Michael Phillip Edwards

Michael Phillip Edwards is an award winning writer, director, and actor. After completing the intense conservatory actor training via the 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 and Robin Duke 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 Jr, 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 nomination 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: "Last Life", The Black Panthers of World War 2. Presently Michael owns and operates MPE FILMS LLC with projects "Dark", and "The Watsons", in current development.