Michael Karl Richards

Birthplace

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Biography

Michael Karl Richards is a Canadian-born actor and writer known for his ability to find humanity, even in unlikable characters. His work spans more than two decades across stage and screen, marked by emotional depth, quiet intensity, and a grounded presence that resonates in a wide range of roles. The only child of novelist Linda L. Richards, Michael was raised in both British Columbia and California. He trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City, where he built the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the craft. On screen, he has appeared in series such as The Flash and Supernatural, as well as in feature films including Roland Emmerich's 2012 and the cult thriller Even Lambs Have Teeth. A passionate theatre artist, Michael starred in the acclaimed one-man show Thom Pain (based on nothing) by Will Eno, produced by 1000 Faces Theatre Group, which he co-founded to support bold, actor-driven work. During a time when theatres fell silent and connection moved online, he wrote and performed Parker, a one-man show staged entirely over Zoom. The piece explored the fractured nature of identity, how we are shaped by memory and relationships, and the longing to be truly seen. When not working, Michael resides on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to write, develop new work, and seek out stories that speak to the complexity of the human experience