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Michael Fassbender has gotten plenty of buzz lately for going full frontal in the sexually-charged drama Shame, which hits theaters today. But this handsome actor is also known for solid performances in the TV series Hex, as well as the movies 300 and Inglourious Basterds. Here are five things you probably don't know about Michael.

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1. Born April 2, 1977 in Heidelberg, Germany - his background is German and Irish. Speaking about his heritage, he told an interviewer: "It's totally schizophrenic isn't it? Irish and German is such an odd mix. It's discipline and something else, isn't it?"

2. Engaged in an extreme crash diet during which he shed 31 lbs. to reach 130 lbs. for his role in the 2008 film Hunger.

MORE: Oscar Watch -- Michael Fassbender

3. Appeared in the 2003 music video Blind Pilots by British rock band The Cooper Temple Clause.

4. Was raised a staunch Catholic and served as an altar boy.

5. His first major acting project was playing a soldier in the Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg miniseries Band of Brothers.