ABOUT

Michael Riley has built a career as one of Canada's most respected and versatile actors in film, television, and theatre. Known as an "actor's actor," he has earned a reputation for his craft, consistently disappearing into wildly different roles with a quiet integrity that has made him a go-to choice for directors and producers.

 

Born in London, Ontario on February 4, 1962, Riley's passion for acting began in high school. He refined his skills at the prestigious National Theatre School in Montreal, from which he graduated in 1984. His stage work has been highly acclaimed, earning him four Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations.

 

Throughout his career, Riley has proven his dependable range, seamlessly blending comedy, drama, and genre work. He has a unique ability to infuse even the most flawed or eccentric characters with a quirky, authentic humanity. This is evident in roles like the absurdly funny yet vulnerable lawyer in This Is Wonderland, which earned him one of his several Gemini Awards.

 

He has also been recognized for his work on screen, including a Genie Award nomination for his role in Pale Saints. Riley's television career includes starring roles in the CTV drama Power Play and the CBC series Being Erica as the mystical therapist, Dr. Tom. His layered choices in these roles have a spark of unpredictability that keeps audiences invested and sets him apart.

 

In short, Michael Riley is a craftsman who consistently delivers nuanced and surprising performances. While maintaining a lower public profile, he has focused on his art, earning him the admiration of peers and critics alike. He continues to choose projects with interesting, complex characters, all while remaining a dedicated family man.