Michael was born in 1942 and began his professional career at the tender age of 12, when he joined the Italia Conti Stage School in Archer Street, London W1. Just three months later, he made his debut as an elf and a rainbow child at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall. The following year, he took on the lead role of Crispian, marking the beginning of his extensive work in the theatre, film, and television industries.
As a child and young actor, Michael worked tirelessly, touring with Carl Clopet, regularly appearing at Bromley Rep, and playing leads in numerous television productions. In his teens, he became an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) and took on various roles at the Little Theatre in Great Yarmouth.
At the age of 21, Michael joined the BBC as an Assistant Floor Manager (AFM) in the Drama department, before advancing to Production Assistant just a year later. At 23, he took the Directors' Course and, while still working as a PA, directed several notable series, including The Newcomers (1965),Z Cars (1962),and Doctor Who (1963). After three years of alternating between Production Assistant and Director, Ronald Marsh, the head of Serials, offered him a year's worth of directing work, and Michael became a freelance TV drama director.
Michael's successful career as a director followed, earning him an Emmy for his adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities. He went on to direct many popular shows for Gerard Glaister and formed his own production company, Linked Ring Films, producing and directing the feature film Tangiers (1982).
A single production in the Netherlands led to a surge of work in Amsterdam, where he introduced British methods of making drama and situation comedy. All his productions in Aalsmere won awards, including Best Drama.
In order to fulfill a lifelong ambition, Michael set sail on his own yacht, armed with a camera and a sextant, and embarked on a circumnavigation. During the voyage, he shot a film that would later become the popular series Blue Water Destinations and Blue Water Cruising. Today, he owns his own edit and dubbing facility, as well as cameras and sound equipment.
