Michael's paternal lineage was marked by tragedy, as his father, a pilot, was killed in action during the Second World War before Michael was born. This event led to his mother, Doris, and Irish grandmother, Kathleen, raising him as a single parent. When Michael was just four years old, his mother remarried a Kent grocer, but he severed all ties with him after his mother's untimely passing at the age of 21.
Michael's early life was marked by a strong connection to music, as he was educated at Oakfield School in Dulwich and developed his singing skills as a chorister. At the tender age of 12, he was handpicked by renowned composer Benjamin Britten to join the English Opera Company. This was followed by a successful career in children's films, with his first appearance on the big screen at the age of 14. He also honed his acting skills on stage, landing a role in a school play at 15.
It was during a radio program that Michael met his first fiancée, hairdresser Patricia Maxwell, with whom he became engaged. However, their relationship was short-lived, as he soon met Gabrielle Lewis at a club, and the two eventually tied the knot. This union produced three daughters: Angelique, Emm, and Lucy. The couple's marriage came to an end in 1975, and Michael relocated to America in the 1980s.
Michael's later years were marked by a successful run in the Las Vegas production of EFX in 1996. Unfortunately, his time on stage was cut short when he suffered a high-impact injury to his femur and hip.
