Michael was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family with a rich cultural heritage. His paternal lineage was steeped in the tradition of German sailors, while his maternal side boasted a proud history of American Delaware Indians. This unique blend of cultural influences would later shape his artistic vision and sensibilities.
As a precocious 10-year-old, Michael made his directorial debut with a short film titled "The Tire," shot using a super-8 camera purchased by his mother. This early start sparked a passion for filmmaking that would continue to burn bright throughout his teenage years. During this period, he also began to make appearances in film and television, landing small parts that would ultimately contribute to his growth as a young actor.
As he entered his early twenties, Michael made the bold decision to leave his comfortable home life behind and embark on a six-month journey of self-discovery and financial struggle. Living out of a truck in Los Angeles, he worked odd jobs and construction work to make ends meet, all while continuing to pursue his acting career. It was during this challenging period that he began to land more substantial roles, including the lead in the 1992 film "Final Impact," which earned him critical acclaim as a "promising newcomer" from Variety.
The subsequent years saw Michael working on a series of low-budget films, gradually building his reputation as a talented young actor. His big break came with a starring role in the TV series "Acapulco H.E.A.T." in 1993, followed by a close call with stardom when he was considered for the role of Robin in the 1995 blockbuster "Batman Forever."
In the years that followed, Michael continued to hone his craft, taking on a wide range of projects and exploring different genres. He wrote and directed the independent film "Killing Cupid" in 2005, which earned him a Best Director nomination at the Action On Film Film Festival and a Best Fiction Film award at the Hollywood Fiction Film and Video Festival in 2006.
Michael's most recent directorial efforts include the psychological thriller/western "Dual" (2008),which won the Best Independent Action Film award, and the drama "God's Ears" (2008). With a career spanning multiple decades, Michael has established himself as a talented and versatile artist, always pushing the boundaries of his craft and exploring new creative avenues.
