Michelle Murphy's life journey began in the culturally rich and vibrant cities of Dearborn and Detroit, Michigan, where she would eventually cultivate a profound appreciation for the performing arts.
As she pursued her academic endeavors, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Liberal Arts from the esteemed University of Detroit Mercy, a prestigious institution that would provide her with a solid foundation in the arts.
Michelle's professional trajectory took a significant turn as she became an integral part of Metro-Detroit's thriving theatre scene, where she had the opportunity to hone her craft and gain valuable experience.
It was during this time that Michelle obtained her Actors' Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild cards, a testament to her dedication and hard work, with the Purple Rose Theatre Company, a renowned organization founded by the acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels.
Through her affiliation with the Purple Rose Theatre Company, Michelle had the privilege of working alongside a talented group of artists and industry professionals, further solidifying her position within the theatre community.
Michelle's journey is a shining example of the power of perseverance, creativity, and a passion for the performing arts, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.
Michelle, a visionary and innovative force in the world of theatre, embarked on a remarkable journey in 1997 by co-founding the Planet Ant Theatre in Metro-Detroit, a modest yet vibrant black box theatre, alongside a talented ensemble of Detroiters, including the incomparable Keegan-Michael Key.
As the years unfolded, Michelle's dedication and passion for her craft led to her appointment as Artistic Director of the theatre in 2000, a position she held with distinction. Throughout her tenure, Michelle remained committed to her core values, and her work in theatre for young audiences stands out as a shining example of her dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers and theatre enthusiasts.
Notably, she collaborated on the creation and performed in the highly acclaimed theatrical production "Grandma Says" for the esteemed Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Furthermore, she took on the role of producer and performer in the impactful "Little Bear" production, which embarked on a remarkable journey, touring Detroit public schools for a period of over a decade. Throughout this endeavour, she played a pivotal part in providing vital outreach, awareness, and support to minors who had been affected by sexual misconduct, ultimately making a profound difference in their lives.
Prior to making the significant decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Chicago in the year 2002, Michelle had already achieved a remarkable level of success in her theatrical pursuits, earning the prestigious title of Best Season Overall for her outstanding contributions to the esteemed Planet Ant Theatre.
In addition to this notable accomplishment, Michelle also received the esteemed Best Supporting Actress Award for her captivating performance in the critically acclaimed production of "Stop, Kiss" at the renowned Performance Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michelle has accumulated a substantial body of regional work, boasting an impressive array of credits that include not only co-producing and co-writing, but also co-starring in the critically acclaimed production of "Side of Ranch" at the esteemed Donny's Skybox Theatre in the vibrant city of Chicago. Additionally, she has spent a significant amount of time honing her craft and entertaining audiences as a member of Stage One, a renowned theatre company dedicated to providing high-quality productions for young audiences in the charming city of Louisville, Kentucky.
Michelle's professional journey began with a series of performances at various Equity houses in the Midwest region, a chapter that came to a close when she made the permanent move to Los Angeles in the year 2006.
It was in the spring of 2022 that Michelle found herself in Tokyo, where she took on a recurring series role in "Lost Man Found", a limited series that premiered on the popular streaming platform Hulu.
Michelle has enjoyed a prolific acting career, boasting a string of recurring roles on the critically acclaimed animated series "Sincerely, Camille", which marked a significant milestone as OWN's first foray into the world of animation. Her impressive résumé also includes co-starring roles on the esteemed medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" and the popular political thriller "Scandal", cementing her status as a talented and versatile actress. Furthermore, Michelle has lent her talents to Beachbody's innovative VOD workout program, #MBF and #MBFA, bringing her unique energy and charisma to the world of fitness. When not in front of the camera, Michelle is an active member of the esteemed Loft Ensemble theatre company, where she continues to hone her craft and push the boundaries of her art.
Michelle's creative endeavors began with the writing and performing of her inaugural solo show, "Keeper," which debuted in the autumn of 2022. This initial production marked the beginning of a year-long run, during which it was showcased at the prestigious Whitefire Theatre Solofest, where it ultimately claimed the coveted title of Best of Fest. The show's subsequent appearance at the Hollywood Fringe Fest 2023 yielded an Encore Producer's Award, a testament to its enduring appeal. Moreover, Michelle's commitment to philanthropy was exemplified by her generous donation of over $2000 in ticket sales to support the Upstander Kids Bullying Camp and the Michigan Actor's Studio, underscoring her dedication to giving back to her community.
