When Supernatural (one of the longest-running TV series in America) comes to an end, it is not only the evil-fighting Winchester brothers that will be missed. One character that will also be missed is that of Castiel, the heavenly angel that assists the Winchester brothers in their mission. The role is aptly portrayed by no other than Misha Collins who gave his best to bring the character to life.
He was initially meant to be a guest star but his excellent performance earned him a promotion to a series regular. He then went on to become the third most popular character in the TV series. While Supernatural takes center stage in his resume as an actor, Misha Collins’ footprints in the industry can be traced back to the late ’90s.
Before Hollywood, Misha Collins Tried Other Careers, Including Carpentry
Misha Collins (birth name – Dmitri Tippens Krushnic) was born on the 20th of August 1974 in Boston, Massachusetts. His nationality is American and he has Hungarian-Russian, Jewish, German, English, Scottish and Irish ancestry. Collins spent his formative years in Massachusetts and had his education at Greenfield Centre School and Northfield Mount Hermon School. The Hollywood star also studied Social Theory at the University of Chicago; obtaining his degree in 199
Prior to delving into Hollywood, Misha Collins pursued diverse interests in a bid to find his true passion. The actor worked as a carpenter, as well as a radio station producer. He also spent a year in a Tibetan monastery and even interned at the White House for four months in the hopes of making a career in politics.
His Early Days in Hollywood
Misha Collins eventually found his way to Hollywood and commenced his acting career in the late 90s. His debut screen appearance came in 1998, in an episode of the western TV series, Legacy. After that, the Massachusetts native racked up guest appearances in popular TV series such as NYPD Blue, Seven Days, 24, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, ER, NCIS, CSI: NY, and Over Her Dead Body.
He also got an uncredited part in the 1999 movie Liberty Heights, alongside other minor roles in Girl, Interrupted, Finding Home, Karla and Loot before his big break in 2008. Misha served as the Associate Producer on the set of Loot.
Karla is a psychological thriller based on the real-life crimes of a Canadian couple named Paul and Karla. Paul was a serial killer and rapist who enlisted the help of his wife to get victims, including his wife’s younger sister. He was eventually caught and sentenced to life imprisonment without the option of parole. Karla, on the other hand, took a plea deal and got 12 years in prison. Misha Collins played the role of Paul while Laura Prepon portrayed Karla. The movie received negative reviews as the critics felt that it de-emphasized the sufferings of the victims whilst making Karla be a victim herself.
He got His big Break as Angel Castiel on Supernatural
Misha Collins got his well-deserved breakthrough in 2008 when he joined the cast of Supernatural. In the series, he played the role of a powerful and enigmatic angel of God known as Castiel. His character is initially aloof and unemotional but later forms a close bond with the Winchester brothers, particularly Dean. Collins joined Supernatural in season 4 and remained on the series until the final season 15.
Asides depicting the iconic role of the Heavenly angel, he served as the director for Season 9: Episode 17. Since his breakthrough on the set of Supernatural, the bulk of his career endeavors has been on television. Notably, none of his subsequent works can be compared to the success he enjoys on Supernatural. He appeared in one episode of Nip/Tuck in 2009, Ringer in 2012, and Timeless in 2017. He also produced and played the role of Father Christopher in the web series Divine: The Series.
Collins’ Writing Credits
In addition to acting, Misha Collins is also a published poet/writer. “Baby Pants” and “Old Bones” are some of his poems in the 2008 edition of Columbia Poetry Review #21. The actor also co-wrote a cookbook with his better half. The sales from the book are billed to go to charity outfits linked to food nutrition.
Misha Collins joined forces with Kathryn Leonard and others to author an academic research paper termed “The 2D Shape Structure Dataset”.
A look at Mishas’ Worth and Career Recognitions
Misha Collins has a net worth of $2 million; his wealth largely stems from his career earnings over the years, mostly his appearances on Supernatural. Asides TV series, the Supernatural star has also appeared in movies, though very few of them.
Having established that Supernatural brings his biggest cheques, Collins reportedly earns $110,000 for each episode of the CW show. He also boasts a few award nominations and wins, thanks to the show.
Between 2014 and 2016, he was nominated for three People’s Choice Awards, winning the Favorite TV Bromance with costars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in 2014 and Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor in 2015.
Though a Hollywood Star, Collins Hails from a Poor Background
Collins hails from a family of six. His father’s name is Richard Krushnic while his mother’s name is Rebecca Tippens. He also has a brother named Sasha and two sisters – Elizabeth and Danielle. The actor has disclosed that his family is an irreligious one and that they endured some tough times (including bouts of homelessness) while growing up.
Collins and his brother, Sasha, closely resemble each other and can even pass for twins. This fact has contributed to their close relationship and the actor often posts about his brother on his social media handles.
Meet The Woman in Misha Collins’ Life
The Supernatural star is off the market as he is married to a lady named Victoria Vantoch. Vantoch is an author, as well as a sex historian (a person who researches sex history). She has some published works to her credit, including The Threesome Handbook: A Practical Guide to Sleeping with Three (2007) and also have published articles with The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.
Collins and his wife reportedly met in high school and subsequently commenced a relationship. The couple got married in October 2001 and renewed their vows, ten years later, in 2011. Their union has produced two children – son, West Anaximander (b. September 2010), and daughter, Maison Marie (b. September 2012). Collins and his son, West, co-produce a cooking show known as Cooking Fast and Fresh with West.
