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Hamish Michael
Hamish Michael
from Wikipedia

Hamish Michael is an Australian actor.[1] Michael is also a voice artist.[2]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

For his performance in Crownies he was nominated for the 2012 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer.[3] and for its spin off series Janet King he was nominated for the 2016 AACTA Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama.[4] At the 6th Helpmann Awards he was nominated for the Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for Two Brothers (Melbourne Theatre Company & Sydney Theatre Company). Other featured roles include The Twelve,[5] Howzat! Kerry Packer's War[6] and Power Games: The Packer–Murdoch War.[7]

In June 2024, Michael was named for the second series of Stan series Scrublands.[8]

On 13 February 2025, Michael was announced for Liam Neeson led film The Mongoose.[9]

Personal life

[edit]

Michael is married to actress Kate Mulvany.[10]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2025 Scrublands: Silver Jasper Speight 4 episodes
Apple Cider Vinegar Jeremy 4 episodes
2024 Ladies in Black Ken Marlow 4 episodes [11]
2022 The Twelve James Merrick 9 episodes [12]
2021 Frayed Fairbank 6 episodes [13]
2019 Total Control Kosta 2 episodes
2017 Rosehaven Steve 4 episodes
2016–2017 Doctor Doctor Tim 3 episodes
2014–2017 Janet King Richard Stirling 24 episodes [14][15]
2014–2016 Black Comedy Guest Cast 4 episodes
2015 Ready for This Mr. Bott 5 episodes
2013 Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries Raymond Hirsch 1 episode
Redfern Now Steven 1 episode
Power Games: The Packer–Murdoch War Bruce Gyngell 2 episodes [16]
2012 Howzat! Kerry Packer's War Doug Walters 2 episodes [17]
2011 Crownies Richard Stirling 22 episodes
2010–2011 Spirited Young Billy Brixton 3 episodes
2008 City Homicide Marcus Linton 1 episode
2006 Nightmares & Dreamscapes Road Virus 1 episode
2004–2006 Blue Heelers Leon Dyer / Antony Beaumont 2 episodes
2005 Heartbreak Tour Jason TV Movie
2004–2005 The Secret Life of Us Mini Evan 3 episodes
2002–2004 Stingers Callum Lewis / Tony McKinnon 2 episodes

Film/Shorts

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref
TBA The Mongoose [9]
2025 One More Shot C-Word
2021 Shark Best Man Short
2019 Little Monsters Sara's Friend
2013 The Great Gatsby Clerk-Probity Trust
2007 Heaven Jamie Short
Lucky Miles Peter Coade
Em 4 Jay Steve
2004 Homesick Nick Collins Short
2003 Sweetness and Light Billy Short
2002 The Only Person in the World Damien Short

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hamish Michael (born 18 March 1980) is an Australian , voice artist, and best known for his television roles as Richard Stirling in the ABC legal drama (2011) and its spin-off series Janet King (2014–2017), as well as Jamie Merrick in the Stan crime miniseries The Twelve (2022). Born in , Victoria, Michael relocated to Latrobe, , at the age of three and a half, where he experienced a childhood marked by small-town independence, including an early morning paper round. He began his acting career without formal drama school training, starting in through university revues and one-act plays, before landing his first professional television role as a guest in Stingers (2002–2003). His breakthrough came with Crownies, earning him a nomination for the Award for Most Outstanding New Talent at the 2012 , after which he continued in prominent supporting roles across Australian television, including Darren Fairbank in Frayed (2019–2021) and an arc in (2016–2021). In film, Michael has appeared in supporting capacities, such as the Clerk at Probity Trust in Baz Luhrmann's (2013) and in the miniseries (2012), alongside more recent projects like Jeremy in the Netflix series (2025) and Captain Parks in The Mongoose (upcoming), as well as roles in Scrublands (season 2, 2025), Ladies in Black (2024), and One More Shot (2025). On stage, he has performed with the in productions including How to Rule the World (2020) as Lewis Lewis and Pato Dooley in (2019), the latter earning a nomination at the Sydney Theatre Awards. Additionally, Michael is active as a voice artist and , and he founded a self-tape production business in 2014 to support actors' auditions; he is married to fellow Australian actress since 2015. With over two decades in the industry, Michael continues to pursue opportunities in the United States while maintaining strong ties to Australian screen and stage.

