long-standing connection to the character.
24. Bought a Haunted Mansion
Cage owned the infamous LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans, reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Despite its dark history, Cage was drawn to the property’s eerie allure. Financial troubles eventually forced him to sell, but the mansion remains a part of his intriguing legacy.
25. Believes in the Supernatural
Cage has openly spoken about his belief in the supernatural. He’s fascinated by ghost stories and has had several paranormal experiences himself. His interest in the occult adds another layer to his already complex and captivating personality.
26. The Impressive Art Collection
Cage is also an avid art collector. His collection includes works by famous artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat. His appreciation for fine art shows another side of the actor, one that values creativity and expression in various forms.
27. A Real-Life Treasure Hunter
Much like his character in “National Treasure,” Cage has a passion for historical artifacts. He’s known to have gone on several treasure hunts, searching for rare and valuable items. This real-life hobby mirrors his adventurous on-screen persona.
28. Once Arrested in New Orleans
In 2011, Cage was arrested in New Orleans for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. The incident occurred after an argument with his then-wife, Alice Kim. Cage’s larger-than-life personality sometimes spills over into real-life drama, keeping him in the headlines.
29. The ‘Acting is Like Quicksand’ Philosophy
Cage once described acting as being like quicksand. According to him, the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. This unique perspective on his craft showcases his deep and often philosophical approach to acting.
Nicolas Cage is a true Hollywood enigma. His eclectic career, bizarre personal life, and endless list of eccentricities make him one of the most fascinating figures in the entertainment industry. From owning castles and dinosaur skulls to planning his burial in a pyramid tomb, Cage’s life is as dramatic and unpredictable as the roles he plays. Love him or find him baffling, there’s no denying that Nicolas Cage is a one-of-a-kind superstar.