Take a closer look at some of Hollywood's top-tier talent at the beginning of their careers.

Child Stars, Then and Now

Take a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s top-tier talent at the beginning of their careers.

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Sean Cameron Michael is one of South Africa's most versatile and accomplished exports to Hollywood, with a career spanning over three decades and more than 130 television, film, and theater productions. Known for his powerful performances and dedication to his craft, Michael has received widespread acclaim, including a SAFTA nomination (South Africa's equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Supporting Actor in the multi-award-winning feature Fried Barry (2020).

Michael first rose to international prominence in 2008 with his breakout role as the despicable Charles Solenz in Fox's 24: Redemption (2008). The TV movie, which served as a prequel to the Emmy-winning series, drew over 12 million viewers during its premiere. Michael's performance was singled out by The New York Post, which called Solenz "the most spineless, loathsome character ever created for this show."

Since then, Michael has consistently worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. His credits include starring opposite Oscar-winner William Hurt in The Challenger Disaster (2013), Gary Sinise in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016), Robert Patrick in Scorpion (2014), and Mads Mikkelsen in the critically acclaimed western The Salvation (2014), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to a ten-minute standing ovation.

One of Michael's most iconic roles was as series regular Richard Guthrie in the hit Starz pirate drama Black Sails (2014), executive produced by Michael Bay. For his nuanced portrayal of the scheming Guthrie, Michael was considered for an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and received back-to-back SAG-AFTRA Award consideration.

In 2016, after earning an "extraordinary ability" green card, Michael relocated to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a sought-after talent. He earned Best Performance by an Actor at the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival for his lead role in Broken Darkness (2017) and appeared in blockbuster productions like Universal's The Mummy (2017) opposite Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe, which grossed over $450 million worldwide. Michael also lent his voice to the audiobook of Nicholas Sparks' New York Times bestseller Every Breath.

Michael's versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse roles, ranging from the lead in the political thriller The Last Victims (2019) (for which he won Best Actor at the South Film and Arts Academy Festival in Chile) to recurring roles in popular series such as Shooter (2016), Blood Drive, Deep State and MacGyver (2016). His work in Netflix's The Last Days of American Crime, History Channel's The Cars That Made the World, and the high-octane thriller Triggered further cemented his reputation as a dynamic performer capable of elevating any project.

Recent years have seen Michael take on high-profile projects like Around the World in 80 Days opposite David Tennant, Die Byl, and Ludik. He won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the short film Stay Safe and has continued to thrive with performances in Bradley Cooper's FDR, Leonardo DiCaprio's Theodore Roosevelt, and the revival of the 1980s cult classic Street Trash, which premiered at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema.

Michael's upcoming projects include Masinga: The Calling, which premiered at the Pan African Film Festival, the A24/StudioCanal feature Huntington (2025) alongside Ed Harris and Glen Powell, and several films in development, including This Is How the World Ends, Broken Brothers, and Bloody Proposal. He also serves as a screenwriter and executive producer for the Netflix Original feature Collision.

A proud SAG-AFTRA member, Michael has served as a judge for the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences (Emmys) and the International Emmy Awards for over a decade. As one of South Africa's most accomplished talents, Sean Cameron Michael continues to captivate audiences around the world with his exceptional performances and dedication to storytelling.

Presented &quot;Teleschool in Space&quot; for World TV (USA) which was a live satellite link-up with NASA astronauts orbiting the Earth on the US Space Shuttle Endeavor.

Appeared in &quot;Forever &amp; Ever&quot; (Indie short) with FHM&#39;s Nina Wassung (2003).

Appeared in &quot;Guilt-Edged Blonde&quot; (Indie short) as the lead, Archer (2002).

Appeared as Zee (the lead) in &quot;Forgotten Past&quot; (2004 SHORT) with Therese Benade for director George Dasopatis.

Guest presenter on The Today Show for SABC TV (1997).

Guest starred as Max in Scoop Schoombie for ETV (2002).

Guest starred as Steven in Madam &amp; Eve for ETV (2002).

Played Frank Magee in the historical drama African Oddysey for the National Geographic Channel (2001).

Played Shaun Mason in Homeland for SABC TV - Director Neal Sundstrom (1997).

Played the Warder in The Apprenticeship of Mahatma Ghandi for producer Anant Singh (1997).

Presenter of children&#39;s educational TV programme Teleschool - shot in studio and on location throughout South Africa for SABC TV (1995-1996).

Scriptwriter for educational television and corporates (1997-2000).

Voice artist on numerous local and international commercials for radio and TV, as well as corporate videos and documentaries (1996-2004).

Appeared in &quot;Concentration&quot; (Indie short) as Venter for director Vincent van der Zee. (2006)

TV commercial for Appelsientje (Holland) (2007)

TV commercial for Mc Cain Foods (France) (2007)

TV commercial for Tchibo Clothing (UK) (2007)

TV commercial for Camelot Lottery (UK) as Indiana Jones (2008).

Other works

Sean Cameron Michael

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