Stephen Young, born Stephen Levy on May 19, 1939, in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, embarked on a multifaceted career path that would eventually lead him to become a renowned character actor. Possessing a naturally gifted athletic background, his early years were marked by a passion for sports, particularly baseball. As a teenager, he made the bold decision to sign with the esteemed Cleveland Indians, fueled by his determination to pursue a professional career in the sport. However, a severe knee injury sustained while playing ice hockey would ultimately bring his aspirations to an abrupt halt, forcing him to reevaluate his options. Undeterred, Young redirected his focus towards a sales career, applying his strong work ethic and transferable skills to excel in this new field. Later, he would transition into the world of radio and television commercial production, further diversifying his professional repertoire and laying the groundwork for his future success as a character actor.
During the early 1960s, Young embarked on a European journey, where he was fortunate enough to secure a minor yet significant role in the grand film Cleopatra, released in 1963.
As his career continued to unfold, he went on to appear in a variety of European productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
One of his notable appearances was in the historical epic 55 Days at Peking, which premiered in 1963.
He also had the privilege of working on the critically acclaimed film The Leopard, released in the same year.
Furthermore, Young's impressive range as an actor was demonstrated in his role in The Fall of the Roman Empire, a film that was released in 1964 and explored the tumultuous history of the Roman Empire.
As he returned to Toronto, a city that held a special place in his heart, Young made the bold decision to dedicate himself full-time to the craft of acting, adopting the stage name Stephen Levy in a deliberate attempt to distance himself from his earlier endeavors. He quickly established himself as a talented leading man, effortlessly transitioning between daytime and prime-time television dramas, showcasing his remarkable range and versatility as an actor. Subsequently, he landed the coveted role of Nick King, a member of an elite special police force, in the action-packed adventure series Seaway, which premiered in 1965. As Nick King, he embodied the character's bravery, skill, and unwavering dedication to protecting the vital St. Lawrence Seaway, a mission that demanded his utmost focus and expertise.
The year 1966 marked a pivotal moment in the life of the renowned individual, as it was then that he made the bold decision to relocate to the city of Hollywood, a hub of artistic expression and creative endeavour. It was in this bustling metropolis that he secured a significant role, that of a youthful lawyer by the name of Ben Caldwell, who served as the trusted and diligent top assistant to the esteemed criminal attorney, Clinton Judd. This notable television series, aptly titled Judd for the Defense, premiered in 1967 and went on to receive widespread critical acclaim, despite ultimately being cancelled after a two-season run.
Throughout his illustrious career, George Young continued to make a lasting impact in the film and television industry, securing esteemed roles in prominent productions such as the critically acclaimed war drama Patton (1970) and the thought-provoking science fiction classic Soylent Green (1973).
In addition to these notable endeavors, Young also appeared in a range of other notable projects, including the intense action film Rage (1972) and the coming-of-age drama Lifeguard (1976).
Furthermore, he continued to branch out, taking on a variety of roles in numerous mini-movies and even returning to his homeland to star in a series of low-budget horror thrillers, including the chilling The Clown Murders (1976) and the suspenseful Deadline (1980).
From the early 2000s onwards, Michael Young embarked on a prolific acting career, effortlessly transitioning into robust and commanding on-screen personas. This period saw him feature prominently in a string of notable films, including the psychological thriller The Rendering, released in 2002, and the action-packed sequel The Skulls II, also released in 2002.
In addition to his work in film, Young also made significant contributions to the Canadian television landscape, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile performer. His impressive body of work during this era includes a wide range of roles in various Canadian TV productions.
Fast-forward to the late 2000s and early 2010s, Young continued to captivate audiences with his powerful performances. One of his most notable roles during this time was in the critically acclaimed film Charlie Bartlett, released in 2007. The film, directed by Jon Poll, follows the story of a wealthy teenager who starts a school clinic and his unlikely friendship with a classmate.
More recently, Young appeared in the 2013 film The Angel Inn, showcasing his remarkable range and ability to adapt to diverse roles. This latest venture further cemented his status as a respected and accomplished actor in the entertainment industry.
