From his first television role in “Empire” to a supporting role in “All American,” Michael Evans Behling has been making waves in the entertainment industry. With dreams of working alongside his biggest influences, such as Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael is eager to land a recurring television role or a film gig. But before we dive into his future aspirations, let’s explore his journey into acting and other fascinating details about his life.
1. Overcoming Childhood Discouragement
As a child, Michael knew he wanted to be an actor. However, when he shared his dream in a school essay, his teacher discouraged him, leading him to pursue sciences in college instead. It wasn’t until he saw Heath Ledger’s incredible performance as the Joker in “The Dark Knight” that Michael decided to chase his acting dream once more, inspired by Ledger’s unforgettable portrayal.
2. Rekindling His Passion for Acting
The late Heath Ledger’s performance in “The Dark Knight” reignited Michael’s passion for acting. So captivated by Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, Michael has watched the film at least 100 times, using it as a source of inspiration to pursue acting as a profession.
3. Contemplating a Return to College
Michael left college, where he was studying pre-med, to enter the entertainment industry. While he believes acting is his true calling, if he were to return to school, he would pursue a business degree to better understand finance and taxes.
4. Supporting Animal Welfare and Mental Health Awareness
Growing up on a 10-acre piece of land, Michael developed a love for the outdoors and animals. He is an avid supporter of animal welfare programs and mental health awareness, advocating for empathy and understanding towards others who may be struggling internally.
5. The Qualities of His Ideal Woman
Michael’s ideal partner would have a sense of humor, be open to discussing anything, and provide a supportive presence after a long day. Communication is key for him, as he values trust and honesty in a relationship.
6. What Catches His Eye in a Woman
When a woman enters a room, Michael first notices her eyes and teeth. If he detects dishonesty, it’s an immediate deal-breaker. However, Michael revealed in an interview with xoNecole that he is currently in a relationship.
7. Why Athletics Didn’t Become His Career
Michael excelled in track and field at Indiana State University, particularly in the 400m hurdles. However, after breaking his foot twice and undergoing two extensive surgeries, he had to give up on pursuing athletics professionally.
8. From Injured Athlete to Model
Following his foot injury, Michael’s mother suggested he try modeling. He quickly found an agency and landed commercials with leading brands such as Adidas, White Castle, Finish Line, and Macy’s. His favorite campaign to date is the one he did for Macy’s and Finish Line, which was shot in his hometown of Indiana.
9. Overcoming Adversity in Los Angeles
When Michael first moved to Los Angeles, he had run out of money and couldn’t afford to rent his own place. He stayed with a friend, sleeping on the floor to save every dollar he could, according to The Republic. Eventually, he saved enough to buy an air mattress, but his comfort was short-lived when the mattress got punctured.
10. Launching His Clothing Line
Michael is an ambitious young man, eager to succeed not only in acting and modeling but also in business. He has launched a clothing line called Designed at 5AM, using Instagram to advertise his products, which include raincoats, hoodies, quarter-zip neck sweaters, embroidered shirts, and more.
