Michael Bender

Michael Bender (born December 7, 1978) is an American actor. He is best known for his portrayal of an Imperial Stormtrooper in The Mandalorian (2019) and First Order Stormtrooper in Speechless (2016). Michael is no stranger to wearing Stormtrooper armor, in fact, he has been performing as an Imperial Stormtrooper for over 14 years. He has donned the costume on screen for multiple occasions including many live events as well as multiple appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003). Michael's photo can even be seen featured on Wookieepedia.com when you search the name "Stormtrooper." Michael has more recently been seen in the new Netflix show Medical Police (2020) and on Disney+ Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (2020). Michael received his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from California State University Long Beach and later earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in 2007 from Mount Saint Mary's College. Dr. Michael Bender's research, "The immediate and 1-week effects of mid-thoracic thrust manipulation on lower extremity passive range of motion" has been published in Physiotherapy: Theory and Practice.