Michael Cortez was born on the Southeast side of Chicago, Illinois in 1978. In high school, Michael's early roots onstage as Chino in West Side Story solidified his passion and commitment to be an actor for the rest of his life. His early stage work was spent with numerous theater troupes on Chicago's South Side. Not wasting any time developing his craft, he began taking up independent acting studies in the evenings at ActOne studios in downtown Chicago.
In 2001, Michael began his film career in his first leading role as Angel in the feature film On the Downlow. In this independent feature film that received prestigious awards in both New York and Los Angeles, Michael masterfully played a Southside Chicago gang member grappling with his sexuality.
In 2005, Michael moved to New York City accepting admission to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He has been seen nationwide in regional theatre performing in New York's Fringe Festival as well as off-Broadway. Wanting to invest further in film and TV, Michael made his home in Los Angeles in 2013. He is currently represented by Tiffin Creative Talent and continues to book roles in Film and Television.
Michael is known for his comedic and dramatic performances, as well as displaying exceptional sensitivity and depth in all his characters. He feels blessed to have been given so many opportunities to follow his heart.
Wild Rose(2026)as Detective Lopez
America's Most Wanted(2021)as Officer Perez
No Experience Necessary(2023)as Michael
Snowfall(2017)as Cissy's Lawyer
City of Love(2023)as Inspector Ramirez
On the Downlow(2004)