Early life and education

Early years

Hamish Michael was born on 18 March 1980 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. At the age of 3.5, Michael's family relocated to Latrobe on Tasmania's northwest coast, where he spent his formative years in a small-town environment that afforded him significant independence. His childhood in Latrobe was marked by the freedoms typical of rural Australian life in the 1980s, which he later described as akin to "growing up in your own personal bio-dome isolation." Starting at age 10, Michael took on an early morning paper round, rising at 4:30 a.m. to ride his bike through the streets to the local newsagency, where he would roll and deliver newspapers with his parents' full permission. Family dynamics played a key role in shaping his early interests, including a lack of emphasis on formal academics from his mother, who viewed him as less inclined toward scholarly pursuits compared to his high-achieving sister; his father, meanwhile, worked on the Empress ship, contributing to a household that prioritized practical independence over structured achievement.

Education and early interests

Michael grew up in , after his family relocated from when he was three and a half years old. He attended high there, completing his at St Brendan-Shaw College in nearby Devonport. Despite his emerging interest in performance, Michael briefly pursued part-time studies at the during his IT cadetship but disliked it and did not complete a degree, influenced by his mother's discouragement over her perception of his academic shortcomings compared to his high-achieving sister. He also lacked formal training, having made multiple unsuccessful attempts to enroll, including applying through a grant program at the Salamanca Arts Centre for emerging theatre artists. Following high school, Michael moved to at age 17, taking a job in IT support at the Retirement Benefits Fund while living affordably with friends. It was in that he first engaged with , participating in the , one-act plays at the local Drama Festival, and community musicals, which ignited his passion for the . These early hobbyist experiences marked his initial forays into performance before transitioning to professional work. In early 2000, Michael secured his first paid theatre role in a production at the , signifying the shift from unpaid involvement to a professional career in acting.

Acting career

Theatre and stage work

Hamish Michael's professional theatre career began in , , where he made his debut in the late with local productions. Throughout the early , Michael honed his craft in Hobart's regional scene, participating in festivals and smaller productions with the Old Nick Company, as well as other local ensembles. These experiences, including roles in musicals and contemporary plays, provided a foundation in live performance amid Tasmania's intimate theatre community. He also took part in university revues and , building skills in and ensemble work before transitioning to mainland opportunities. Michael's move to major Australian theatre companies represented a significant shift from regional stages to national prominence. His main-stage debut came in 2005 with the role of Harry in Two Brothers, a production co-presented by the Melbourne Theatre Company and , which highlighted his ability to portray complex familial dynamics. This led to further collaborations with leading ensembles, including the in Children of the Sun (2014) and (2019), where he delivered nuanced supporting performances in dramatic works by renowned playwrights. In , Michael contributed to innovative productions such as The Beast (2013) and Ray's Tempest (2006) with the Melbourne Theatre Company, exploring themes of identity and in contemporary Australian theatre. His work in How to Rule the World (2020) for the further demonstrated his range, originating a role in a politically charged that addressed power and corruption. These roles underscored his transition from Hobart's grassroots scene to the heart of Australia's professional stage, where he became known for his grounded, empathetic portrayals that bridged intimate character studies with broader social narratives.

Television roles

Michael began his television career with a guest role in the Australian crime drama Stingers, appearing as Callum Lewis in a 2004 episode of the series' eighth season. This marked his debut in episodic television, following early commercial work that helped launch his acting pursuits. His breakthrough came in 2011 with the role of ambitious solicitor Richard Stirling in the ABC legal drama , where he appeared across 22 episodes, earning a nomination for the 2012 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer. The character, a sharp and ethically flexible lawyer navigating high-stakes cases, showcased Michael's ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous figures in the legal genre. This performance highlighted his transition from minor guest appearances to more prominent supporting roles. Michael reprised the role of Richard Stirling in the spin-off series Janet King from 2014 to 2017, appearing in 24 episodes across multiple seasons as the now-established barrister entangled in intricate courtroom and personal dramas. For his work in the third season, The Invisible Wound, he received a 2016 AACTA Award nomination for Best Guest or Supporting Actor in a Television Drama. The recurring nature of the role allowed Michael to deepen Stirling's character arc, evolving from a supporting player in Crownies to a key ensemble member in a critically acclaimed franchise focused on prosecutorial challenges. Among his other notable television appearances, Michael portrayed Jamie Merrick, a volatile husband in a troubled marriage, in nine episodes of the 2022 Stan legal drama The Twelve. He also played Detective Sergeant Darryn Fairbank, a tenacious investigator probing a disappearance, in six episodes of the ABC comedy-drama Frayed in 2019 and 2021. Earlier guest spots included two episodes of Blue Heelers between 2004 and 2006, where he appeared as different characters, Leon Dyer and Antony Beaumont. In miniseries, he depicted cricketer Doug Walters in the 2012 Nine Network production Howzat! Kerry Packer's War and media executive Bruce Gyngell in the 2013 drama Power Games: The Packer–Murdoch War. More recently, he appeared as Ken Marlow in four episodes of the 2024 ABC series Ladies in Black and as Jasper Speight in four episodes of the second season of Scrublands, which premiered on April 17, 2025, on Stan. Throughout his television career, Michael's roles have evolved from brief guest appearances in procedural dramas like Stingers and to lead supporting characters in narrative-driven legal and ensemble series such as , Janet King, and The Twelve, often emphasizing tense interpersonal dynamics and professional intrigue within Australian drama genres.

