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Mike Kasem
Mike Kasem
from Wikipedia

Michael C. Kasem (born August 24, 1973)[1] is an American television presenter, actor, and radio DJ on Mediacorp Radio's Gold 905FM Homestretch with Mike Kasem.

Key Information

Early life and family

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Born in Los Angeles County, California,[1] Kasem is the son of the American disc jockey and radio personality Casey Kasem and his first wife, Linda Myers.[2][3] Kasem has two sisters, Julie and radio and television personality Kerri Kasem.[2]

Career

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Radio DJ

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Mike Kasem started his Singapore radio career in 2011 when he joined Mediacorp Radio's Class 95FM co-hosting with Jean Danker. He later moved to Mediacorp Radio's Gold 905FM co-hosting the morning drive time show The Mike & Joe Xperiment with Joe Augustin. In 2016, Kasem paired with Vernetta Lopez to co-host the morning drive-time show Live with Mike & Vernetta on Gold 905FM.[4][5]

Actor

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Kasem's acting debut was in the Mediacorp Channel 5 drama series Triple Nine in December 1998, guest starring as Sergeant Patrick Fernandez.[6]

He made his film acting debut in 2014 in the feature film Afterimages,[7] playing the character Harrison. Kasem also starred in the 2015 period drama movie 1965.

Television presenter

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After moving to Singapore, Kasem began his career as an MTV VJ on MTV Asia from 1994 to 1999 hosting MTV Asia Hitlist, MTV Jams, MTV Alternative Nation and MTV Most Wanted.[6] He has hosted/presented and acted in numerous TV show's for Mediacorp Channel 5 and is currently a full-time employee of Mediacorp in Singapore. Kasem along with former radio show co-host Jean Danker hosted the Singapore 2016 New Year's Eve Countdown Show.[8]

Personal life

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Kasem married Singaporean television presenter, former professional golfer and LIV Golf commentator Su Ann Heng in 2019 after three years of dating.[9] The couple had a son on June 25, 2020.[10] In June 2023, Heng announced on Instagram that the couple were separating.[11]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Note Ref
1998 Triple Nine Sergeant Patrick Fernandez [6]
2015 Sabo Host [12]
2015 1965 Raj

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael C. Kasem (born August 24, 1973) is an American radio , television host, , and rapper, renowned for his multifaceted career in entertainment, particularly in Singapore's media landscape, where he has been a prominent figure since the . As the son of iconic radio personality , he began his professional journey in the United States before relocating to , establishing himself as a versatile media talent across radio, television, and film. Kasem's early career included hosting roles on MTV Asia from 1994 to 1999, where he presented popular programs such as MTV Most Wanted, contributing to the network's regional popularity during the 1990s. He also co-hosted an international version of America's Funniest Home Videos with his sister Kerri Kasem in 1999–2000, showcasing viewer-submitted humorous clips for global audiences. In the music scene, Kasem pursued rapping as part of the hip-hop group The League in the early 2000s, alongside artists like Keyvous and the late Sam Sarpong, releasing demos and performing internationally. Transitioning to radio in Singapore, Kasem joined Mediacorp in 2011, initially co-hosting on Class 95FM before moving to Gold 905, where as of November 2025 he hosts the afternoon drive-time show Homestretch with Mike Kasem from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, blending classic hits with engaging commentary. His television work in Singapore includes hosting shows like The Final 1, Sasuke Singapore, and Class 95’s Cartunes on Channel 5, earning him the 2013 MediaCorp Radio Award for Most Creative Radio Trailer in English. In acting, Kasem has appeared in films such as (2013), where he contributed to the soundtrack, Afterimages (2014) as Harrison, and Triple Nine (1995) as Sgt. Patrick Fernandez, alongside work and emceeing for events like the . His career reflects a blend of American roots and Asian market adaptation, marked by adaptability and longevity in the entertainment industry.

