Introduction
Michael Oliver is a name that has been associated with both the world of football and Hollywood. He is a former child actor who gained fame for his role in the movie “Problem Child.” However, he is also a controversial figure in the world of football, having been involved in several high-profile incidents as a referee. In this blog post, we will explore the career of Michael Oliver, both as an actor and a referee, and the controversies that have surrounded him.
Michael Oliver, the Problem Child Actor
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Michael Oliver was born on October 10, 1981, in California, USA. He began his acting career at the age of three, appearing in commercials and TV shows. However, it was his role in the movie “Problem Child” that made him a household name. The movie, which was released in 1990, was a commercial success, grossing over $72 million worldwide.
Michael Oliver’s portrayal of the mischievous and troublesome Junior earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including the Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actor in a Feature Film. He went on to star in the movie’s sequel, “Problem Child 2,” which was released in 1991.
The Downfall and Retirement from Acting
Despite the success of the “Problem Child” movies, Michael Oliver’s acting career was short-lived. He retired from acting at the age of 14, citing the pressure and scrutiny that came with being a child star. He also revealed that he had been bullied and teased by his peers, which had taken a toll on his mental health.
After retiring from acting, Michael Oliver disappeared from the public eye and lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. However, he would later resurface in a completely different field, that of football refereeing.
Michael Oliver, the Referee
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Michael Oliver began his career as a referee in 2003, at the age of 18. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as a Premier League referee in 2010, becoming the youngest person ever to officiate a Premier League match. He has since become one of the most respected and sought-after referees in the world, officiating several high-profile matches and tournaments.
The Controversies and Backlash
Despite his success as a referee, Michael Oliver has been involved in several controversial incidents that have sparked backlash from fans and players alike. In 2018, he was heavily criticized for awarding a last-minute penalty to Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final match against Juventus. The decision was seen as controversial and led to Juventus being knocked out of the tournament.
Michael Oliver has also been the target of abuse and threats from fans and players, with some even calling for him to be banned from refereeing. However, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the sport and has continued to officiate matches at the highest level.
Conclusion
Michael Oliver’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, with highs and lows in both the world of acting and football refereeing. He may be a controversial figure, but there is no denying his talent and dedication to his craft. Whether he is remembered as the mischievous Junior from “Problem Child” or the respected Premier League referee, Michael Oliver has left his mark on both industries.
FAQ
Who is Michael Oliver?
Michael Oliver is a former child actor known for his role as Junior in the comedy film series “Problem Child.” He later became a professional football referee in England.
What controversies has Michael Oliver been involved in as a referee?
Michael Oliver has been involved in several controversial decisions as a referee, including awarding a penalty to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League quarterfinals against Juventus and sending off Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. He also awarded a late penalty to Manchester United in their 2019 Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, which led to their elimination from the competition.
How has Michael Oliver responded to criticism of his refereeing decisions?
Michael Oliver has defended his decisions and maintained that he always tries to make the best decision in the moment. He has also stated that he is willing to accept criticism and learn from his mistakes.
What impact has Michael Oliver’s acting career had on his refereeing career?
Some critics have suggested that Michael Oliver’s acting career may have influenced his refereeing decisions, as he may be more inclined to make dramatic calls. However, Oliver has stated that he keeps his acting and refereeing careers separate and that one does not affect the other.
What is the current status of Michael Oliver’s career?
As of 2021, Michael Oliver is still an active professional football referee in England. He has refereed several high-profile matches in recent years, including the 2021 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City. His acting career, however, has been dormant since the 1990s.
