Michael Phillip Edwards

Michael Phillip Edwards is an award winning writer, director, and actor. Originally from Kingston Jamaica, Michael was raised just outside of Toronto Canada in Pickering Ontario where he discovered a passion for acting in High School Theater with his first lead role at16 . A play that went to regional competition garnering him 2 Sears Drama Awards for Best Actor. After completing the intense conservatory training BFA theatre program at York University, Michael fell in love with improvisational comedy at the Toronto Second City and practiced 'acceptance over denial' by day and watched master performers like a Mike Myers by night to hone his skills. His first professional Equity play came with the Canadian Premiere tour of Athol Fugard's My Children! My Africa! under the direction of Maurice Podbrey (and a brief 4 day directorial visit from Athol Fugard). The tour lasted 7 months and 5 cities opening Michael up to much more offers for Equity theatre work around the country keeping him busy for years. Los Angeles called with a lead role in NBC's The Tai Babilonia project. Michael was granted the lead role of Connie Babilonia Tai's brother. After filming Michael moved to Los Angeles. Immediately Michael found himself in demand as an actor booking soap opera roles, TV guest spots and local theater plays (Dramalog Award and NAACP nom for Best Actor for The Visit). Life called with love and marriage first born daughter Niyah, and aside from some independent films here an there Michael took a pause from Hollywood for 4 or 5 years. That is until the birth of his second child and first son Isaac. Writing about his family experience and Jamaican heritage birthed Michael's signature work, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival international award winning (Scotsman Fringe First Award, Sony Academy Award winning radio play and feature independent film) "Runt". The film, radio play and play were Michael's first OffBroadway, radio and feature writing and directorial effort. All established him internationally as a creative force beyond his acting abilities. Several film festival wins and critical acclaim led to Michael suddenly moving behind the directors chair and producing project after project since then: Today Michael works as a script doctor , director, and film producer for MPE Productions.