Michael was born in Sheffield in 1943 and he attended Birkdale Preparatory School.
His first dramatic appearance was as Martha Cratchit in a school production of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. In 1962 Michael joined Brightside and Carbrook Co-Operative Society Players whilst working in the publicity department of Edgar Allen & Co, Steelmakers and won the Best Performing Gent Award at the Co-op Drama Festival in Bradford.
Michael went on to study Modern History at Brasenose College, Oxford. Michael's featured in 'Monty Python's Flying Circus', on BBC TV from 1969 - 1974 as well as Monty Python movies 'Now For Something Completely Different', 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' and 'Monty Python's Life of Brian'.
Michael wrote and appeared in 'The Missionary' with Maggie Smith and Trevor Howard in 1983. He won the Best Supporting Actor Award from BAFTA for his role as Ken in 'A Fish Called Wanda' in 1988. He also wrote and presented a large series of travel programme.
Michael was made a CBE in the 2000 New Year's Honours List for his services to television drama and travel and he was also awarded Butlins Billy Award for the 'Most Fun TV Travel presenter' for two consecutive years. In 2002 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA Special Award in 2005. |