Michael's early life was marked by a series of geographical moves, beginning on the sun-kissed island of Oahu, Hawaii, where he spent his first seven years, before relocating to Englewood, Colorado, and later to southern Maine when he was just 13 years old.
After graduating from Marshwood High School in Eliot, Maine, as an Academic All-American, Michael went on to attend the prestigious United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, where he pursued a degree in engineering, honed his athletic skills through football and track, and indulged his love of exploration by venturing into Manhattan at every opportunity.
It was during this period that renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber discovered Michael and featured him in multiple shoots for Ralph Lauren, an experience that would ultimately lead him down the path of acting. The turning point came during a shoot in Miami, where Michael made the bold decision to take the road less traveled, and he has been acting ever since.
The chance meeting with Mickey Rourke in Miami, which occurred the day Michael left school, had a profound impact on his life. Rourke, recognizing Michael's passion for acting, introduced him to his acting coach, Geoffrey Horne, and advised him to continue studying the craft. Michael has since dedicated himself to honing his skills, and he remains committed to ongoing research and exploration of the human experience.