Early life and family

Early life

Michael C. Kasem was born on August 24, 1973, in . Kasem spent his childhood in , a city central to the entertainment industry, where the local environment was shaped by media and performance arts. This upbringing was influenced by his parents' professions in and , providing an early familial context tied to those fields.

Family background

Mike Kasem was born to , a prominent American , , and born on April 27, 1932, and who passed away on June 15, 2014, and his first wife, Linda Myers, an actress. The couple married in 1972 and divorced in 1979, during which time they raised their family in . Kasem grew up with his older sister (born 1972) and his younger sister Julie Kasem (born 1975). Kerri, the eldest, often assisted her father on his radio shows during her youth, reflecting the close-knit family dynamic. The family heritage traces back to Lebanese-American roots through Casey Kasem's background, as his parents were immigrants from Lebanon's Chouf region who settled in , . Casey actively instilled this cultural identity in his children, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ties to their Druze traditions, including familial dedication and community values rooted in the faith. This influence shaped family life, with Casey encouraging his children to learn about their ancestry and incorporate elements of Lebanese culture into their upbringing, such as styles reflective of his heritage. Casey's successful career in radio and profoundly impacted the family's early years, immersing Mike and his sisters in the entertainment industry from a young age through exposure to recording sessions, public events, and the broader environment in . This environment fostered an early familiarity with media and performance, influencing the children's interests without necessitating frequent relocations.

Career

Television presenting

Mike Kasem began his television career as a (VJ) on Asia, based in , where he served from 1994 to 1999. During this period, he hosted popular programs such as MTV's Most Wanted, delivering daily episodes that featured high-energy introductions to music videos and interactive segments aimed at a youthful audience across . Following his tenure at Asia, Kasem transitioned to presenting roles on Mediacorp's Channel 5 in , where he contributed to a variety of entertainment and lifestyle shows. Notable among these were his hosting duties on The Final 1, a competition series, and Sasuke Singapore, an adaptation of the Japanese program that emphasized physical challenges and viewer engagement. His work on Channel 5 extended to and discussion formats, including co-hosting OK Chope!, a live from 2016 to 2017 that satirized current affairs through humorous debates. Kasem's presenting portfolio on television also included health and informational content, such as co-hosting Let's Talk About Health on Channel 5 starting in 2022, where he facilitated expert discussions on wellness topics to educate viewers. Additionally, he co-hosted the high-profile Celebrate 2016 countdown event on , alongside , featuring live performances and festivities to usher in the for a national audience. Throughout these roles, Kasem's style retained an upbeat, music-infused approach rooted in his origins, prioritizing dynamic entertainment segments that connected with diverse viewers in .

Radio hosting

Kasem entered the Singapore radio scene in 2011 upon joining Radio, where he began co-hosting a program on Class 95FM alongside . He subsequently transitioned to Gold 905FM, co-hosting the morning drive-time show The Mike & Joe Xperiment with Joe Augustin from 2015 until early 2016. In 2016, Kasem paired with Vernetta Lopez to launch Live with Mike & Vernetta, a weekday morning program airing from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Gold 905FM, which ran until May 2025. Actor joined as a co-host for Mondays and Tuesdays starting January 20, 2025. The show featured classic hits, celebrity interviews, and light-hearted discussions, evolving from its initial duo format to incorporate more collaborative segments. Following Lopez's departure in May 2025, Kasem transitioned to full-time hosting of the evening drive-time program in June 2025. As of November 2025, Kasem hosts the evening drive-time program Homestretch with Mike on Gold 905FM, weekdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., focusing on classic rock and pop tracks to accompany listeners' commutes home. Kasem's DJ style draws on his American broadcasting roots, emphasizing improvisation and humor; he has described radio as a medium where he "just make it up," allowing for spontaneous, fun interactions that contrast with scripted television work. His music selection prioritizes smooth transitions between classic hits, often advising aspiring DJs to practice using digital audio workstations for seamless flow. Audience engagement is central, with segments that highlight listener stories and playfully tease co-hosts in a "hilariously positive way," fostering a sense of community during the challenging morning and evening slots. Over time, his drivetime format has evolved to include more personal anecdotes and collaborative banter, influenced by strong on-air partnerships like those with Lopez and Augustin, while honoring professional standards of delivering beyond expectations.

