Mike Stanley, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, was raised by his mother in Martinsville, Virginia, where his formative years were marked by an early love for reading and a natural talent for mimicry. By the age of six, his voracious appetite for literature had already taken hold, setting the stage for a lifelong passion for the written word.
As he entered his teenage years, Mike's interest in the performing arts began to take center stage, and he was encouraged to take a drama class during his junior year in high school. This pivotal decision would ultimately lead to a string of accolades, including Outstanding Actor nods at the district, regional, and Commonwealth levels.
After completing his high school education, Mike pursued a career in acting, honing his craft through extensive training and experience in the theatre. His journey took him to the renowned Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, where he interned and further developed his skills.
Over the years, Mike continued to work in the theatre, but his breakthrough role came when he booked a supporting part in the film "Box of Moonlight", directed by Tom Dicillo and starring John Turturro, Dermot Mulroney, and a young Sam Rockwell.
Following a five-year stint in Los Angeles, Mike began to notice a growing trend of productions leaving the city for more favorable locations. Disillusioned with the reality television landscape after working as a contributing writer and improv actor for several failed projects, Mike made the decision to relocate to Knoxville, Tennessee, a hub for the burgeoning Southern film industry.
In 2014, Mike signed with Houghton Talent, securing representation and paving the way for new opportunities in the entertainment industry.
