Michael Kostroff is a multifaceted television, stage, and film actor, renowned for his remarkable five-season portrayal of the unscrupulous gang attorney Maury Levy on HBO's iconic series, "The Wire", as well as his recurring roles on a plethora of popular television shows.
Born in the vibrant city of New York, Kostroff was exposed to the world of theatre at a young age and subsequently attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts. He embarked on a thrilling journey, traveling across the United States as a member of the original cast of the first national tour of "The Producers", and again as the charismatic comic villain, Thénadier, in "Les Misérables", a role he reprised for the re-imagined 25th anniversary production.
In addition to his impressive acting career, Kostroff is also a published author, having written four books, including "The Stage Actor's Handbook" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022),which was named one of Playbill.com's must-reads for fall, 2022. He has also served as a former advice columnist for Backstage and a former writer for Disneyland, and his humorous blog, "The Weekly Curmudgeon", offers a unique blend of wit and wisdom.
As an instructor, Kostroff has taught a wide range of classes, including acting, comedic acting, and the business of the business. His popular Audition Psych 101 workshop focuses on the mental aspects of the audition process, and he has been a frequent guest lecturer at colleges, universities, and theatre schools.
Dividing his time between New York and Los Angeles, Kostroff continues to be a dynamic figure in the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on the world of acting and beyond.
