Biografía
Michael's path to comedy seemed almost destined. Years ago, in a packed movie theater in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the projector broke down. The film snapped, the house lights came on, and daring to act on a challenge, young Michael stepped before the restless audience and claimed the spotlight. When the theater manager tried to remove him, the crowd insisted he remain... and it was then that Michael Jr. uncovered his talent.
Comedian George Wallace gave Michael his initial opportunity by bringing him to the famed Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, the hangout of Jay Leno and "The Tonight Show" crew. The club owner put Michael on stage... and just a week later, he performed at the "Just for Laughs" comedy festival in Montreal, where he became the first comedian to appear live via satellite on "The Tonight Show."
That appearance launched Michael's career, leading to further spots on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central, TV One, The Late Late Show, BET's ComicView, Jimmy Kimmel Live, SiTV, CNN, The Tom Joyner Show, The Bob and Tom Show, DayBreak USA, Byron Allen's Comic Unleashed, and ComedyTV. He also performs at top comedy venues nationwide, including The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Punchline, The Comic Strip, and Zanies Comedy Club. Beyond clubs, Michael's adaptability takes him to major universities like Notre Dame, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Alabama, as well as church gatherings such as the 60,000-member Willow Creek Church in Chicago, the 17,000-member West Angeles Church in L.A., and the 10,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
How does one performer feel equally at ease in the heartland and the inner city, in churches and prisons, corporate events and youth rallies? Michael calls it comedy accountability.
This flexibility has also allowed Michael to write a children's book, The Parts We Play, to be featured in the successful comedy DVD Thou Shalt Laugh, and to make his directorial debut with Comedy: The Road Less Traveled.
At home, Michael is happily married and, together with his wife, they are proud parents of five wonderful children.
