Mike Hayes(XXI)

Born Michel Hayes in Washington, D.C., Mike Hayes is an American actor, model, and performer with a diverse background in stage, screen, and international arts programming. He trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and was an active member of the Black Theater Alliance, performing Off-Broadway with the acclaimed Alonzo Players. Hayes served as Director of Male Modeling for the Barbizon School of Modeling in NYC and was the house model for the Munsingwear tennis line by renowned designer Oleg Cassini. He made his first television appearance at age seven on Kids Say the Darndest Things with Art Linkletter. A former lead soloist in the international touring show Up With People!, Hayes also held the role of Coordinator of Special Projects for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), blending arts and advocacy on a global stage. More recently, Mike appeared as "Ben" in Netflix's House of Cards and as "Mel" in Season 4 of HBO's Veep. He resides in Maryland with his wife of 26 years, Liberty, and their daughter, Saron.