Acting

Kasem's acting career began in late 1998 with a as Patrick Fernandez in an of the [Channel 5](/page/Channel 5) police drama series Triple Nine, marking his debut in scripted television roles. While acknowledging his initial performance as underwhelming—"I was so bad," he later reflected—this early foray aligned with his burgeoning presence in Singapore's media scene. In the late , Kasem balanced his acting pursuits with his work as a on Asia, where his on-camera experience from hosting shows like MTV's Most Wanted served as a gateway to further acting opportunities. As the son of renowned American and radio personality Casey Kasem, he was motivated by a family legacy in entertainment, though he initially resisted following directly in those footsteps, starting with a failed childhood attempt arranged by his father. After focusing primarily on television presenting and radio hosting in the , Kasem returned to in the , contributing to the soundtrack of the Scary Movie 5 (2013) as part of the hip-hop group The , appearing in the crime drama series Mata Mata (2013), playing Harrison in the Afterimages (2014), and portraying Jonathan Ortega in the series Sunny Side Up (2022–2024). This resurgence highlighted his versatility, though he has described the demands of scripted performance as challenging compared to his hosting work, often prioritizing the latter for stability while selectively taking gigs. Throughout his career, Kasem has maintained a balance between and his prominent roles in , viewing both as complementary aspects of his entertainment journey.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Mike Kasem married Singaporean television presenter and former professional golfer Su-Ann Heng in Malibu, California, in June 2019 after three years of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Casey Patrick Kasem—honoring Mike's father Casey Kasem and Su-Ann's father Patrick—on June 25, 2020, following a challenging 22-hour labor that required an emergency C-section. The family resided in Singapore, where Kasem balanced his early-morning radio shifts with active parenting duties, including diaper changes and bedtime routines for their newborn, while appreciating quiet Sunday mornings watching Casey smile upon waking. He described fatherhood as a humbling experience that deepened his sense of responsibility and prompted greater financial planning for his family's future. In June 2023, Kasem and Heng announced their mutual decision to separate amicably, prioritizing co-parenting their then-three-year-old son. By 2024, they continued sharing parenting responsibilities in , with Heng noting their collaborative approach to supporting Casey's interests, such as introducing him to without pressure, amid her travel commitments.

Family disputes

Following the death of his father, Casey Kasem, on June 15, 2014, Mike Kasem became embroiled in escalating tensions with his stepmother, Jean Kasem, centered on the handling of Casey's remains and estate. The disputes intensified when Jean relocated Casey's body from a Washington state funeral home to Montreal without informing the children, prompting accusations that she was concealing evidence of prior mistreatment. Mike publicly expressed concerns that Jean's actions were intended to obscure signs of elder abuse, stating in a July 2014 interview that her behavior demonstrated a pattern of isolation and neglect toward his father during his final years. These claims were part of broader family allegations that Jean had restricted Casey's access to medical care and family visitation in the months leading up to his death from Lewy body dementia. In the immediate aftermath, Mike joined his sisters, Kerri and Julie Kasem, in public statements accusing Jean of hiding Casey's body to prevent forensic examination for abuse indicators, such as bedsores and . During a June 2014 media appearance shortly after the death, Mike described the family's distress over the lack of communication regarding the body's location, emphasizing that Jean had moved it across state lines amid ongoing suspicions of . The body was eventually buried in an unmarked grave in , , on December 16, 2014, a decision made by Jean without the children's input or knowledge, further fueling claims of emotional distress and control over Casey's final arrangements. These events were compounded by disputes over Casey's multimillion-dollar estate, including and rights, which the children argued Jean had manipulated through . The family pursued legal action against Jean, with Mike actively supporting his sisters' efforts. In November 2015, Kerri, Julie, and Mike, along with Casey's brother, filed a wrongful lawsuit in , alleging , , and that contributed to Casey's decline and . The suit detailed Jean's alleged role in isolating Casey, removing him from care facilities, and denying hydration and nutrition, claims Mike reiterated in subsequent statements calling for accountability. Although the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office declined to file criminal charges in May 2015 due to insufficient evidence, the civil case persisted until a confidential settlement was reached in December 2019. The protracted conflicts profoundly altered family dynamics, leaving lasting rifts between the Kasem siblings and Jean, while motivating Mike to advocate for prevention and his father's legacy. Mike has since participated in awareness efforts, including support for the Kasem Cares Foundation established by Kerri in 2015 to combat isolation and abuse among the elderly, drawing directly from the family's experiences. In June 2024, Kerri visited Casey's grave in for the first time. This advocacy underscores Mike's commitment to honoring Casey's memory through public education on guardianship rights and family access, amid ongoing efforts to repatriate Casey's remains to the for a more fitting burial. The disputes highlighted vulnerabilities in and elder care, influencing broader discussions on protective laws in .

