Mike Manning (actor)

Mike C. Manning
Born Michael Christopher Manning
April 12, 1987[1][2]
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Occupation Actor, producer, writer, television personality

Modeling information

Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[3]
Website
www.mikecmanning.com

Michael Christopher "Mike" Manning is an American actor, producer, television personality and activist. Manning first gained fame as a cast member on the MTV series The Real World: D.C. Since then he has starred in a number of films and television programs, such as the 2014 Disney Channel original movie Cloud 9, in which he played Nick Swift, and for producing the documentary Kidnapped for Christ.[4]

Early life

Michael Christopher Manning is from Thornton, Colorado.[5] His parents are Michael Sr.[6] and Susan Manning. He has a brother named Jonathan and a sister named Alyssa.[7] He grew up in Colorado and Florida.[3]

Manning was involved with children's theater.[8] He started his entertainment career at the age of 14 in the Horizon Stage's production of And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson, and soon after appeared in a production of Oliver! based on the classic Charles Dickens story.[3] He was described in his MTV biography as "the typical jock...a star athlete, prom king, popular with all the girls...an all around golden child from a Christian family."[9]

The Real World: DC

Manning's TV career started in 2009 at age 22[2] on The Real World: DC, the twenty-third season of MTV's reality television series The Real World, for which Manning auditioned on a random lark with a friend.[10] Having had recently come out as bisexual, the revelation caused conflict with some of his loved ones.[11] In his pre-show interviews, Manning described himself as a "pile of contradictions," [12] and indicated that his time in D.C. would be a turning point for him and the question of whether his family would accept his sexuality.[9] Manning explained in the season premiere that he attended church every Sunday, through which he hoped to bond with his castmate and fellow churchgoer, Ashley Lindley.[2] His storyline also depicted his social life, in particular his newfound freedom to date [13][14][15] and his concerns regarding family and religion. [16]

Manning joined the cast with the intention of working as an environmentalist, but unexpectedly became an activist for LGBT rights as well,[9][17] working for the Human Rights Campaign and the Energy Action Coalition.[11][18][19][20] During the course of his work for the Human Rights Campaign, Manning met with Congressman Jared Polis of Colorado[7] and Congressman James P. Moran of Virginia, and attended the October 10, 2009 HRC dinner at which President Barack Obama spoke.[6][21]

During The Real World: Washington D.C. Reunion, which premiered on March 31, 2010 following the season finale, Manning indicated that he was attending Bible study, and had recently acquired a job as a host on a TV show. Since the show, Mike has stated that being on The Real World: DC helped him to realize the power of television to help influence public opinion and create social change, and was ultimately a large part in his decision to help found the production company Chhibber Mann Productions. [22]

Acting career


As an actor, Manning is best known for his role in the Disney Channel original movie Cloud 9, centered around competitive snowboarding, with a premiere date of January 17, 2014. Manning played Nick Swift in the movie, and was trained by ex-members of the US Olympic Snowboarding Team for the role.[23][24]

Manning guest starred in an episode of the online drama series Youthful Daze that premiered in 2014, along with Paul Vandervort and Bryan James.[25] Manning returns as "Colin" for Season 3 of "Youthful Daze," along with soap opera actors Jen Lilley and Brittany Underwood.[26]

Manning appeared in eCupid,[27] which premiered at the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival.[28]

He also appeared in the film I Do, which premiered worldwide on July 18, 2012. In June 2012 Manning starred alongside Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson in the Hallmark Channel film Operation Cupcake. Manning has also been in the films, Black Hearts, The Brothers Sinclair, and Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver, as well as the self produced, The Campsite Killer, a short comedy-horror film.[29] He has also been producing a documentary called Kidnapped for Christ.[30][31]

Manning appeared in "Kapu", January 14, 2013 episode of the CBS TV series Hawaii Five-0, in which he played a young college student. He also wrote, produced and starred in the short horror film Campsite Killer. Manning appeared in "Party Crasher", November 5, 2012 episode of Disney XD's "Crash & Bernstein", playing the Australian boyfriend of the lead female Amanda.[32]

