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Michael Hawkins Files $20 Million Lawsuit Against Son, Actor Christian Slater, for Defamation of Character

Michael Hawkins, a former actor whose real name is Thomas Knight Slater, is suing his son, actor Christian Slater, for at least $20 million. Michael Hawkins claims Slater destroyed his acting career b...
Michael Hawkins Files $20 Million Lawsuit Against Son, Actor Christian Slater, for Defamation of Character
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Michael Hawkins, a former actor whose real name is Thomas Knight Slater, is suing his son, actor Christian Slater, for at least $20 million. Michael Hawkins claims Slater destroyed his acting career by speaking publicly about his alleged mental illness.

    TMZ reports that the basis of Michael Hawkins’ lawsuit stems from an interview Christian Slater did last year, during which he described his father as suffering from “manic-depressive schizophrenia.”

    Hawkins says Christian Slater had no concrete evidence to support his claims. He also says the article containing his son’s interview caused him to be “blacklisted” in Hollywood, therefore destroying his career.

    Michael Hawkins went on to say–via his lawsuit–that he hoped for more acting roles in what he called the “autumn of his life,” but because of Christian Slater’s statements that simply won’t be possible now.

    Christian Slater has appeared in or voiced characters in more than 50 films since 1985. He is best known for his roles in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Broken Arrow, and Hard Rain. He played the role of Lt. Cmdr. Jack Reese on The West Wing in 2002, and presently stars in Mr. Robot.

    Michael Hawkins had roles in the daytime dramas Ryan’s Hope and As the World Turns back in the 1970s. He had small roles in a few films including Amityville Horror, Midnight Run, and Mommie Dearest.

    It will be interesting to learn if lawyers for Christian Slater dig up any evidence that proves Thomas Knight Slater–or Michael Hawkins–has any type of mental illness.

    Do you suppose it’s safe to assume Christian Slater and Michael Hawkins are estranged?

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