Michael was born and raised in the city of St. Petersburg, located in the state of Florida. During his youth, he devoted a significant amount of time to studying jazz music, a passion that would ultimately shape his artistic pursuits. As a result of his dedication, Michael was awarded a scholarship to attend North Texas State University.
Throughout his early career, Michael had the opportunity to work with renowned musicians, including Stan Kenton, with whom he played lead trumpet on the 1979 Tour. Additionally, he appeared alongside Woody Herman and his Thundering Heard, further solidifying his reputation as a talented musician.
However, a life-altering car accident left Michael unable to continue his music career, prompting him to redirect his creative energies towards acting. This transition led to a successful television career, with notable roles in the series Something So Right, as well as starring roles in two television movies, The Princess And The Marine and A Loss Of Innocence.
Michael also made recurring appearances on popular television shows, including 3rd Rock From The Sun, where he portrayed the high school gym coach. His impressive list of guest starring credits includes appearances on That 70's Show, X-Files, Arli$$, The Drew Carey Show, Home Improvement, Seinfeld, Murphy Brown, Two Guys And A Girl, and 7th Heaven, where he played the father of a child with Tourette's Syndrome.
In addition to his television work, Michael has also made a significant impact in the world of film. He is perhaps most recognizable for his role as Boone in the 1996 film Tin Cup, opposite Kevin Costner. Other notable big screen credits include Pearl Harbor, Collateral Damage, Anywhere But Here, Crimson Tide, Executive Decision, Phenomenon, Dreamweaver, and Field Of Dreams, in which he portrayed Buck Weaver, a third baseman for the Chicago White Sox.
When not working on set, Michael can often be found on the golf course, a passion that he has pursued with dedication. His ultimate goal is to compete on the PGA Senior tour, a challenge that he is eager to undertake.
Biography by Christy Lawson