Producing career

In 2014, Mike co-founded the production company Chhibber Mann Productions with actor/producer Vinny Chhibber. The production company is involved with producing the film Folk Hero & Funny Guy, which will be directed by Jeff Grace. The film is set to star actors Wyatt Russell, Alex Karpovsky and Melanie Lynskey, and centers around a story about two best friends, one being a struggling comedian and one being a successful singer-songwriter.[33][34] The Chhibber Mann Production company website says that its mission is to create content "to connect audiences with entertainment that matters," projects with an aspect of positive social change.[35]

Manning is an Executive Producer on the documentary film Kidnapped for Christ along with 'N Sync Alum Lance Bass. The film sheds light on controversial behavior modification methods used on children, sent there by their parents, at an Evangelical Christian reform school "Escuela Caribe" located in the Dominican Republic.[36] Kidnapped for Christ premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, UT at the end of January 2014. Tom DeSanto, executive producer of the X-Men and Transformers films is also involved with the project.[37] The film was sold to Showtime and released on television July 10, 2014.[38] Promotional materials for the film, including the website, contain a push for the passage of the U.S. Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2013. The bill would take steps to regulate against neglect and abuse in residential programs like Escuela Caribe.[39] Manning only became involved with the film because of his friendship with the main protagonist, and he is now working to produce another documentary with "Kidnapped for Christ" director Kate Logan entitled "An Act of Love," the story of Reverend Frank Schaefer being defrocked by the United Methodist Church.[40][41]

Manning also produced the short film Campsite Killer as well as the feature film Black Hearts.[42] Black Hearts won the award for "Best Comedy" at the Laughlin International Film Festival in October 2013.[43]

Personal life

Manning lives in Los Angeles. He enjoys outdoor activities, including skiing, wake-boarding and surfing. He is openly bisexual.

Awards

On June 11, 2010 Manning was awarded the 2011 Courage Award by the Los Angeles-based organization LifeWorks, for his dedication to the youth development and mentoring program.[44] He was also awarded Weekender magazine's Rebel with a Cause Award. He is also the official Youth Ambassador for the anti-bullying organization Boo2Bullying.[45]

