Michael Patrick Boatman, born on October 25, 1964, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area, where he developed a passion for acting. He pursued this interest by enrolling in Western Illinois University's theater program, where he honed his craft by performing in a variety of plays, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Purlie Victorious," and "The Seagull." Boatman's dedication to his craft earned him a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986.
Before graduating, Boatman demonstrated his potential by winning the Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in the Irene Ryan National Competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This recognition led to his entry into the professional world, starting with a role in the film Hamburger Hill (1987). He then moved to New York City, where he appeared in a series of off-Broadway productions, eventually landing the role of Pvt. Samuel Beckett in ABC's drama China Beach (1988).
Throughout the next several years, Boatman continued to work in film and television, before being cast alongside Michael J. Fox as Carter in ABC's Spin City (1996). For his work on the show, he received a GLAAD award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and was also nominated for two N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards.
Boatman's talent did not go unnoticed, as he was also nominated five times for the Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in a comedy series for his portrayal of Stanley Babson on the long-running HBO series Arli$$ (1996). Today, Boatman resides in New York with his wife Myrna and their four children.
