After a high-powered corporate career on the East Coast, Michael Teh’s shift to acting is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and a pursuit of passion. Reflecting on his journey, Michael shared that there was no single defining moment for his career change, but rather a series of realizations that drew him toward acting. “All of my corporate careers demanded 80-120 hours of work a week in an office, often with a lot of stress. They paid well, but they were very far from enjoyable,” he explained.
Michael’s father, an immigrant from Malaysia, dreamed of his son achieving success on Wall Street, and Michael pursued law and an MBA, initially working in management consulting in Sydney and later in New York. Despite his father’s aspirations, Michael found himself increasingly disenchanted with the corporate world. A life-changing diagnosis of melanoma and the loss of his father led him to a pivotal realization: he wasn’t following his own dream. “I didn’t even know what it was,” he admitted.
In Sydney, he took a break to reconnect with family and friends and decided to try an acting class on a whim. That class sparked a love for acting, leading him to enroll in a full-time theater program in New York. “To be honest, it was more to get back to New York and figure out my next steps in life. But, I fell in love with acting there, and became determined to pursue it as a career,” he revealed.
Corporate Skills in Acting
Michael’s background in management consulting and corporate leadership might seem worlds away from acting, yet he sees connections between these fields. “As an actor, we are rarely given the full script… It often takes a bit of analytical, detective work (along with creative choices) to figure out your role and the relationships in the story.” This analytical approach, honed in his corporate roles, has helped him navigate auditions and character development.
His experience in high-stakes environments has also cultivated a work ethic and resilience vital in the competitive world of acting. “Both careers involve analysis then presentation. And I’m certainly used to the long hours, when one’s blessed to book work,” he reflected, adding that he’s found fulfillment in the acting world that he never experienced in his corporate life.
Challenges in the Shift
Transitioning from law and business into theater wasn’t without challenges. “Men of my and many generations have been conditioned to be breadwinners and providers… so when one gives up great salaries for financial insecurity in the arts, it can negatively affect one’s self-esteem,” he shared, reflecting on the financial and social pressures of his decision. Additionally, Michael acknowledged the constant rejection in the acting industry, noting, “Apparently, only 1% of actors support themselves acting, so to carry on, you need both the passion and the resilience.”
However, he has found that the rewards outweigh the challenges. Free from the “keeping-up-with-the-Joneses” treadmill, Michael embraces the simplicity and creative fulfillment that his acting career offers.
Acting Journey and Roles
Michael’s filmography includes diverse roles across independent films and television. He has a soft spot for playing villains, having been typecast in such roles early on. “I have to say I really enjoy playing villains, especially when they’re well-written,” he said, explaining how casting trends often stem from an actor’s reel. “The quality of the writing will always trump genre for me,” he emphasized, showing a preference for well-crafted roles over genre limitations.
His television roles range from appearances in Sleepy Hollow to Days of Our Lives. Discussing the differences, he explained, “Sleepy Hollow had a serious budget, so they could build elaborate sets and shoot on location… while soap operas like Days of Our Lives are all shot on sound stages with three cameras in one take.” These contrasting experiences have given him a well-rounded view of the industry.
Training and Influences
Michael credits his growth as an actor to the tutelage of legendary coaches like Larry Moss and Susan Batson. One of Larry Moss’s key lessons stands out for him: “When you’re really fearful of something, it’s a sign you should do it. That’s where the growth is.” He recalled his fear when performing a highly emotional scene in A Normal Heart in Moss’s masterclass, which required him to kiss another man for the first time in front of an audience that included actors like Tom Hardy. “Trust me… there was a lot of fear! But I did it anyway, and it was some of the deepest work I’d ever done,” he reflected.
Over the years, Michael has trained extensively, adapting to both theatrical and screen acting. “I started out as an almost beginner… Coming out to LA, many of the classes focused more on screen and audition technique,” he explained. Each experience added to his “toolbelt and confidence,” allowing him to approach each new role with increasing depth.
A seasoned traveler, Michael has visited 48 countries, which has enriched his acting by giving him a broader cultural understanding. “I think travel enriches one’s life in so many ways, but in terms of acting, I think it just gives a real-world understanding of different cultures and different types of thinking,” he said. His mixed-race heritage allows him to play diverse roles, and he’s portrayed characters from various ethnic backgrounds, from Native American shamans to Jesus Christ.
On dialects, Michael enjoys performing in Southern U.S., Cockney, and South African accents. He often turns to YouTube to refine his accent skills, a practice that enables him to play a wide range of characters.
Career Highlights and Aspirations
Two of Michael’s films were featured at the Cannes Short Film Corner, an experience he found rewarding. “If you’re an actor or filmmaker, you don’t have to wait until you have a film in a festival to attend it,” he advised. Reflecting on his award-winning film The Daughter, he shared that small wins affirm his belief in the power of storytelling, even on a limited budget.
Looking forward, Michael hopes to explore roles in genres like fantasy, romance, and comedy. His bread-and-butter roles may be villains, but he’s eager to take on new challenges that allow him to showcase his range.
Personal Insights and Inspirations
Michael’s career is fueled by his passion for storytelling and his desire to engage audiences on a deeper level. “It’s the only thing I want to do. And most of the best writing I’ve worked on, and most of the best work I’ve done, has been in classes,” he admitted, emphasizing his commitment to continuous growth.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring actors from unconventional backgrounds, Michael encourages them to take the leap. “If you’re interested or passionate about acting (or anything other than your current job), why not at least try it, if not fully commit to it?” Drawing from his own experience, he added, “The risk, the downside isn’t as great as you think.”
For Michael, pursuing acting was more than a career choice; it was a profound shift toward a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. As he continues to evolve, Michael remains grounded in his journey, inspired by the resilience he’s built and the stories he has yet to tell. Through every role, he continues to blend his personal insights and professional skill, captivating audiences and making a lasting impact in the world of acting.
1. Biography & Background
•Michael Teh’s Early Life and Corporate Career
•Transition from Corporate to Acting
2. Career Highlights in Film
•Lead Role in “Lost Colony: The Legend of Roanoke”
•Villainous Role in “White Wall”
•Heroic Role as Queequeg in “2010: Moby Dick”
•Lead in “Air Collision” as Captain Simms
•Best Thriller Award for “The Daughter” at WorldFest
•Films Premiered at Cannes: “Flame of the West” and “Check, Please!”
3. Television Work
•Recurring Villain on “Days of Our Lives”
•Guest Star Role in “Sleepy Hollow”
•Roles in “The Wilds,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Castle”
•Recurring Role in “Burn Notice” Webisodes
•Series Regular in “Breaking Point”
4. Acting Training and Influences
•Training with Susan Batson and Austin Pendleton
•Masterclasses and Influences from Lesly Kahn, Stan Kirsch, and Others
5. International Experience
•Dialect Skills and International Roles
6. Awards and Recognition
•Semi-Finalist in TNT Dramatic Auditions
•Indie Series Award Nomination for “Breaking Point”
7. Personal Interests and Insights
•Michael’s Reflections on Resilience and Passion
