Michael, the eldest of two sisters, was born into a family of entrepreneurial and corporate management. Her father, Jerry, was a successful entrepreneur, while her mother, Theresa, held a high-ranking position in a corporate setting. Michael's early life was marked by her enthusiasm for sports, as she actively participated in volleyball, basketball, and track and field during her high school years.
After completing her high school education, Michael relocated to New York City, where she quickly secured commercial work. This initial success led to a role in the 1989 film "Harlem Nights," starring Eddie Murphy. However, her experience on the film set took an unexpected turn when she rejected Murphy's advances and subsequently filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court.
In order to make ends meet, Michael took up a part-time job at The Gap, a popular clothing retailer. This arrangement came to an end in 1991, when she landed a significant role in the film "New Jack City." Her breakthrough performance was followed by a recurring role on the popular television series "1st & Ten." Michael's subsequent TV roles cemented her status as a talented and versatile actress.
On the set of the critically acclaimed television series "ER," Michael was known for her unique pre-production routine, which included shooting hoops and playing basketball between takes.
