My name is Michael Smalls. I began acting after 8 years on active duty and 5 years reserve duty as a bi-lingual (spanish) communications officer in the Army. I traveled throughout Asia and Latin America supporting the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and combat infantry units in the demilitarized zone in The Republic of Korea and The Republic of Panama with communications. I am Airborne and Helicopter Air Assault qualified. Since age ten I've been a martial artist. Once I got my black belt I worked and became a champion competitor at the national and international level in TaekwonDo throughout the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia. It is these experiences in the military and martial arts I bring to acting. I shot my first couple of films while I was a television business executive for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games Broadcast Network and for TBS' Turner Entertainment Group. Training with Judson Vaughn and occasionally with Michael Pneiwski I sharpened my dramatic acting skills. On the action/stunt side second unit director and stunt coordinator Greg Elam (Walker Texas Ranger, The Italian Job, Pirates of the Carribean) advises me on fighting for the screen. Three years ago I auditioned for director Robert Townsend (Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, HBO's Parters in Crime, 10,000 Black Men Named George). I landed a role in one of his sketch project series and became his martial arts / fitness trainer. The same year I co-produced an industry behind the scenes television series with him. I strive to train and learn something new everyday. I work to become a well rounded actor and do good work. My passports stays current and my schedule stays flexible so I can take advantage of and do my best with every opportunity god sends my way. |
