Michael James Mansel Willett (born September 11, 1989) is an American actor. Willett is known most for his roles as Lionel in United States of Tara and Tanner in G.B.F..[1][2] He starred in the MTV show Faking It from 2014 until its cancellation in 2016.

Early life

Willett grew up in Fresno, California, and attended Clovis West High School. From a young age he always wanted to perform, and has stated, "When I was younger I was more uncomfortable with that side of myself, being outgoing and talkative. I realized along the way that was how you get people to know you. I've grown to be a more open person."[3]

When he was asked about playing gay characters in multiple roles, Willett responded, "I want to play all different kinds of people; gay or straight. For example, when you go in to play a serial killer, you don't question if it meets your physical or moral standards. You disregard that and play the character. I didn't question it [accepting the G.B.F role]. I want to play all different kinds of characters and hope to continue to do so."[4]

Career

Willett is also a singer, listing himself on his Twitter as a singer first and actor second.[5] He has stated that after G.B.F he would like to start writing his own music.[6] Willett's debut album is named Diapason, which he describes as the "full, rich, melodious outpouring of sound. That is exactly how I describe what I do."[3]

Personal life

Willett is openly gay, stating in an interview with The Advocate that, "I didn't really ever want to make it a thing ... I never saw it being something that separated me from anyone else. If anything, I found that it has given me an advantage in the industry."[7]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2013 G.B.F. Tanner Premiere: 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Theatrical Release: January 14, 2014

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2004 Joan of Arcadia Billy Episode(s): 1
2005 Without a Trace Aaron Episode(s): 1 (as Michael Willett)
2010 Cougar Town Glee Club Member #4 Episode: 1
2011 Blue Mountain State Joe Daniels Episode(s): 1
2010–2011 United States of Tara Lionel Trane Episode(s): 16
2014–2016 Faking It Shane Harvey Lead role
2019 Dolly Parton's Heartstrings Cole Evans Episode: "Two Doors Down"

Discography

Year Title Album
2013 "In Love Alone" Diapason (Unreleased)
2013 "Burning Desire" Diapason (Unreleased)
2014 "Started Over" Regeneration: Phase II

References

  1. ^ D'Addario, Dan (January 18, 2014). "Was an R-rated gay teen comedy screwed by the MPAA?". Salon. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  2. ^ Ferber, Lawrence (January 16, 2014). "Homo High". Next Magazine. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
  3. ^ a b Rothaus, Steve (October 2013). "Actor Michael J. Willett to Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film fans: 'I'm your G.B.F. (Gay Best Friend)". Miami Herald. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  4. ^ Caban, Erik R. (January 30, 2014). "SFGN Talks to G.B.F. Star Michael J. Willett". South Florida Gay News. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  5. ^ Rose, Christopher (April 26, 2014). "Michael J. Willett, G.B.F. Star, Is About To Break Out". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  6. ^ Lambe, Stacy (December 4, 2013). "A Shirtless Michael J. Willett Performs Stripped Down Cover of Natasha Bedingfield". Out. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
  7. ^ Cruz, Eliel (September 23, 2014). "Faking It's Michael J. Willett Is the Teen Heartthrob We've Been Waiting For". The Advocate. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
Allikas: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_J._Willett
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