Biography
Michael Hutchence stands as one of Australia's most iconic singers and performers, with a career stretching over two decades. Born to Kelland and Patricia Hutchence, a film and television make-up artist, he was the middle child of three. Raised in Hong Kong, the USA, and Australia, Michael often accompanied his mother on film sets, meeting many celebrities, including his former classmate Nastassja Kinski. After his parents separated in 1976, he lived briefly in America with his mother but returned to Australia to live with his father due to the hectic lifestyle abroad. While attending high school in Sydney, he befriended Andrew Farriss, who performed in bands Doctor Dolphin and The Farriss Brothers and invited Michael to sing with them. After graduation, they added Garry Beers and Kirk Pengilly and began touring as The Farriss Brothers. They later secured a record deal contingent on changing their name to INXS, reflecting their lifestyle of excess.
Their initial three albums achieved modest success, but in 1984, 'The Swing' debuted at number one in Australia and went double platinum. The 1987 album 'Kick' received extensive radio play, delivered an American number one hit with "Need You Tonight," and sold millions globally.
Despite professional success, Michael lived a life marked by excess, including relationships, drugs, and alcohol. After 'Kick,' the band's popularity waned. Michael tried to pursue acting; however, his debut film, Dogs in Space (1986), received an 'R' rating, alienating its target teenage audience. His second film, Frankenstein Unbound (1990), featured only a minor walk-on role, failing to highlight his talent.
Meanwhile, his personal and professional life unraveled. He fell in love with Paula Yates, Bob Geldof's wife, which negatively affected his career. They had a daughter, Tiger Lily Hutchence Geldof. In 1997, Michael met with Michael Douglas to discuss his music's use in Face/Off (1997). Seeking advice on advancing in the film industry, he received guidance from Douglas but struggled with the pressures of fading stardom. After the commercial failure of his album 'Elegantly Wasted,' Michael made choices that ultimately ended his career. He once described himself as "just a man" — and that remained his truth.
