Featured Actor:
Michael Joiner

Bio

Michael Joiner didn’t set out to become a "triple threat," it just sort of happened that way...

Michael was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, where he graduated and started his acting career. Mike’s first trek to Hollywood, CA was in 1986, when he got a few bit parts in films and even worked as Bruce Willis’ full-time photo double. After performing in several lead comedy roles for the stage, Mike discovered he had a natural knack for comedy. On a dare, he entered into a talent show as a comedian, and soon after became one of the most sought-after clean comedians for secular venues, as well as Christian/outreach events.

Michael Joiner during a comedy routine

In 1994, Michael moved to Kansas City, MO, and soon after married his sweetheart, Michelle. Two little boys later (with one more on the way), they decided to "give Hollywood one more try."

"Upon arriving in Hollywood, I immediately began studying with Kevin Spacey’s acting coach, John Swanbeck. John revealed to me incredibly effective acting techniques that, for the most part, teach an actor how to be 'conversational' and 'honest' in their reading."

Michael also enrolled in a class taught by veteran A-List character actor, Richard Portnow (The Sopranos, Boston Legal), who called Michael Joiner,"absolutely the best actor in my class."

Less than 2 1/2 years after relocating to Hollywood, Michael started getting a reputation among casting directors. He credits his comic/improv ability for landing him dozens of roles in national commercials, and his very distinct "cop" look and solid, passionate, acting chops for landing several film and TV roles.

As a comedian, Michael has written for The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, and currently writes for many stand up comedians. Michael also writes for his eleven year old comedian son, Dustin Joiner, who has appeared on America’s Most Talented Kids, as well as at major comedy clubs, like the Hollywood Improv and New York City’s The Laugh Factory. Dustin has also co-starred as an actor on House, and has appeared in many national commercials. In 2008, Dustin was the youngest comedian to ever be nominated for "The Inspirational Country Music Awards" Comedy category.

Michael appears in Thanks For the Ride

In 2006, Michael wrote, directed, and starred in his first short film, a horror comedy called Thanks for the Ride. In 2007, he produced, wrote, directed, and played all the characters in a project called, The Jokes on You. Michael’s character acting and improv skills are fully showcased in this hilarious, cutting edge, politically-incorrect series of hidden camera pranks, which came close to being picked up by CBS. "They chose Ashton Kuchner’s hidden camera show, targeting the paparazzi, instead." That show subsequently bombed.

Currently Michael has several TV and film scripts in the works that he hopes to direct and act in himself. He has also finished the first episode of an original sitcom script entitled "Dustin," which follows the day to day exploits of a widowed, washed up, struggling actor/comedian and his eleven year old comedian son’s "overnight" success as the star of his own TV show.

As a comedian, Michael has begun promoting a newly written comedy show that exposes and makes fun of the craziness of the political climate in America. "In this age of overwhelming political correctness, somebody needs to stand up and point out the absurdness of it all. I have decided that comedian will be me.

"Unlike Bill Maher’s often hostile, and even hateful, attitude towards those who he disagrees with, I hope my comedy show, which promotes Christian and conservative values, will show folks why I believe we can and should get our nation back to what made us great, that is, our biblical and Christian roots – in a way that makes them laugh, even at themselves."

As an actor, Michael’s distinct look, tight, honest acting chops, and strong screen presence, along with his sarcastic sense of humor, make much more than a "dime a dozen" Hollywood actor. Add to that his uncompromising commitment to Christ and you have a rare performer, indeed.

As of this writing, Michael is preparing for the lead role in The Grace Card, a major motion picture in the same vein as the hit Christian film Fireproof. The Grace Card is a story about racism and redemption set in Memphis, TN. Michael Joiner stars as a Memphis policeman whose destructive life is forever changed by a situation involving his black partner.

Resume

Film

Comedy, Theater, Commercial, Training, and Special Skills resume information available upon request.

Links

• Michael's Website
• Michael's IMDb Profile
• Michael's Facebook Profile
• Michael's YouTube Channel

Videos

Acting Reel

Photos

Michael Joiner in his VW commercial

Michael Joiner in Guilty or Innocent

Michael Joiner with Christian recording artist and producer Carman and director Stephen Yake, on the set of Carman's TV show

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