Michael Nankin was born in Los Angeles to a family of medical professionals, with his mother, Natalie, being a pioneer in organ transplantation and establishing the first tissue-typing laboratory in LA.
At the tender age of 10, Michael was gifted a standard-8 movie camera by his grandfather, which sparked his interest in filmmaking. He went on to make films throughout his childhood, eventually transitioning to a career as an illustrator and animator.
During his time as a film student at UCLA, Michael won the prestigious Jim Morrison Award, and his undergraduate film, JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, a musical-comedy, caught the attention of Disney studios. Two months after graduating college, Michael and his filmmaking partner, David Wechter, were hired by Disney to develop features.
At the age of 22, Michael co-wrote and co-directed the feature MIDNIGHT MADNESS, which was released in 1980. He continued to work in features as a screenwriter, including writing THE GATE, which was the highest-grossing Canadian-produced feature at the time.
Michael's career took a significant turn in 1989 when he joined the staff of LIFE GOES ON, a show that dealt with down syndrome and featured an HIV-positive continuing character. LIFE GOES ON was also the first network show to publicly hire HIV-positive actors.
Since then, Michael has worked extensively in episodic television, serving as a director, writer, and executive producer on various projects, including PICKET FENCES, CHICAGO HOPE, EARLY EDITION, ROAR, COVER ME, STRONG MEDICINE, THE AGENCY, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, HEROES, FLASHFORWARD, DEFIANCE, LIE TO ME, CSI, HELL ON WHEELS, and BLACK SAILS.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has received numerous awards, including a Peabody Award and two Humanitas Prizes. He is married to Liz Nankin, a costume designer, and has three children.