Filmography

Films

Kasem's cinematic work spans acting roles and contributions to soundtracks and music in both international and Singaporean productions. Kasem contributed to the parody horror comedy Scary Movie 5 (2013), directed by Malcolm D. Lee, by co-writing the song "Thunder" for the film's soundtrack, adding to its humorous take on supernatural tropes through musical elements. Afterimages (2014), a psychological horror film directed by Tony Kern, marked Kasem's feature film acting debut, where he played the character Harrison, a role involving investigative elements amid supernatural occurrences. Kasem appeared in the historical drama 1965 (2015), directed by Leon Lee, portraying Raj, a Pakistani documenting the Geylang Serai riots and Singapore's separation from during a pivotal era of national turmoil.

Television

Mike Kasem began his television career as a (VJ) for , serving from 1994 to 1999 and becoming one of the channel's original on-air personalities in the region. He hosted the daily music program Most Wanted, which featured viewer requests and live interactions, establishing him as a prominent figure in Asian during the . Additionally, Kasem presented segments on Jams, focusing on hip-hop and R&B content, contributing to the channel's expansion across . In the 2010s, Kasem expanded his Channel 5 contributions through specials and variety formats. He co-hosted the Celebrate 2016 New Year's Eve Countdown Show alongside , a live event at featuring performances and audience engagement to usher in the new year. Other notable specials include his role as host for the 2013 Asian Television Awards broadcast, where he presented segments honoring regional achievements, and the Singapore edition of Sasuke Singapore on Channel 5, adapting the Japanese obstacle course challenge with local competitors. Kasem also appeared in short-form contributions, such as guest hosting episodes of The 5 Show in 2015 and Not The 5 Show in 2016, delivering comedic commentary on pop culture topics. Kasem's television acting credits include guest and recurring roles in Singaporean series. He made his debut as Patrick Fernandez in the 1998 police drama Triple Nine on Channel 5, appearing in a single episode focused on challenges. In 2012, he starred as a lead in the series Random Island, contributing to all eight episodes with humorous characters that highlighted his breakout comedic timing. Later roles encompassed supporting parts in the long-running Tanglin from 2015 to 2018, where he portrayed Jamie Clarke in family-oriented storylines, and a music contribution to Mata Mata in 2013, providing lyrics for 36 episodes of the anthology series. In Sabo (2015), a Singaporean styled as , Kasem hosted segments that guided viewers through prank-based narratives, blending hosting with narrative framing. More recent appearances include panelist duties on the comedy OK Chope! (2016–2017), challenging segments on Stupid Man Smart Phone (2019), and a recurring role as Jonathan in the social drama series Sunny Side Up (2022–2024), which concluded in November 2024 after 484 episodes. He also co-hosts the health Let's Talk About Health starting in 2022, examining everyday health issues with Sonia Chew.

References

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