Michael Ruud was born on October 7, 1944, in Afton, Wyoming, to Gladys Haderlie Ruud and Jack Taylor Ruud. His early life was marked by a move to Thayne, where he lived with his mother and two older brothers, Jack and Tomm, until the age of seven.
At this point, Gladys met and married Lyle Papworth, and the new family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Lyle worked. Michael attended school in Salt Lake City for five years before the family returned to Afton.
It was during his time at Star Valley High School that Michael's passion for the theater was born. He later pursued a master's degree in fine arts from the University of Utah. In addition to his academic pursuits, Michael was an officer and founding member of the first branch of the Screen Actors Guild in Utah.
Michael's military service was another significant aspect of his life. He served in US the Army from 1967 to 1969, earning the rank of sergeant and being honorably discharged. He was decorated for his service and remained active in the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Throughout his career, Michael acted in over seventy films and numerous stage plays at the University of Utah Pioneer Memorial Theatre. One of his notable television appearances was in the television film "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," starring Jeff Goldblum as Ichabod Crane.
Michael's character, Winthrop Palmer, was not an original character from Washington Irving's Halloween-themed novel. Sadly, Michael passed away on September 27, 1999, following a massive stroke in Murray, Utah. His memorial service was held on October 2, 1999, at the American Legion Post #112 in Murray, Utah.
