Michelle Johnson was born on September 9, 1965, in Anchorage, Alaska, USA, and her family later relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Alhambra High School in January 1984, completing her education one semester early. At the age of 17, just two months after leaving high school, Michelle was signed by director Stanley Donen to play a supporting actress role alongside Michael Caine in the 1984 movie comedy Blame It on Rio.
A tall, slender beauty, Michelle was preparing to move to New York City to pursue a modeling career when Donen discovered a small photo of her in the fashion magazine "W". Michelle's early start in the entertainment industry was marked by appearances in numerous films, including Waxwork (1988),Genuine Risk (1990),and Far and Away (1992).
In addition to her film work, Michelle has made several television appearances, including roles on The Love Boat (1977),Murder, She Wrote (1984),Melrose Place (1992),Dallas (1978),Charles in Charge (1984),and The Outer Limits (1995).
Michelle's family background is notable, with her stepfather being a clinical psychologist and her mother a homemaker.