Biography of Michael Weatherly

Michael Manning Weatherly, Jr. is a well-known face in the American television and film world. But the journey of this 40-year old actor was not a smooth one. He had to do many minor and insignificant roles before he was noticed and offered roles that gave his career a jump start.

Early Life and Career

Michael Weatherly, Junior was born to Patricia and Michael Manning Weatherly, Sr. on July 8, 1968 in New York City. His parents were very rich, his father being a millionaire exporter. Michael was brought up in Fairfield, Connecticut along with a brother and five step-sisters. He did his schooling from Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts and graduated in 1986. He did his further studies at Menlo College in California and also at the American University of Paris. However, while he was in final year, he decided to leave college to take up a career as an actor. His family was disappointed with his decision and his father disinherited him from his will. However, he accepted his father's decision and began to work towards his acting career.

Acting Career

Michael Weatherly's acting career did not begin in an instant. During his struggling days, he did various jobs as a clothing and shoe salesman, dishwasher, pizza delivery boy, etc., in order to make some money. As he was passionate about music, he also joined a music band during this time. His first acting debut was a minor role in the popular television comedy series The Cosby Show, where he played the role of Theo Huxtable's roommate. This small role awarded him many other significant roles in the world of television. His character, Cooper Alden in the soap Loving and The City not only made him famous, but also got him a huge female fan following. The popularity of his character and his acting skills led him to roles not only in television but also in films.

Michael Weatherly's debut film was Meet Wally Sparks in the year 1997. Other films that he has done are Cabin by the Lake and Trigger Happy. As he was offered more and more roles in television and films, he shifted to Los Angels where he was signed by FOX television for a romantic comedy series Significant Others, opposite Jessica Garner. But this show did not run for more than six days. In 2000, Weatherly was cast in Dark Angel, an action drama, co-starring the then new-comer Jessica Alba. Though this show did no run beyond 2 seasons, it was known for Weatherly's outstanding performance for which he was nominated for various awards, including 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Teen Choice Award' for choice actor in 2001. Currently, he is seen as Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo in the long running TV show NCIS.

Personal Life

Michael Weatherly got married to his Loving and The City co-star, Amelia Heinle in 1995. They had a son August Manning Weatherly in 1996, but their marriage did not last long. They got divorced in 1997. Later, while filming for Dark Angel, he fell in love with his much younger co-star Jessica Alba. Their relationship was a much talked about affair in tinsel town and was also a favorite topic for the media. They were engaged for some time but broke up their relationship in 2003.

At present, Michael Weatherly lives in Los Angeles where he is busy shooting for 'NCIS' most of the time. While he is not working, he loves to spend time with his friends on the set. Looking at the way he began his career without the support of any influential person, the success he has achieved in the field of entertainment is a remarkable one.