Nic Cage Facts That Explain Why He Is Eternal

Nicolas Cage was born Nicolas Kim Coppola, the nephew of renowned director Francis Ford Coppola. To avoid the appearance of nepotism and make a name for himself independently, he adopted the stage name “Nicolas Cage.” The name “Cage” was inspired by the Marvel Comics superhero "Luke Cage", reflecting his early love for comic books.

In 2007, Nicolas Cage made headlines for purchasing a rare, nearly complete dinosaur skull at auction. The skull, believed to belong to a Tarbosaurus bataar (a relative of the T. rex), was acquired for $276,000. However, Cage was later required to return the fossil to Mongolia after it was discovered that it had been illegally exported.

Cage’s penchant for the peculiar extends beyond dinosaur skulls. His collection includes a variety of unusual items such as a haunted house in New Orleans, a collection of shrunken heads, and an octopus. His fascination with rare and odd artifacts reflects his eclectic taste and interests.

Long before he became known for his role in 'Ghost Rider,' Cage was a devoted comic book enthusiast. His love for the medium began in childhood, and he has openly expressed his admiration for various comic book characters and stories throughout his career.

Nicolas Cage's artistic talents extend beyond acting. In 2009, he published a book of poetry titled 'The Poetry of Nicolas Cage.' The collection showcases his poetic musings and is a testament to his creative versatility. Cage’s poetry often reflects his philosophical outlook and emotional depth.

Cage's career is marked by a series of unconventional choices. Notably, he turned down the role of "Aragorn" in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, a part that eventually went to Viggo Mortensen. Cage has also passed on other high-profile roles, opting instead for projects that align more closely with his artistic interests.

Nicolas Cage was reportedly considered for a role in George Lucas's original 'Star Wars' film. Although he didn’t make it into the final cut, his connection to the franchise persists through his passion for sci-fi and fantasy genres, which has influenced much of his career.

Cage's admiration for Elvis Presley is well-documented. He named his son Kal-El after "Superman" and his daughter, Weston, was given the middle name “Elvis” in honor of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Cage has also cited Presley as a significant influence on his own artistic expression and style.

In 2010, Cage made a notable contribution to the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. He donated $2 million to the relief efforts, highlighting his commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian causes. His support was a significant part of the broader response to the disaster.

Nicolas Cage is the holder of a Guinness World Record for "Most Prolific Actor in a Leading Role." With an extensive filmography that spans various genres and styles, Cage’s record reflects his remarkable productivity and diverse range as an actor.