Michael J. Willett - Wikipedia
- ️Mon Sep 11 1989
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Michael J. Willett | |
|---|---|
 Willett in 2014 | |
| Born | Michael James Mansel Willett September 11, 1989 (age 35) Fresno, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2002–present |
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.
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]
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]
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]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | G.B.F. | Tanner | Premiere: 2013 Tribeca Film Festival. Theatrical Release: January 14, 2014 |
| 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" |
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "In Love Alone" | Diapason (Unreleased) |
| 2013 | "Burning Desire" | Diapason (Unreleased) |
| 2014 | "Started Over" | Regeneration: Phase II |
- ^ D'Addario, Dan (January 18, 2014). "Was an R-rated gay teen comedy screwed by the MPAA?". Salon. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ Ferber, Lawrence (January 16, 2014). "Homo High". Next Magazine. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Caban, Erik R. (January 30, 2014). "SFGN Talks to G.B.F. Star Michael J. Willett". South Florida Gay News. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- ^ Rose, Christopher (April 26, 2014). "Michael J. Willett, G.B.F. Star, Is About To Break Out". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- ^ Lambe, Stacy (December 4, 2013). "A Shirtless Michael J. Willett Performs Stripped Down Cover of Natasha Bedingfield". Out. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- ^ 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.