Film and other media

Michael began his feature film career with a small but notable role as the Clerk at Probity Trust in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of (2013). He later portrayed Jeremy, a key character in the Australian comedy-drama miniseries (2025), directed by Charles Williams and released on Netflix on February 6, 2025. Michael is slated to appear as Captain Parks in the upcoming action-thriller The Mongoose, produced by Servo Productions for . In addition to on-screen performances, Michael works as a voice artist, delivering narration and character voices for various Australian media projects, including distinguished contributions to campaigns for The Australian and Mercedes-Benz. His versatile voice, capable of comedic and serious tones with accents such as British and standard American, is represented through Scout Management, where he utilizes his own recording studio for professional demos and recordings. Michael has composing credits in select media projects, blending his musical talents with narrative work. As part of this, he contributed to the soundtrack of the independent film Heartworm (2017) by recording original music alongside the band Art of Fighting. Beyond composing, Michael's music pursuits include his role in the indie rock band Parallel Lions, formed with vocalist/guitarist Ollie Browne of Art of Fighting and drummer Sam Bates. In the band, Michael provides guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, contributing to their electronic-infused sound. Parallel Lions released their debut album Holding Patterns in 2012, and the group supported Paul Dempsey of Something for Kate on a national Australian tour. In other media endeavors, Michael founded Department of Pretend in 2014, a full-service self-tape audition studio and showreel production facility based in Sydney, with an additional location in Melbourne. The business assists actors in creating high-quality remote audition materials, stemming from Michael's own experiences with self-tapes early in his career.

Awards and nominations

Television and film awards

Hamish Michael's television performances have earned him notable recognition at major Australian awards ceremonies, particularly the and , highlighting his versatility in supporting roles within legal and dramatic series. In 2012, Michael received a for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent at the for his portrayal of Richard Stirling, a young solicitor navigating ethical dilemmas in the ABC legal drama . This breakthrough role showcased his ability to convey moral complexity in a high-stakes environment, competing against strong contenders including and from Underbelly: Razor, as well as from Winners & Losers. The underscored ' impact as a fresh ensemble-driven series that revitalized Australian procedural television. Michael's work in the Crownies spin-off Janet King led to a 2016 nomination for Best Guest or in a Television Drama at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (, specifically for the episode "The Long Goodbye" from season two. As Richard Stirling, he delivered a nuanced performance exploring personal and professional tensions in a politically charged legal , standing out amid from actors like Russell Dykstra (Rake) and Ben Gerrard (Molly). This recognition affirmed his growth as a in prestige television, with Janet King earning additional nods for its ensemble and production quality. More recently, in 2023, Michael was nominated for the Silver Logie for Most for his role as Jamie Merrick in the /Binge miniseries The Twelve, a critically acclaimed jury drama that delved into psychological and societal themes. His depiction of a conflicted family man added emotional depth to the ensemble, placing him alongside nominees such as (Black Snow), Arka Das (Here Out West), Clarence Ryan (Mystery Road: Origin), and (). The series itself secured multiple Logie wins, including for Most Outstanding Drama Miniseries or Telemovie, elevating Michael's contribution within a field of high-profile Australian productions.

