Biography
It is said that one who proclaims to do many things well is the same to excel at nothing. In the instance of Mary Michelle (also known as Only1MaryMichelle), she is exceptional. Born in the USA (based in Hollywood, CA), trained across the globe in various disciplines, this multi-talented sensation is as gifted behind the scenes as she is in the spotlight. Whether fresh off the runway or red carpet, this petite fille is always a lady first. From sound engineering and film-scoring, to music production and performance, Mary embodies the title of entertainer-
Some of the best education is unorthodox...
The School Of Hard Knocks
Mary said, "I walked away from the cookie-cutter curricula of conformity that produces bad clones and went on a quest of discipleship."
She went on to say, "My journey is one of faith, the classroom where I have learned and learn some of life's most valuable lessons- being a perpetual student, always learning and growing into a better version of myself... overcoming obstacles that would have otherwise destroyed me... experiencing the miraculous as my norm."
"Sometimes the answer to prayer shows up in the face of adversity - disguised in the camouflage of hopelessness - so don't jump the gun and judge a book by its cover - dare to open it, read it and discover the hidden treasure that is its true meaning and purpose."
Mary is featured in the German release of Snoop Dogg - The DoggFather TV movie documentary. Midway through the interview it became apparent that she and Snoop have a lot in common. Both were raised in church, have backgrounds in music, acting, producing, writing fashion and cooking. They also know what it is like to be in a coma, knocking on death's door and then suddenly reviving, thanks to praying mothers who accredit Christ with such "miracle/s."
"I'm learning that there is no such thing as detours to destiny because all roads are part of a destination where there are no wrong sides of the tracks."
"Snoop is a prime example of this because he went from street (lifestyle) to the straight and narrow (biblical reference), which is self evident in his testimonial music anthology entitled, BIBLE OF LOVE."
Mary also divulged-
"I believe that life, originality, our First Amendment Rights and the innocence of children should be protected and preserved. I know what it is to be an abused and shattered child, yet after many years come to the realization that in all of my brokenness WHOLENESS found me through Christ Jesus, The God of my salvation."
REFINED & REDEFINED-
You'd never know it to look at her, or interact with Mary because she is such a bubbly, "sunny side of the street" type who sees the glass half full, light at the end of the tunnel and a rainbow after every storm. Her positive outlook and good attitude makes for a cheery disposition.
Mary's pleasant personality is evident when tackling tough topics on how she endured turbulent times. To call her a trooper or survivor doesn't cut the mustard. Mary Michelle is a modern day miracle, prolific thinker and profound motivational speaker.
"As for suffering, I am well acquainted with grief and scars, but inner-beauty can still emerge just as some of the rarest flowers bloom after much fertilizer."
-"WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER AND SOMETIMES WHAT KILLS YOU MAKES YOU COME BACK BETTER!"- MM
"My faith has helped me survive and even thrive despite betrayals, backstabbing, backbiting, duress, domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, identity theft, death threats, car crash, intellectual property infringement, breach of contract, misrepresentation, defamation of character, envy, jealousy, hate, sabotage, misdiagnoses, terminal illness, loss of mobility, loss of functionality of internal organs, loss of red and white blood cells, loss of consciousness, loss of skin tone/complexion, loss of bone structure, death and life after death."
Emphatically, Mary stated (in non-sequential order)- "I consider myself entirely blessed to live my dream of doing what I love with people who share my passion."
"The rewards of delayed gratification are worth the fight-worth all of the years of hard work and due-diligence."
"I thank God for my family of prayer intercessors (my mother, sisters, brothers and those in my innermost circle) and for connecting me with supportive male allies such as my father (jokingly referred to as "a mean cowboy"), uncles, brothers, cousins, husband (Gio) and colleagues."
(Various quotes and excerpts from 6/21-6/22)
-THINGS HAVE A WAY OF WORKING THEMSELVES OUT -(Romans 8:28)
Over the years Mary has often shared publicly and on camera that her family is like one big American melting pot...
...As fate or destiny would have it, Mary and Gio are a perfect fit in their vision of producing films that reflect American values and celebrate diversity through impactful storytelling, music, sound and many other creatively-driven moving parts of the engine that makes it go from possible to probable and into manifestation.
-ON THE HORIZON-
See Mary Michelle play dual characters as the leading lady in the riveting sci-fi / thriller THE SPRING, written and directed by none other than Thomas Smugala.
