Michael Hanelin is an American-born film actor who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry by appearing in a diverse range of feature films, including Durant's Never Closes, Dead in 5 Heartbeats, and The Men Who Robbed the Bank, among others. His upcoming project, Grief, is a feature-length film directed by his mentor, Kevin Phipps, in which he co-stars alongside other talented actors.
Michael's journey in acting began with a voice-over coach who recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in front of the camera. He was drawn to the technical challenges of camera work and the sense of excitement and fear that came with stepping out of his comfort zone. After completing a few roles, Michael was hooked and decided to dedicate himself to his craft.
To further hone his skills, Michael enrolled in camera classes at the Phoenix Film Institute, where he studied under the guidance of Marla Finn and the late Peter Stelzer, an Emmy-winning producer. He also took Kevin Phipps' course in the Meisner method, which helped him to develop his acting technique.
Michael's first project with director Travis Mills was Off Track, a thrilling adventure that took place at a local horse track. He played a family man who copes with the stresses of home life by pretending to be a losing horse bettor, while never actually placing a wager. This role showcased his ability to adapt to different characters and situations.
In addition to his acting work, Michael is also a skilled writer, producer, and doctor. He has been involved in a variety of projects, including writing, producing, and acting in dozens of films and short films. One of his most ambitious projects is adapting 52 classic films into modern-day short films over the course of 52 weeks.
When he's not working on set or in his medical practice, Michael enjoys traveling the world and playing poker tournaments. He is a family man and is close to his mother, a well-known botanical artist, and his father, a radiologist. He has four siblings, two of whom are also in medicine. Despite his busy schedule, Michael always makes time for his loved ones and is known to ham it up with his family when they get together.
Originally from the Seattle area, Michael has lived in several cities, including Berkeley, New York City, St. Louis, and Atlanta. He settled in the Phoenix Valley in 2008 and has been living there ever since.