Filmography

Television

Film

References

  1. ↑ http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/12/21/mtvs-the-real-world-d-c-premieres-on-wednesday-december-30-at-10p/36870/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Looks Can Be D.C.-ving". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 1. December 30, 2009. MTV.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Biography". mikecmanning.com. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  4. ↑ Johnson, Richard. "Disney Star Shines as Documentary Producer". Page Six. NY Post. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  5. ↑ Zak, Dan (October 29, 2009). "A peek inside the 'Real World' house in Washington, D.C." The Washington Post. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "From D.C., With Love". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 14. March 31, 2010. MTV.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Out of the Closet and Onto the Stage". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 8. February 17, 2008. MTV.
  8. ↑ Giddens, Jamey (September 22, 2011). "The Real World D.C.'s Mike C. Manning on Acting Gigs, Shooting Down Reichen on The A-List and ACME's Hollywood Dream Role". Zap2It.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Real World: Washington D.C.: Cast: Mike". MTV. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  10. ↑ Eng, Joyce (December 30, 2009). "The Real World: DC Will Be "a Little Less Party, a Little Bit More Engaged"". TV Guide. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 O'Bryan, Will (January 7, 2010). "Coming Out Mike-sexual: Real World's Mike Manning talks about God, government and going both ways". Metro Weekly. Retrieved January 8, 2010.
  12. ↑ Real World (Washington D.C.): Real World: Washington D.C.: Cast Profiles. MTV. accessed August 26, 2011.
  13. ↑ The Real World: Washington D.C. Reunion. MTV. March 31, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Bipartisan Loving". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 2. January 6, 2010. MTV.
  15. ↑ "When Push Comes to Shove". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 6. February 3, 2010. MTV.
  16. ↑ "Sisterhood and Brotherly Love". The Real World: DC. Season 23. Episode 13. March 24, 2010. MTV.
  17. ↑ "Christian Chávez tendría romance con Mike C. Manning (Spanish)". Generaccion.com. February 15, 2011.
  18. ↑ (November 27, 2009). "'The Real World DC' releases first look at new series and Mike, its bisexual / gay / questioning cast member". Metro Weekly. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  19. ↑ O'Bryan, Will (January 7, 2010). "Coming Out Mike-sexual: Real World's Mike Manning talks about God, government and going both ways", Metro Weekly. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  20. ↑ (December 31, 2009). "'The Real World: DC' features bisexual housemate", ChicagoPride.com. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  21. ↑ Katherine Skiba and Peter Nicholas. "Gay rights: Obama addresses Human rights Campaign dinner, pledges to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'". Chicago Tribune. October 11, 2009
  22. ↑ Deevy, Dan. "Mike Manning Interview for Case 13". thecinemasource.com. The Cinema Source. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  23. ↑ Graser, Marc. "Disney Channel Puts Spotlight on Dove Cameron with Series, Movie (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.com. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  24. ↑ Perlman, Jake. "New Disney Channel movie 'Cloud 9' hits the slopes in the world of competitive snowboarding". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
  25. ↑ "'Youthful Daze' Season 2 is on its way!". WZRA TV. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  26. ↑ Goldberg, Michael. "'Youthful Daze' Releases Season Three Trailer!". serianscoop.com. Serial Scoop. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  27. ↑ Williams, Ken. "VIDEOS: FilmOut Q&A with JC Calciano, filmmaker behind "eCupid" and "Is It Just Me?"". San Diego Gay & Lesbian News. August 17, 2011
  28. ↑ Woulfe, Neil. "Meet Mike Manning – Reality TV Star Opens Up About Coming Out". RadarOnline. June 10, 2011
  29. ↑ da Silva Villarrubia, Santiago Katriél (November 28, 2012). "The Campsite Killer, by Mike C. Manning". Funny or Die. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Recent Projects: I Do, Operation Cupcake, Black Hearts and Kidnapped for Christ". Retrieved November 24, 2012.
  31. ↑ "The Creation of Kidnapped for Christ". Retrieved November 24, 2012.
  32. ↑ "Crash & Bernstein Episode: Party Crasher". TV Guide. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  33. ↑ Frederick, Brittany. "Chhibber Mann Productions signs up for Jeff Grace's 'Folk Hero & Funny Guy'". Folk Hero & Funny Guy. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  34. ↑ McNary, Dave. "‘22 Jump Street’ Star Wyatt Russell on ‘Folk Hero & Funny Guy’ (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.com. Variety. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  35. ↑ "The Company". Chhibber Mann Productions. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  36. ↑ Nededog, Jethro. "'N Sync Alum Lance Bass Joins 'Kidnapped for Christ' Doc as Executive Producer". The Wrap. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  37. ↑ Ring, Trudy. "Kidnapped for Christ to Premiere at Slamdance". TheAdvocate.com. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  38. ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (17 June 2014). "Showtime Presents Award-Winning Documentary 'Kidnapped for Christ'". Zap2it/TV By The Numbers.
  39. ↑ Schlanger, Zoë. "Where American Teens were Abused in the Name of God". Newsweek.com. Newsweek. Retrieved 2014-07-28.
  40. ↑ Nichols, James. "Kate Logan's 'An Act of Love' Tells Story Of United Methodist Minister Frank Schaefer". HuffingtonPost.com. The Huffington Post. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  41. ↑ Halterman, Jim. "Powerful And Frightening ‘Kidnapped For Christ’ Airs Tonight on Showtime". xfinity.comcast.net. Comcast. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  42. ↑ "Filmography". Rachford Web Design. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  43. ↑ "2013 Laughlin International Film Festival Winners". Laughlin Buzz. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  44. ↑ Greg Hernandez. "My recap of the LifeWorks Live Out Loud event honoring Mike C. Manning and Zach Wahls". Greg in Hollywood. Retrieved June 13, 2011.
  45. ↑ "Boo2Bullying Website". Boo2Bullying Organization. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Players". Black Hearts: A film following a group of black-hearted Angelenos. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  47. ↑ Alek; Steph (April 25, 2011). "eCupid 'Love on the Download' Movie Trailer'". OHLALA. Retrieved August 26, 2011.
  48. ↑ eCupid – The Official Movie Website. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  49. ↑ "The Brothers Sinclair Cast Page 1". thebrotherssinclair.com Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  50. ↑ "Love Is All You Need? (2015) Full Cast & Crew". imdb.com. Internet Movie Database. 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mike Manning.