Portraying Martha (the governor's adviser) alongside Eric Roberts (Golden Globe Winner) and Fred Stoller (Everybody Loves Raymond), Mary shines with the best of them in the upcoming Sci-fi feature film It Wants Blood 2, directed by James Balsamo of Acid Bath Productions.
Diversified roles came at the onset of her career. In a psychological thriller where Mary Michelle stars as 'THE PERFECT WIFE,' she portrays a sultry high school history teacher known as 'Claudia Franklin,' but to those who pose a threat to her facade (alternate reality) she unveils a 'Mental Case.' Southern hospitality, mixed with all the right ingredients for deception, land her at the altar as 'The Perfect Wife.' Donny Boaz (Osprey / Y&R) is the arresting officer who handcuffs an unwitting 'Q' (Greg Malonson of Heartbreakers) for alleged spousal abuse. Mary acts alongside Antwon Tanner (One Tree Hill / Coach Carter), Omar Gooding (Family Time / Baby Boy) and opposite Cherie Johnson who went from child-star (Punky Brewster) to the silver screen. Working with this cast is a dream come true for "little Mary, big voice!" (Credits: lead actress; producer) (Disclaimer: no contributions to sound; soundtrack/music or post production edits for The Perfect Wife)-
Also seen as 'Barbara Elliot' in The Fade To Black production of NOW, written by Vincent Terrell Durham, directed by Tonyai Palmer- with comedic improvisational skills that are equal to her stellar beauty and innate mastery of singing-songwriting and dramatic acting in films like Jonathan Milton's The Foreign Exchange Student as 'Monique' (thriller) and David A. Castillo's horror Rosa, as 'Rosa' directed by Bobby Baham. Mary's diverse range is displayed, with an ambiguous look and ability to go from Caucasian/Jewish Long Island NY to Afro-Caribbean Isle of Dominca to Latina/Hispanic Texan/Mexican. Dialects come with ease and believability.
She is the youngest in her family, but this babe is no stranger to hard work. Having survived a near death experience and is still standing against all odds, 'Double M' came up with the following affirmation: "Never allow anyone or anything to rob you of your ability to shine!" ...It is said that if you have it, flaunt it...give them everything you've got... This is precisely why Mary Michelle exhibits the absolute best of her kind of talent wanted. See her as Ho-seline Gonzalez, 'The Domincan Princess' in a parody called, The SidePiece Handbook: America's Least Wanted, written by Toni Womack (a TONIWO Production), directed by Marcus Freeman.
The dream jobs continue... Heart Of A Hitman, an Althria Berry-Goebel Production, is a TV movie. It features Mary Michelle as 'Dr. Ann Boyette,' a brain surgeon and loving wife to 'Chauncey Boyette' (The Hitman), played by actor and mixed martial artist Keith Berry, II. This action story has elements of romance, drama and suspense!
Singer / Songwriter / Musician / Producer ~
Mary Michelle's single Freedom Is Wonderful, is one of many inspirations behind the recurring #NoMakeUp movement, which was popular in different eras like the 70's. Mary demonstrates that her creative writing is not limited to literary works or screenplays, but she is quite the lyricist. MM also arranged and co-produced the music with her husband, Gio (Arpeggio)... they are equally as dynamic on the instrumental single Bailar, or To Dance, going riff for riff on guitars, Mary featured on hollow body jazz-box. They wrote, arranged, produced and played all instruments on this song with the exception of the drum set (Mark Simmons).
Mary Michelle and Arpeggio incorporated Syllabus Productions for composing original music for film, television, radio, multimedia licensing, customized sound effects, songwriting and arrangements from concept to completion.
The Model~
She was barely three years old when her mother, who home-schooled, realized that Mary could already read, write, add and subtract. When participating in community plays that were hosted by a neighborhood church, 'Big-Cheesy' (an aunt who loved her smile pinned the nickname) caught the eye of photographers and talent scouts.
It wasn't before long that Mary was awarded 'Ms. Photogenic' in a pageant...
This eventually led to major modeling in Texas, New York, Italy and France. Runway couture, fashion (editorial) and some promotions include local department stores, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Oshman's Sporting Goods, Cavenders; Seventeen Magazine; DeBeers Jewellers; Lands End Swimwear; Cache; My Intimacy Lingerie; Leggs Smooth Silhouettes; Covergirl, Oil Of Olay, Michelob, Benson & Hedges... the list goes on and on.
News~
Currently filming several feature films, an explosive documentary, recording new music and penning screenplays / trilogy / teleplays and manuscripts, Mary Michelle ('Only1MaryMichelle') is taking care of business.
Stay tuned...