Theatre awards

In 2006, Hamish Michael received a nomination for the Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for his portrayal of Harry, the troubled son struggling with drug , in Hannie Rayson's Two Brothers, a co-production by the Melbourne Theatre Company and directed by Simon Phillips. The play, which premiered in in April 2005 before transferring to , explored themes of family division, political ideology, and asylum seekers through the story of two estranged brothers on opposing sides of Australia's , drawing inspiration from real-life figures like the Costello siblings. Critical reception was mixed, with praise for the production's sharp social satire and comedic elements but criticism for its occasionally melodramatic tone; Michael's role contributed to the family dynamics central to the narrative, though specific reviews of his performance were limited. The following year, in 2007, Michael earned a Green Room Award nomination for Best Male Performer (Theatre Panel, Companies) for his dual roles in Eldorado by David Holman and Ray's Tempest, an adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest by Ray Lawler, both produced by Melbourne Theatre Company. These performances highlighted his versatility in contemporary Australian drama and classical reinterpretations, respectively, amid a season noted for innovative staging and ensemble work. Michael's theatre accolades continued with a win at the 2019 Sydney Theatre Awards for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Mainstage Production) for his performance as the gentle Pato Dooley in Martin McDonagh's , directed by Paige Rattray for the . The production, which ran at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from November 2019, depicted the fraught mother-daughter relationship in rural , with Michael's tender portrayal providing emotional contrast to the play's dark comedy and themes of isolation and cruelty. Critics lauded the overall cast's depth and the production's gripping intensity, describing Michael's work as a poignant "wavering finger of sunshine" that underscored the character's vulnerability and offered brief hope amid the grim narrative.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Hamish Michael married Australian actress and Kate Mulvany on 7 July 2015 in New York, where the couple eloped in a small ceremony attended by close friends and family, including actors such as . The pair met in 2008 amid Mulvany's challenging personal period following the suicide of her previous partner, actor , connecting through their overlapping circles in the Australian theatre and acting community. Michael and Mulvany share a supportive shaped by their dual careers in , with Mulvany also established as a ; they describe their household as one where each understands the irregular rhythms and demands of the profession, allowing flexibility for international work and relocations between and the . The couple has collaborated professionally, co-starring in the 2022 Foxtel series The Twelve—Mulvany as a murder suspect and Michael as an abusive husband—though their characters did not share scenes, earning both Logie Award nominations for their performances. Mulvany's treatment left her unable to have children, and the couple maintains a quiet life together without children.

Residences and other pursuits

Michael lived in , , for 13 years as of 2023, establishing it as his primary professional and personal hub during much of his acting career. He and his wife have since purchased a property in , where they now reside as of 2024. Complementing his acting commitments, Michael acquired a U.S. , which has facilitated greater flexibility for international work opportunities, including auditions and projects in . This status allows him and his wife to commute regularly between and the without visa constraints, supporting a nomadic lifestyle tied to global industry demands. Beyond acting, Michael pursues as a creative outlet through his involvement in the band Parallel Lions, formed in collaboration with vocalist/guitarist Ollie Browne of and drummer Sam Bates. The trio released their debut album, Holding Patterns, in , blending Browne's melodic songwriting with Michael's contributions on guitar, keys, and electronic textures. The band has performed live, including supporting of on a national tour, providing Michael a platform to explore composition and performance outside theatre and screen work. In 2014, Michael founded Department of Pretend, a Sydney-based studio specializing in self-tape auditions and production for , addressing his own frustrations with the self-taping process during early career hurdles. The facility offers professional setup and feedback, serving as a side venture that leverages his industry experience to assist fellow performers. These pursuits reflect Michael's approach to balancing his demanding acting schedule with personal passions, integrating and to sustain creative fulfillment amid relocations and professional travel.

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleEpisodes
2002StingersTony McKinnon1
2004StingersCallum Lewis1
2004–2005Mini Evan3
2004–2006Leon Dyer / Antony Beaumont2
2005Heartbreak TourJasonTV movie
2011Richard Stirling33
20122
2012Steven1
2013Power Games: The Packer–Murdoch War2
2014–2017Janet KingRichard Stirling24
2015Ready for ThisMr. Bott3
2016–2017The Heart GuyTim3
2018–2021Steve12
2019–2021FrayedDarryn Fairbank12
2019Total ControlKosta2
2022The TwelveJamie Merrick10
2024Jeremy4
2025Scrublands: SilverJasper Speight4

Film

Hamish Michael's film career includes a mix of , shorts, and TV movies, often showcasing his versatility in supporting roles.
YearTitleRoleTypeNotes
2005Heartbreak TourJasonTV movieDirected by Ben Chessell.
2006Em 4 JaySteveDirected by Alkinos Tsilimidos.
2007JamieShortDirected by Gemma Lee.
2007Lucky MilesPeter CoadeDirected by Michael James Rowland.
2018Ladies in BlackKen MarlowDirected by .
2013Clerk - Probity TrustDirected by .
2019Little MonstersSara's FriendDirected by .
2021Best ManShortDirected by .
2025C-WordDirected by Nicholas Clifford; time-loop .
2025The MongooseCaptain ParksUpcoming action thriller directed by Mark Vanselow, starring .

References

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