Michael began his professional career in Bergen, Norway in 1974 acting in a production of "Vildanded" ("The Wild Duck") by Henrik Ibsen – at the same theatre where Ibsen began his career. While living abroad he worked as a translator and idiom coach for a Norwegian playwright. He also wrote, directed and performed in a "literature tour" for the fishing and oil-platform communities along Norway's west coast.

After receiving his BA in Theater from the University of Minnesota, Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1977. In Los Angeles, he enjoyed a successful career playing principal roles in stage, film and TV, notably "Miracle On Ice" with Karl Malden, "Drop-Out Father" with Dick Van Dyke, "Desperate Lives" and "The Family Tree" as well as over fifty principal commercial appearances. Additionally, he co-founded the Scandinavian Theater Company and became its first artistic director. STC mounted stage productions by Scandinavian or those influenced by Scandinavian authors.

In the late 80's, Michael left acting for business and worked for several high-tech companies, eventually heading up the sales efforts at AMT Datasouth, a business-class printer manufacturer. Michael broke many company records over the next decade by consistently being the company's top revenue generator.

Michael returned to the entertainment industry in 2008 with the desire to not just be successful but, in the words of Bob Buford, to be "significant." With this in mind, he founded Truewater Films Independent (TFI), a film production company dedicated to creating content that is relevant, truthful and spiritually uplifting. TFI's first effort is a short film entitled "As If You're Dead", depicting a wounded Civil War soldier struggling to reconnect with his family. The film was enthusiastically received at its world premier at the Charleston International Film Festival in April 2010 and at the prestigious GI Film Festival in Washington D.C. Other recent activities include guest star acting appearances in ABC's "Castle", "The Event" on NBC and "Warren the Ape" on MTV.

Michael met Robert Marcarelli in November of 2007 at a screening of Robert's film "Not For Sale." The film and Mr. Marcarelli's vision for Night Quest Media made a significant impact on Michael. In 2010, they reunited and began working together towards their shared desire to "aid the voiceless in being heard and the invisible in being seen." Michael passionately believes along with Robert Marcarelli that suffering people must tell their story – and good people must share their light.

• Prior to and concurrent with Knight Quest Media, Michael has been involved in a number of charitable organizations, including Best Buddies International, Special Olympics, Children International, Conejo Valley Free Clinic, Westminster Homeless Shelter, Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS) and Amor Ministries. He currently resides in Los Angeles with actress Maureen McCormick, his wife of 25 years, and their 20-year old daughter, Natalie.