Michael J. Willett
Michael J. Willett | |
|---|---|
 Willett at the 2014 PaleyFest Fall TV Premiere presentation for MTV's Faking It. | |
| Born | Michael James Mansel Willett[1] 11 September 1989 Fresno, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Singer |
| Years active | 2002–present |
Michael J. Willett is an American actor and musician. Willett is known most for his role as Lionel in United States of Tara and Tanner in G.B.F.[2][3] He currently stars in the MTV show Faking It.
Early life
Willett grew up in Fresno, California, and attended Clovis West High School. From a young age he always wanted to perform, and has stated, "When I was younger I was more uncomfortable with that side of myself, being outgoing and talkative. I realized along the way that was how you get people to know you. I've grown to be a more open person."[4]
In Tara, Faking It and G.B.F., Willett plays gay characters. Willett is gay in his personal life as well, but never had a coming out like his character in G.B.F. since everyone knew he was gay growing up.[5] When asked about playing gay characters in multiple roles, Willett responded, "I want to play all different kinds of people; gay or straight. For example, when you go in to play a serial killer, you don’t question if it meets your physical or moral standards. You disregard that and play the character. I didn't question it [accepting the G.B.F role]. I want to play all different kinds of characters and hope to continue to do so."[6]
Career
Willett is also a singer, listing himself on his Twitter as a singer first and actor second.[7] He has stated that after G.B.F he would like to start writing his own music.[8] His debut album is named Diapason. Willett describes Diapason as the "full, rich, melodious outpouring of sound. That is exactly how I describe what I do."[4]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | G.B.F. | Tanner | Premier: 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Theatrical Release: January 14, 2014 |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Joan of Arcadia | Billy | Episode(s): 1 |
| 2005 | Without a Trace | Aaron | Episode(s): 1 (as Michael Willett) |
| 2010 | Cougar Town | Glee Club Member #4 | Episode: 1 |
| 2010 | Blue Mountain State | Joe Daniels | Episode(s): 1 |
| 2010-2011 | United States of Tara | Lionel Trane | Episode(s): 16 |
| 2014–present | Faking It | Shane Harvey | Main Cast |
References
- ^ IMDB
- ^ http://www.salon.com/2014/01/17/was_an_r_rated_gay_teen_comedy_screwed_by_the_mpaa/
- ^ http://www.nextmagazine.com/content/homo-high
- ^ a b Rothaus, Steve. "Actor Michael J. Willett to Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film fans: 'I'm your G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend)". Miami Herald. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ "Q&A With G.B.F. V.I.P. Michael J. Willett". Boy Culture. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ Caban, Erik R. "SFGN Talks to 'G.B.F.' Star Michael J. Willett". South Florida Gay News. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ Rose, Christopher (26 April 2014). "Michael J. Willett, 'G.B.F.' Star, Is About To Break Out". Huffington Post. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ Lambe, Stacy (4 December 2013). "A Shirtless Michael J. Willett Performs Stripped Down Cover of Natasha Bedingfield". OUT. Retrieved 28 April 2014.