Michael Phillip Edwards, a multi-talented individual, has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry as an award-winning writer, director, and actor. His journey began with a rigorous conservatory actor training program at York University, which laid the foundation for his future success.
Edwards' passion for improvisational comedy led him to the Toronto Second City, where he honed his skills alongside master performers like Mike Myers and Robin Duke. His first professional Equity play was the Canadian Premiere tour of Athol Fugard's "My Children! My Africa!", which lasted seven months and five cities, opening doors to numerous opportunities for Equity theatre work across the country.
Los Angeles beckoned, and Edwards landed a lead role in NBC's "The Tai Babilonia Project", playing the character of Connie Babilonia Jr, Tai's brother. Following the filming, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he quickly became in high demand as an actor, booking soap opera roles, TV guest spots, and local theater plays. His performance in "The Visit" earned him a Dramalog Award and NAACP nomination for Best Actor.
Edwards took a brief pause from Hollywood to focus on his personal life, including the birth of his firstborn daughter, Niyah, and his marriage. He later welcomed his second child, son Isaac, which inspired him to write about his family experiences and Jamaican heritage. This led to the creation of his signature work, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival international award-winning play, radio play, and feature independent film, "Runt".
The success of "Runt" established Edwards as a creative force beyond his acting abilities, earning him several film festival wins and critical acclaim. This led to him taking on a new role as a director and producer, with projects such as "Last Life", "The Black Panthers of World War 2", and "Dark" currently in development. Edwards now owns and operates MPE FILMS LLC, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
