Michael Nouri Explains Why His Career Stalled AfterFlashdance: 'I Have to Put My Ego Aside'

Mar. 15, 2025

Michael Nouri in ‘Flashdance’ (left); Michael Nouri in 2024 (right).Photo:CBS/Getty;Alberto Rodriguez/Variety/Getty

CBS/Getty;Alberto Rodriguez/Variety/Getty

When Michael Nouri starred in 1983’sFlashdance, he thought his career was set. The truth ended up being more complicated.

Michael Nouri (left) and Jennifer Beals in ‘Flashdance.'.CBS/Getty

CBS/Getty

“AfterFlashdance, that was the time to strike while the iron was hot,” Nouri explained of his career trajectory. “Billy Friedkingot in touch with me and told me he wanted me to be in his new movie withBarbara Hershey. It was calledSea Trial, and it was going to be done at 20th Century Fox, and Fox wanted to turn around and that movie was shelved, so the momentum fromFlashdancewas, dissipated.”

But he had another shot at landing a major part, he said. “While I was in Tokyo promotingFlashdanceI got a call from my agent who said thatSteven Bochcowas interested in having me be in a series of his calledBay City Blues, andBay City Blueslasted for 13 episodes,” he said. The cast of the short-lived series includedSharon Stone.

“So my point is that the huge momentum thatFlashdancecreated, just you want to keep the momentum going,” Nouri explained. “Hopefully, when you have one big hit, you want to follow it up with something else, something equally good or better, just to keep you out there. And that did not happen.”

From left: Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson and Michael Nouri in ‘The O.C.'.WB / Courtesy of Everett Collection

WB / Courtesy of Everett Collection

“I went through a period of playing dads, now granddads, senators, statesmen, and so on, which I am very grateful for,” he said. “The phone is still ringing. I have wonderful agents who are keeping me out there.”

He noted that he recently auditioned for “Bradley Cooper’s new movie.” “People say, ‘You have to audition?’ And the answer is, yes, Yes I do, and I’m willing to do that. I have to put my ego aside and just be grateful for what comes my way. And hopefully your nerves aside.”

Michael Nouri in ‘Yellowstone.'.Paramount+

Paramount+

In the 2000s, Nouri had recurring roles on series likeThe O.C.,DamagesandNCIS, and recently, he’s appeared onYellowstone. Nouri’s career also included stints on Broadway, including in the 1995 production ofVictor/VictoriastarringJulie Andrews.

source: people.com