Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Michael's early life was marked by a nomadic upbringing, with periods spent near Cape Cod, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. As one of seven children raised by a single mother, who worked tirelessly as a waitress, Michael's family dynamics were shaped by the challenges of poverty. Despite these obstacles, Michael persevered, becoming one of the only children from his immediate family to graduate from high school, where he excelled as a high school quarterback and wrestler.
Following high school, Michael's interest in the performing arts led him to take a year-long walk-on stint as a wrestler in college, before briefly attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His first foray into theatrical production came in the role of Jimmy in "The Rainmaker". This marked the beginning of a journey that would see Michael participate in western gunfight shows at an amusement park, playing comical and outlaw characters, and secure his first union job in a Chevy Truck commercial.
Michael's creative talents extend beyond the realm of acting, as he is also an accomplished writer. His first penned screenplay, Little Boy Blue, sold and was released in 1998, starring Ryan Phillippe, Nastassja Kinski, John Savage, and Emmy and Tony award-winning actress Shirley Knight. After a 12-year hiatus from show business, Michael returned with renewed passion, producing three award-winning short films: Dress Rehearsal, The Guitar, and Jesus Rides A Harley. Serving as both writer and director on these projects, Michael has cemented his status as a multi-talented artist.
