Biography
John Michael Herndon was born in the small rural town of Linn, Missouri, and spent the rest of his childhood in Jefferson City, MO. A naturally shy and introverted child, he found a voice as the class 'artist.' To overcome his reticence, he transferred to a larger public high school where he immersed himself in speech and drama classes, gradually shifting his focus from visual arts to the dramatic arts.
Encouraged by his family to choose a "practical" major, he spent two years studying Business at Lincoln University, a historic black college nearby, before transferring to SMSU (now Missouri State). At SMSU, he broadened his academic pursuits, earning a B.S. in Business, a B.F.A. in Theatre, and a Master’s degree in Theatre. Notably, the Theatre program also counts John Goodman and Kathleen Turner among its alumni.
In Los Angeles, John Michael balanced dual careers in business and acting. He achieved business success by producing events for national charities, major film studios, and the City of L.A. Simultaneously, he pursued acting, appearing in various independent films and television shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
When his oldest sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2005, he returned to Missouri and remained there until her passing a year later. This personal experience and period of reflection reignited his artistic passion and sense of purpose. Returning to LA with renewed focus, he has since landed numerous film roles.
His characters have ranged from sophisticated lawyers and empathetic doctors to gritty Southern figures like Barry in The Abattoir, the murderous Confederate Army Captain in Deserted, and the cruel, sadistic Mr. Abaddon in Beneath The Top Hat. Though known for his warmth and humor, John Michael clearly enjoys exploring the complexity of well-crafted antagonist and villain roles.
